First Friday Art Walk – May 1, 2026

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Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during the Art Walk! Events are held 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. All events are free unless noted, and all are welcome!  [Above image: Kim Young at Free Range Food Co-op]

Rebecca Gramdorf at MacRostie Art Center

1. BALSAM CREEK DÉCOR & MOSAIC STUDIO

Located across from Clara’s Cupboard in the Central Square Mall, Balsam Creek is hosting cookie artist Karla Ylitalo from 5 – 6 pm. Stop by to watch her create some amazing designs on cookies.

2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER

Presenting the opening of the annual “Little Big Show” miniatures exhibition featuring ceramics by Rebecca Gramdorf and dozens of other artists. Refreshments from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6pm.

3. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS

Hosting a walk-in fused glass class making May Day flowers.

Fused glass workshop at Stained Glass with Class

4. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL

Celebrate May Day at Old Central School with tenants, vendors, music, food, and a building-wide bingo adventure with prizes.

  • True North: Stop in for a seed bar! Play in the dirt and plant a flower seed you can watch grow this spring! 
  • Re-Thrift: Hosting Lena James Permanent Jewelry 
  • Free Range Food Co-op is featuring jewelry artist Kim Young, who makes earrings made from silver trays, lightweight hand-painted aluminum, and vintage tins, and bracelets from reindeer leather.
  • Artists in Residence Come up to the 3rd Floor to meet guest artists Jenny and Wayne Winkelman. Nelia French will demonstrate her portrait painting process. Doug Lien will have his watercolor process to share with visitors.

5. NORTHERN CRUISERS & ITASCA VINTAGE CAR CLUBS

Hosting the kick-off First Friday Show-n-Shine at the Old Kremer’s Parking Lot. This event is open to all Collector Cars of any model year, and Bobcat’s Lunchbox food truck will be on site.

Martha Larson with Sam Miltich and Friends at RBC

6. GRAND RAPIDS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Featuring artist Michelle Carlson with her rosemaling art. Plus beverages and food from Triple C Company, and North in Bloom creating and selling beautiful mini bouquets for May Day!

7. RAPIDS BREWING

Live jazz with Sam Miltich and friends from 6 – 9 pm. This month features cellist Martha Larson along with Sam Miltich, Mark Kretizer, and Matthew Miltich.

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