First Friday Art Walk – August 1, 2025

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Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during theArt Walk! Events are held 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. All events are free unless noted, and all are welcome!  [Above image: Fire in the Village]

1. BENDERS
Hosting Simon and Lynn Wilson, local Grand Rapids authors and longtime educators with their new children’s book “Learning to Love Your Monster.”

Simon and Lynn Wilson at Bender’s

2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER

Celebrating the opening of the 33rd Annual Juried Show with juror Karen Goulet. Refreshments from 4 – 7 pm and awards presented at 6pm.

3. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS

Welcoming Meredith Newman with the creations of At the Lake MN.

4. BOREALIS CREAMERY

Hand-scooping locally made ice cream with inspired flavors. Find the ice cream truck on 1st Ave NW in front of MacRostie Art Center.

First Friday Concert in Old Central School

5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL

  • Fire in the Village in Room 203 will be showcasing a mural project and other art made by teens in the Coherent Crow Camp.
  • Free Range Food Co-op in Room 209 is welcoming featured artist John Bauer of A Lost Art. His whimsical sculptures from forgotten objects blend imagination with the textures of the past.
  • Live Music: The First Friday Concert Series presents the cello duo of Magdalena Sas and Dr. Zachary Preucil (Madison, WI) with compositions for two cellos by Mozart, Gliere, Barriere and more!
  • Artists in Residence: the 3rd floor studio is home to resident artists Doug Lien, Marija Leilyn, and Nelia Harper.
John Bauer at Free Range Food Co-op

6. GRAND RAPIDS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Presenting an art exhibit from Itasca Life Options, live music by Jenika Schermerhorn, and beverages and treats from The Chocolate Dog. Bouquets of spring flowers from North in Bloom will also be available for purchase.

7. WINGS N’ WILLOWS ART GALLERY AND CUSTOM FRAMING

Featuring exquisite jewelry handcrafted by Kim of Star of the North Jewelry.  Kim is a wire weaver artist using unique cabochons, sterling silver and copper to create elaborate pendant designs.

8. RAPIDS BREWING

Featuring live jazz with Sam Miltich and friends from 6 – 9 pm. Sam and Matthew Miltich will be joined by jazz pianist Chris Lomheim.

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