Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during the first monthly art walk of the new year! Events are held 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. First Friday events are free unless noted, and all are welcome!  [Above image: Todd Newman]

1. REIF PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Celebrating the art of portraiture with an exhibition featuring Susan Klann and over 30 regional artists. Visit with the artists and enjoy light refreshments during the closing reception from 4 – 5:30 pm.

2. BENDERS

Benders is hosting Aidan Lofstrom, a high school student in Grand Rapids. Aiden crafts unique pens and pencils using exotic wood and creates hand carved and hand painted spearing decoys.

3. MACROSTIE ART CENTER

Hosting the opening of “Species of Special Concern” an exhibit of drawings and paintings by Tanya Piatz. Join us for food, wine, and other refreshments from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.

4. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE

Welcoming Melissa Fowler with an exhibition of birchbark, textiles, and beadwork. Her work is inspired by her love for endangered art forms, ancestral regalia, woodland florals, and powwow dancing.

5. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS

Featuring the Root of Craft with handmade jewelry by Anastasia Root.

6. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL

• Third Floor: Visit the Artists in Residence to see watercolor demonstrations by Donna LaBeau and check out work by Jenny Winkelman and Annie Humphrey.
• Room 203:  Join Fire in the Village for their first “Free Friday Art Jam.” Stop by to visit and bring something you’re working on or use art materials on hand to try something new.

7. UNWINED UP NORTH

Presenting live music from 5 – 7 pm with Todd Newman on mandolin and acoustic guitar.

8. RAPIDS BREWING

Listen to live jazz with the Clearwater Hot Club – Sam and Matthew Miltich will be joined by Liz Ashworth and Mark Kreitzer on mandolin and guitar. The group will perform from 6 – 9 pm.

9. HILL TOP ANTIQUES  

Featuring the artwork of the late James “JW” Wieser from Hastings, MN. A most interesting artist – he was a professional wrestler who performed as “Diamond Jim Reno” prior to enrolling in the police academy in 1971 where he began his law enforcement career of 26 years. His artwork was a form of stress relief and focused on subjects from his travels and the American West.