Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during the First Friday Art Walk! Events are held 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. First Friday events are free unless noted, and all are welcome! [Above image: Susan Clandon ]
1. REIF GALLERY
Celebrating the exhibition Wild, Wild Life with an artist reception from 4 – 5:30 pm. The exhibit features the vivid and captivating wildlife portraits of Amber Burns, Kat Corrigan, and Diamond.
2. BENDERS SHOES
Hosting local artist Kelly Villebro, whose art can be described as rusty and weathered barn finds, repurposed and upcycled into flowers with a pop of color.
3. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Presenting the opening of “As History Repeats Itself,” an exhibit of human-rights themed pottery by Nathan Bray. The reception will include food, wine, and other beverages from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.
4. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Hosting the Team Carrie fundraiser, organized by the family and friends of Carrie Estey who died of leukemia. The fundraiser includes an exhibit of original artwork and a raffle to support Native American cancer patients and their families.
5. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS
Welcoming Cydney Gibeau with the beautiful and functional creations of Celadon Garden Pottery.
6. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
- Fire in the Village is holding their Free Friday Art Jam in Room 203 and celebrating First Friday with karaoke!
- Free Range Food Co-op in Room 209 is featuring a community weaving project and hands-on fiber fun for all ages with Shara Dabrowski, who creates unique pieces using handspun wool from regional farms and reclaimed materials.
- Artists in Residence Visit the 3rd floor to bid farewell to Donna LaBeau, Annie Humphrey, and Jenny Winkelman at the end of their year-long residency.
7. CENTRAL SCHOOL GROUNDS
Celebrate First Friday with a free concert on the lawn by the Grand Rapids Area Male Chorus from 4 – 5 pm, and visit the Borealis Creamery food truck for hand-crafted small batch ice cream.
8. NORTHERN CRUISERS & ITASCA VINTAGE CAR CLUBS
The Car Clubs are hosting a show-n-shine event in the Kremers parking lot (1st Ave NW and Hwy 2) and welcoming the Austin Healey and MG Clubs of Minnesota as well. This event is open to all collector cars of any model year. Bobcats Lunchbox will be on site selling burgers, fries, and more.
9. GRAND RAPIDS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Featuring a Retrospective Exhibit by area artist Susan Clandon which will include a wide range of landscapes and figures, mostly acrylic paintings, large and small, at very accessible prices, as well as cards. Susan’s paintings will be on show and on sale throughout the month of June. Guests can also enjoy live music by Dan Rigoni of Rapids Radio from 4:30-6:30 p.m., along with beverages and appetizers from Triple C Company. Bouquets of spring flowers from North in Bloom will also be available for purchase.
10. WINGS ‘N WILLOWS ART GALLERY AND CUSTOM FRAMNG
Featuring Two Feathers Ranch. They are two sisters raise their own stock of Nigerian Dwarf goats producing quality goat milk soaps, balms and lotions in a sustainable manner.
11. FRAME UP
Frame Up is hosting a special First Friday Art Walk, featuring RE-Thrift’s Ashley Brubaker. Join us for a night of community, creativity, and connection as Ashley shares her handmade sewn goods and a curated selection of thrifted treasures. It’s a celebration of local talent and the art of repurposing!
12. RAPIDS BREWING
First Friday live music from 6 – 9pm featuring Leah Lemm, Tony Balluff, and Nathan Norman with Sam and Matthew Miltich.
13. HILL TOP ANTIQUES
Artist Susan Kattas, formerly of Grand Rapids, will be featured with her works in collage and poured acrylic. Susan, retired from teaching studio art and art history at Inver Hills Community College, will be present to greet visitors and talk about her artwork using recycled materials like address labels and bottle corks.
Grand Rapids Arts 