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Explore Art in West Michigan

Whether you are looking to spend a day strolling through an art museum, an evening at the theatre, or participate in a workshop to hone your creative skills, West Michigan has something for every artist and art lover to enjoy. 

Art is timeless and beautiful, ranging in all types of mediums and forms and genres. From sculptures to paintings, and crafts to photography – there’s all types of art that can please everyone. But the best thing about art? It can be celebrated and enjoyed all throughout the year! No matter if it’s cold, warm, or raining – art can be praised and shared. So don’t let these winter seasons stop you from celebrating art. If anything, these West Michigan destinations are encouraging you to stop by more often to see winter-related activities and arts! So you become an art connoisseur this winter by visiting these West Michigan locations and artists.

South West Michigan 

Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph welcomes two new exhibitions this fall! “The Stop-Motion Words of Joe Baughman” will be on view until November 26th. Stepping into the home of cinematographer, director, stop-motion animator, and musician Joe Baughman is like stepping into a miniature major production studio, each room its own set. The Lab at Krasl Art Center welcomes Mariana Noreña until November 23rd. A Colombian artist, Mariana, invites us to “the two lands that I now call home.” Her multimedia work is grounded in the landscape, composed of natural materials, and impacted by “the undeniable way of adapting and being in constant motion of Lake Michigan.” There are even more art events planned; visit their website to stay up to date on everything happening!

Experience an electrifying celebration of beloved musicians at the Kalamazoo State Theatre during their first-ever Michigan Night on Friday, October 20th, featuring homegrown artists: The Accidentals, Lindsay Lou, Patty Pershayla & The Mayhaps, and the Jordan Hamilton Trio. Come as you are, or channel your favorite musical icon and immerse yourself in captivating performances that will leave you breathless. 

Kalamazoo was ranked in the top 10 arts-vibrant communities of 2022 for medium-sized communities. Here, you’ll find a great array of visual art, theater, live music, and art events! Check out their list of things to do in the art community here.

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is a museum and art school filled with opportunities to experience, enjoy, learn about and make art. The KIA offers tours, classes, exhibits, and hands-on experiences for the whole family. Check out their current exhibits and classes here

Known as The Art Coast of Michigan, Saugatuck/Douglas & Fennville has dozens of working painters, sculptors, ceramicists, and other artists who call this area home. Join them for the 46th annual Fall Gallery Stroll on October 14th. A highly anticipated art event is held in downtown Saugatuck and Douglas. Stroll through dozens of galleries and artists’ studios as they extend their hours and feature special exhibits and activities. Chat with the artists, watch live demonstrations, enjoy live music, and sample delicious local bites and refreshments while expanding your artistic tastes. One of the quintessential Art Coast experiences; there’s simply no better way to spend an autumn weekend here. Check out more art events happening in the Saugatuck area here.

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts regularly features exhibits and performing arts throughout the year. From October 20th – January 25th, see Foreshadowing – Endangered & Threatened Plant Species by Michigan-based artist Jane Kramer. Drawn to things that are fragile or easily overlooked and often rooted in an element of secrecy, Jane photographed the shadows of endangered and threatened plant species in Michigan and transferred the images onto paper she made from invasive plant species. The shadows speak to the ephemeral nature of endangered plant species and their struggle to survive. 

From performing arts to visual arts, even architectural art, Coldwater Country is home to a variety of ways to experience the arts. One of the area’s most well-rounded art destinations is the Tibbits Opera House. Beyond the exquisite façade is an intimate 500-seat theatre with excellent acoustics, where professional theatre, concerts, community events, and children’s theatre takes place year-round. Tibbits Opera House is also home to a permanent Henry Clay Lewis art collection that is prominently displayed throughout the theatre and the home to the local arts organization, Arts Alive, responsible for exhibits displayed in the art gallery, downtown art walks, the Art of Holiday Food, Drink & Décor event, and many other community art projects.

The Barn Theatre in Augusta is one of the nation’s oldest professional equity resident summer-stock theaters, as well as a longtime Michigan entertainment destination. Check their website for more information on their 2023 – 2024 season and events.

Farmers Alley Theatre is a professional 100-seat, black box theatre in downtown Kalamazoo. They produce stage plays, musicals, concert events, Theatre For Young Audiences, and more.

Take a stroll through Marshall’s Cornwell Turkeyville’s grass covered yards full of handmade items and see what treasure there is to take home at the Fall Festival Craft Show on October 7th & 8th. Don’t forget to get some of their homemade ice cream in a handmade waffle cone, or fresh baked bread from their bakery before you head home. They also offer the best dining and entertainment experience with the Cornwell Dinner Theatre. During the performance, you’ll enjoy homemade dishes and after your meal, the lights go down and the curtain rises on their latest Dinner Theatre production! Tickets are available for purchase now on their website for their fantastic 2024 lineup of performances.

Central West Michigan

It’s the quintessential fall flower like you’ve never seen it before! Prepare to be amazed by how the mighty mum takes shape at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park this autumn. Now in its 25th year, Chrysanthemums & More! remains a member and guest must-see and is the largest exhibition of its kind in Michigan.

Tiffany Lamps will be lighting up the Muskegon Museum of Art this fall! A stunning display of iconic Tiffany lamps, stained-glass windows, and more will showcase Tiffany’s design’s impressive history, beauty, and elegance. “Tiffany Lamps: The Richard H. Driehaus Collection” will be displayed at the Muskegon Museum of Art through January 14th. 

While out for a stroll or bicycle ride, enjoy the newly installed art along the pathway at Cartier Park in Ludington. “cARTier trail” features reproductions of artwork created by artists Milo Beman of Ludington, Linda Sandow of Ludington and Merima Smajlovic of Grand Rapids. The ​​1-mile paved wooded trail is open year-round for recreation, and Ludington Area Center for the Arts completed this new project. 

Holland’s performing arts scene has it all. From live music in a favorite pub to a standing-room-only comedy show, there is something to nurture the creative spark in every one of us. Visual art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Holland Area Arts Council with its works by talented local and regional artists. Another terrific stop is the Kruizenga Art Museum, a curiosity, inspiration, and cultural exploration center. Arthouse films at the Knickerbocker Theatre are always delivered, and exploring historical artifacts at the Holland Museum is a beautiful way to spend the afternoon. There’s also a harvest of music in Holland this fall. The Park Theatre hosts a packed line-up of tribute bands. 

Immerse yourself in arts and entertainment in Muskegon! This thriving artistic community boasts an impressive array of galleries, outdoor sculptures, and cultural events that celebrate creativity in all its forms. From the eclectic works of local artisans showcased at the Muskegon Museum of Art to the breathtaking sculptures along the Lakeshore Art Trail, there’s something for every art lover to admire. Muskegon’s commitment to the arts extends to its lively festivals, such as the Lakeshore Art Festival, which creates an atmosphere of inspiration and cultural enrichment. More than a beach town, Muskegon County is rich in arts and culture.

Check out Art at the Yard 2023 in Grand Haven. This event features one night and more than thirty artists. Come to D. Baker & Son Lumber Co. and enjoy live music, a food truck, and a cash bar as you view fantastic art. A suggested donation of $10 and 10% of artists’ sales benefit the Grand Haven Schools Foundation. 

LowellArts! connects artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts with gallery exhibits, classes, special programs, and the annual Fallasburg Arts Festival in Lowell. 

St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids has upheld its mission of promoting the appreciation, study, and performance of music to enrich the lives of the residents of West Michigan. Today, St. Cecilia Music Center is known by audiences and artists alike as one of the finest establishments to hear and see world-renowned musicians.

North West Michigan

Come to Drummond Island on October 14th for the Craft Show at Fall on the Island Festival. Join in for a day filled with creativity, unique handmade goodies, and a chance to support local artists. 

Explore the rich and diverse art scene in the Petoskey Area, where galleries, performance venues, and more await your discovery. Don’t miss the chance to admire captivating outdoor art sculptures and vibrant murals!

The Michigan Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville is the perfect place to exercise your body and mind. Explore the 30-acre wooded preserve on a nearly 2-mile trail to learn more about Michigan’s history through 50+ works of art.

Marquette County is pleased to announce several upcoming public art activations and events for visitors to enjoy this season, including the Fall Phantasm Festival, Fresh Coast Film Festival, Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock, and more. In addition to events and programming, Marquette County is also home to various art galleries and public artwork displays for visitors and locals to explore. The Marquette Arts and Culture Center is known as the region’s heartbeat of arts and culture. It provides ongoing workshops, exhibitions, community art projects, performance events, and more for locals and visitors. 

Traverse City’s thriving art community is home to world-class performance stages including the acclaimed Dennos Museum Center, the beautifully restored City Opera House, the talented Traverse Symphony Orchestra, and creative art galleries that pop up in the “big city” and every small town up north. As well as special events like the National Writers Series, who hosts award-winning and New York Times Best Selling authors. Keep your eyes peeled for 2023 concerts, film festivals, art classes, and more.

Enjoy art exhibitions from local artists, an open studio program, classes, and more at the Oliver Art Center in Frankfort. 

Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor has become a cultural and social hub in Northern Michigan, offering year-round events across all genres—music, dance, theater, movies and film, intellectual dialogue, and education—making it a regional and national performing arts destination.

The Twisted Fish Gallery & Sculpture Garden in Elk Rapids is widely recognized as one of the highest quality galleries in northern Michigan. Visitors are invited to wander through their ever-changing floral gardens and enjoy sculptural works ranging from fun and whimsical to bigger than life. Come inside for more excitement and inspiration. Be amazed by their extensive collection of refreshing art by highly respected local and regional artists.

More artful destinations to explore: 

As you can see, West Michigan does not disappoint with all its opportunities to present and display artwork. Not only is it a great way to broaden your horizons, but you can support local museums, galleries, and artists by going to visit and maybe even purchasing some of their artwork. Keep an eye on our website for more events and information as galleries rotate and events trickle in so YOU can celebrate the arts and grow a new appreciation for the world and its people.