Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during our monthly art walk. 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. Free and all are welcome!
1. REIF CENTER
Presenting a free performance with Ken Waldman, Alaska’s Fiddling Poet from 3 – 6 pm. Ken Waldman has drawn on 37 years as an Alaska resident to produce poems, stories, and fiddle tunes that combine into a performance uniquely his. Tickets available at reifcenter.org.
Poetic Fashion Experience at MAC
2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Celebrating the opening of “Feral Biome: Shadow Work” an interactive mixed media installation by Amanda McElray Hunter in the Minnesota Gallery. Join us for a reception with food and other refreshments from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.
Then join us for a free fashion show and poetry event with the designers of Buckanaga Social Club and Duality Collection from 7 – 8:30 pm in the MacRostie Gallery.
3. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Welcoming the students of ISD #318’s Ojibwe Education program for an exhibit of art projects and cultural creations.
4. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
Stop up to the 3rd floor artist loft to visit with resident artists Nelia Harper, Krista Rogers, and Leah Yellowbird. Explore their collections of jewelry, painting, and more!
Sam Miltich and Liz Ashworth at RBC
5. RAPIDS BREWING
Listen to live jazz with Sam Miltich and Friends and special guest Liz Ashworth on mandolin. The group will perform from 6 – 9 pm.
Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during our monthly art walk. 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. Free and all are welcome!
1. REIF GALLERY
Celebrating the group exhibition “Northern Landscapes” with an artist reception from 4 – 5:30. Visit with featured artist Serenity Crego and some of the 30+ additional artists who have work included in the show.
Northern Landscapes at Reif Gallery
2. BENDERS
Welcoming Gitona King. “Cookies on the Range” is Gitona’s creative outlet where she creates custom cookies for her customers! Any design or art you can imagine, on a cookie. Plus, they taste great!
3. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Presenting “Portrayals in Paper: Tales of Overcoming” in the MacRostie Gallery with paper quilling art by Nikki Besser. Join us for a reception with food, wine, and other refreshments from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.
Gitona King at Benders
4. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
Stop up to the 3rd floor artist loft to visit with resident artists Nelia Harper, Krista Rogers, and Leah Yellowbird. This month, NV Painting & Decorating will be sponsoring activities in the attic including a Hot Cocoa Bar and Make and Take Valentines.
5. RAPIDS BREWING
Listen to live jazz with Sam Miltich and Friends and special guest Laura Caviani on piano. The group will perform from 6 – 9 pm.
Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during our monthly art walk. 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. Free and all are welcome!
John Bauer at MAC
1. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Presenting “A Lost Art” in the Minnesota Gallery with found object sculpture by John Bauer. Join us for a reception with food, wine, and other refreshments from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.
2. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Showcasing “Decidedly Weird Birdie Nest,” a new exhibit of drawings by Scout Humphrey.
3. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
Scout Humphrey at Giinawind Gallery
The City of Grand Rapids Artist in Residence program is housed on the 3rd floor of Old Central School. Stop up to see the space and visit with the current residents: Nelia Harper (oil painting), Krista Rogers (jewelry), and Leah Yellowbird (painting, beadwork, and more).
4. RAPIDS BREWING
Listen to live jazz with Sam Miltich and Friends and special guest Tony Balluff on clarinet. The group will perform from 6 – 9 pm.
The First Friday Art Walk is a community event celebrating art and creativity, which takes place in downtown Grand Rapids from 4 – 7 pm. All are welcome!
1. JINGLE AND MINGLE – 2nd ANNUAL NIGHT MAKERS MARKET
Lily Winter at Bender’s Shoes
Come out for this 2nd annual open air holiday market! The event will take place on 1st Ave NW with local makers, food and hot beverages, visits with Santa, and fun for people of all ages.
2. BENDERS SHOES
Hosting local jeweler Lily Winter who works out of her home studio to cut, solder, etch, enamel, and set stones and more. This year she is working to bring wild color to her jewelry through glass and plating.
3. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Presenting the annual Northern Spirit Shop holiday marketplace with handmade original art and one-of-a-kind gifts. Plus M’lou Brubaker’s jewelry trunk show, wine, and food by Timberlake Restaurant.
4. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Wreath Auction at MAC
Wreaths and more from the MAC’s annual Wreath + Art Auction fundraiser will be on display along with artwork by Indigenous artists and a collection of books by local authors and illustrators.
5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
Studio 001: Stop by the Garden Level to see Lea Friesen’s painting and printmaking.
Artists in the Attic: Visit the 3rd floor artists in residence: Nelia Harper, Krista Rogers, and Leah Yellowbird. Guest artist Serenity Barden from Hibbing, MN, will be displaying her paintings.
6. MOVE IT REAL ESTATE GROUP
Join Move It Real Estate Group with fresh popped popcorn, beverages and other refreshments with live holiday piano music, local artisans, and a ‘Gnomes for Pet Homes’ fundraiser. Featured artists include:
Cydney Gibeau at Move It Real Estate
· Cydney Gibeau – functional ceramics
· Sondra Grover – walnut cooking utensils
· Sarah Mell/M Design Studio – jewelry
· Gail O’Gorman/Gail’s Gifts – wreaths and more
· Cathy Shieldsand Nora Wick – piano
7. WINGS ‘N WILLOWS ART GALLERY AND CUSTOM FRAMING
Featuring the beautiful wood turned vases by Mike Weedman. These vases make the perfect gift for the hard to buy for people on your list.
8. THE EVERGREEN
Hosting Tricia from Rustic Willow Designs, showcasing her new Rustic Dippings, handcrafted in Pengilly by Tricia along with also Denise’s Designs with her permanent jewelry options.
9. RAPIDS BREWING
Tom Schaefer with the Clearwater Hot Club at the VFW
Presenting Glitterati with live music from 7 – 10 pm at the brewery.
10. VFW POST 1720
Live jazz with Tom Schaefer and the Clearwater Hot Club from 7–10pm.
The First Friday Art Walk is a community event celebrating art and creativity. Come downtown from 4 – 7 pm for a variety of free, family-friendly events.
Diane Levar at MacRostie Art Center
1. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS
Hosting Alyssa Olson with her modern clay jewelry.
2. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Hosting an artist reception for the artists of the Animikii Print Club whose artwork is featured in the Giinawind Gallery.
3. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Celebrating the opening of “Thinking About My Thinking” – an exhibit of watercolor paintings by Diane Levar. The reception will include food, wine and other beverages from 4–7pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.
Charley Wagner at RBC
4. BENDER’S SHOES & GIFTS
Benders will be hosting Jenny Farber of Chaotic Beauty Artistry. Jenny is a pyrography and watercolor artist based in Grand Rapids. She will have handmade earrings, magnets, and wall decor available.
5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
Studio 001 Stop by the Garden Level where artist Lea Friesen will be demonstrating monotype printmaking.
Artists in the Attic Visit the 3rd floor artists in residence: Nelia Harper, Krista Rogers, and Leah Yellowbird. Guest artist Serenity Barden from Hibbing, MN, will be displaying her abstract paintings.
Sew Festive at North in Bloom
6. NORTH IN BLOOM
North in Bloom will be hosting a Bloom-tique with Kayla of Sew Festive. Get a jump on holiday shopping with in-store promos and unique embroidery gifts and more from Sew Festive. Open extended hours 8am-7pm Friday + 8am-4pm Saturday.
7. RAPIDS BREWING
Presenting live music by Charley Wagner beginning at 6:30 pm.
8. VFW POST 1720
Hosting Sam Miltich and Friends for an evening of jazz music from 6 – 9 pm.
#8 VFW Post 1720 is located west of downtown at 1212 NW 4th St
The First Friday Art Walk is a community event celebrating art and creativity. Come downtown from 4 – 7 pm for a variety of free, family-friendly events.
Sam Zimmerman at MacRostie Art Center
1. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS
Hosting Alyssa Olson with her modern clay earrings.
2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Celebrating the opening of “Giiwedino-Manidoog/Spirits of the North” – an exhibit of paintings and storytelling by Sam Zimmerman. A reception with food, wine and other beverages will take place from 4 – 7pm with artist talks at 6 pm.
Sunflower Studios at Benders
3. BENDER’S SHOES & GIFTS
Sunflower Studios is the creative vision of Shaylee Erdmann who works with real egg shells to create pysanky, also known as Ukrainian Easter eggs. In addition to traditional and modern designs, she also creates mosaic resin jewelry with shell fragments.
4. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
Katy Tessman at Rapids Brewing Co
Artists in the Attic
Visit the 3rd floor artists in residence: Nelia Harper, Krista Rogers, and Leah Yellowbird.
Central School Grounds
Borealis Creamery ice cream truck will be scooping homemade ice cream in a variety of flavors.
5. THE LAKE & CO
Give Back Studio and At the Lake MN will be at Lake and Company for First Friday with lake prints, stickers, dog breed prints, irreverent and funny cards and stickers.
6. RAPIDS BREWING
Presenting live music by Katy Tessman beginning at 6:30 pm.
The First Friday Art Walk is a community event celebrating art and creativity. Come downtown from 4 – 7 pm for a variety of free, family-friendly events.
Kristen Anderson at the Reif
1. REIF CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Hosting the opening of Kristen Anderson’s exhibit “Seed Journeys” from 4 – 6 pm. Kristen’s wet-felted wool tapestries celebrate the seeds of the northern boreal forest. Refreshments provided!
2. BENDERS SHOES & GIFTS
Welcoming Gitona King. “Cookies on the Range” is Gitona’s creative outlet where she creates custom cookies for her customers! Any design or art you can imagine, on a cookie. Plus, they taste great!
3. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Celebrating the opening of the exhibit “Remnants Within” by sculptor Amy Varsek. Food and wine from 4 – 7pm with an artist talk at 6 pm.
Amy Varsek at the MAC
4. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS
Hosting artist Alyssa Olson with her modern clay earrings.
5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
First Friday Concert Series: On the Lawn: Bring a chair or blanket for a free concert by Native rock band War Bonnet from 5 – 7 pm.
Itasca Orchestra and Strings Program & Third Coast Chamber Collective: Room 109 Art and music from the IOSP/TCCC summer music camp will be on display in Room 109 for the First Friday Art Walk. Learn more about the camp and upcoming opportunities for strings students.
Grand Rapids Players: Room 209: See the cast of These Shining Lives performing 10-minutes previews of their upcoming show. Preview times at 5, 5:30, 6, and 6:30.
Artists in the Attic: 3rd Floor Visit with resident artists Nelia Harper, Krista Rogers, and Leah Yellowbird.
Borealis Creamery: Parking Lot Visit the Ice Cream Truck for homemade, hand-scooped ice cream in variety of flavors.
War Bonnet on the OCS Lawn
6. NORTHERN CRUISERS & ITASCA VINTAGE CAR CLUBS
Hosting their final First Friday Show-n-Shine of the season at the old Kremer’s Parking Lot from 4 – 7 pm. This event I open to all collector cars of any model year.
7. RAPIDS BREWING Stop in for an awesome line-up of northern Minnesota musical talent with Sam Miltich and Friends from 4- 6:30 and the Brothers Burn Mountain from 7 – 10 pm.
The First Friday Art Walk is a community event celebrating art and creativity. Come downtown from 4 – 7 pm for a variety of free, family-friendly events.
1. REIF CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Hosting a reception with Duluth artist Sarah Brokke from 4 – 6 pm. Her large-scale oil paintings cultivate vulnerable spaces of ritual, reflection, and growth. Refreshments provided!
Sarah Brokke at The Reif
2. BENDERS SHOES & GIFTS
Local jeweler Lily Winter works out of her home studio to cut, solder, etch, enamel, and set stones and more. This year she is working to bring wild color to her jewelry through glass and plating.
3. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Welcoming Karen Goulet for an artist reception with her exhibit Mookibii: She Emerges from the Water. Check out her paintings, fiber art, prints, and video and share your own stories of the water.
Lily Winter at Benders
4. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Celebrating the opening of the 31st Annual Juried Show with juror Aaron Spangler. Featuring 24 different artists from the Upper Midwest. Reception from 4 – 7pm, sponsored by Members Cooperative Credit Union. Awards presented at 6 pm!
5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
First Friday Concert Series: The Third Coast Chamber Collective presents a concert of classical masterpieces and Scandinavian folk tunes for string quartet. From 5-6 pm in the 2nd floor performance space and is free and open to all.
Artists in the Attic: Head up to the 3rd floor to see work by the new Artists in Residence: Nelia Harper, Krista Rogers, and Leah Yellowbird
Borealis Creamery: Visit the Borealis Creamery Ice Cream Truck in the Central School parking lot for homemade, hand-scooped ice cream in variety of flavors.
Third Coast Chamber Collective at Old Central School
6. THE EVERGREEN
Hosting local artist Doug Lien who paints for minor league baseball teams, college football teams, junior hockey leagues and golf courses. Doug teaches community art classes and will be providing a demo.
7. RAPIDS BREWING
Stop in for live music with Sam Miltich and Friends from 4- 6:30 and Anthony Miltich from 7 – 10 pm. Connie with Constant Botanicals will be in the taproom showing her unique planters and garden décor.
The First Friday Art Walk is a community event celebrating art and creativity. Come downtown from 4 – 7 pm for a variety of free, family-friendly events.
Anika Hsiung Schneider at MAC
1. BENDERS SHOES
Benders is hosting local artist Kelly Villebro. Kelly’s art can be described as rusty and weathered barn finds, repurposed and upcycled into flowers with a pop of color.
2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Presenting the opening “Utensils and Fables,” printmaking and ceramics by Anika Hsiung Schneider in the Minnesota Gallery. the MacRostie Gallery. Also on display in the MacRostie Gallery is the Duluth Fiber Guild’s 50th Anniversary exhibition. The reception will include food, wine, and other beverages from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.
3. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Unveiling a new exhibit in the Giinawind Gallery – Karen Goulet’s mixed media installation project “Mookibii: She Emerges from the Water” combines fiber art, cyanotypes, video, and more in an homage to water in all its forms.
Give Back Studios and At the Lake MN at Stained Glass with Class
4. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS
Hosting Jen Gorman with the Give Back Studio and her unique + handmade dog bandanas and treats along with Meredith Rothstein with At The Lake MN.
5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
Story Art & Museum
Hosting Itasca Community Chorus’ Chamber Singers led by Adam Giebner from 4:30-5:00pm in the Music Room in Old Central School, 2nd floor.
Artists in the Attic
Stop in to visit the Artists in Residence on the 3rd floor. A new crew is moving in – stop by to welcome Leah Yellowbird and Nelia Harper to the residency!
Rapid Brass at Old Central School grounds
6. CENTRAL SCHOOL GROUNDS
Celebrate First Friday with a free concert on the lawn and visit the Borealis Creamery food truck for hand-crafted small batch ice cream. Rapid Brass, led by Heidi Wick, will perform from 5:30 – 6:45 pm. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and listen to music originally intended to be performed outside for village festivals, including marches, tower music, New Orleans’ jazz, and Finnish brass septets. The group is made up of brass and percussion players from the region, with professionals and students playing side-by-side.
7. NORTHERN CRUISERS & ITASCA VINTAGE CAR CLUBS
The Northern Cruisers Car Club & The Itasca Vintage Car Club will be hosting a First Friday Show-n-Shine at the old Kremer’s Parking Lot from 4 – 7 pm. This event I open to all collector cars of any model year.Bobcats Lunchbox will be on site selling burgers, fries, and more.
8.WINGS ‘N WILLOWS ART GALLERY & CUSTOM FRAMING
Welcoming local photographer Brian Elling. Born and raised in Grand Rapids Brian has spent time in Australia, Bali, Panama and across North America capturing nature, animals and scenery with his camera to share with others. Join us to experience his beautiful photography.
Carol Bowman at The Evergreen
9. THE EVERGREEN
Featuring photographer Carol Bowman. Carol’s Northwoods nature photography captures scenes both breathtaking and familiar, and her images can be found printed on everything from magnets to mugs.
10. RAPIDS BREWING
First Friday live music with Sam Miltich and Friends from 4 – 6:30 then Landscapes Band from 7 – 10 pm. Katy Buhr with Up North Sewing will be in the taproom with embroidered items from 4 – 6 pm.
11. INSPIRATIONS CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE
Christian Fiction Author Margo Hansen will sign copies of her newest book A New Hope Begins! The event will run from 3:00 – 6:00.
The First Friday Art Walk is a community event celebrating art and creativity. Come downtown from 4 – 7 pm for a variety of free, family-friendly events.
1. BENDERS SHOES
Benders will be hosting author Anthony Anselmo. Anthony, a Minnesota author, will be signing and selling his debut novel: a ghost story centered in northern Minnesota.
Anthony Anselmo at Bender’s Shoes
2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Presenting the opening “50 Years and Beyond” in the MacRostie Gallery, which features the artists of the Duluth Fiber Guild. The Little Big Show miniatures exhibit is also on display in the Minnesota Gallery. The reception will include food, wine, and other beverages from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.
3. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Showing “Waiting for Beds,” an experimental two-person exhibit by Moira Villiard and Carla Hamilton that explores what happens when someone has to wait for a bed during a crisis. The exhibit also includes community submissions from across Minnesota related to the topic.
4. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS
Diane Levar and Students at GRACF
Hosting Tricia Wahlstrom with Rustic Willow Designs.
5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
True North Salon and Spa
Welcoming Kyleigh Gullickson who will be displaying her Indigenous beaded earrings .
Artists in the Attic
Stop in to visit the Artists in Residence on the 3rd floor including Chelsey Jo Johnson, Eleanor Tillmans and Joanna Knase. Join Chelsey Jo from 11 am – 7 pm as she presents Plaguechess: a chess expansion set which will be available to play. She’ll also have various artworks including plague doctor linocut prints available for purchase.
LaPlant Road at the Central School grounds
6. CENTRAL SCHOOL GROUNDS
Celebrate First Friday with a free concert on the lawn by LaPlant Road from 5 – 7 pm, and visit the Borealis Creamery food truck for hand-crafted small batch ice cream.
7. 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). This event is open to all collector cars of any model year. Bobcats Lunchbox will be on site selling burgers, fries, and more.
8. GRAND RAPIDS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Hosting First Friday exhibit of paintings by students from Diane Levar’s 2022-2023 watercolor workshops. Stop in to see dozens of local artists’ work, enjoy appetizers by the Timberlake, and music by Ditty Wish.
Samsoche Sampson at IEDC
9. ITASCA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Samsoche Sampson is the featured artist AND musician at IEDC, which is showing a selection of his acrylic paintings and prints. Celebrate First Friday with live music, art,catering by Pinched Catering Company, and sweet treats by Dragonfly Coffee.
10. RAPIDS BREWING
First Friday live music with Sam Miltich and Friends from 4 – 6:30 featuring Leah Lemm, Tony Balluff, Nathan Norman, and Matthew Miltich, then Landscapes Band from 7 – 10 pm. Katy with Up North Sewing will be in the taproom with embroidered items from 4 – 6 pm.
Grand Rapids Arts 