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: painting by Donna LaBeau]
Gitona Berg with” Cookies on the Range” at Benders
1. BENDERS
Welcoming Gitona Berg. “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!
2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Hosting the opening of “A Play of Light and Shadows” — retrospective exhibition of 45 years of painting by Donna LaBeau. Join us for a reception with food, wine, and other refreshments from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.
3. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Showcasing the students of ISD #318’s Anishinaabe Gikinoo’amaadiwin/Ojibwe Education program and the creative cultural projects they have completed.
Skarlett Woods at UnWined Up North
4. UNWINED UP NORTH
Presenting live music from 5 – 7 pm with Skarlett Woods, an Americana, folk, and jazz artist from Duluth, MN.
5. RAPIDS BREWING
Listen to live jazz with the Clearwater Hot Club – Sam and Matthew Miltich will be joined by Briand Morrison on guitar and Gary Schulte on violin. The group will perform from 6 – 9 pm.
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: Clearwater Hot Club]
Elizabeth Clay of Cozy Creations – at Benders
1. BENDERS
Benders is hosting Elizabeth Clay of Cozy Creations (Chisholm). Elizabeth has a passion for creating something out of nothing. Crocheting for her is a healing process and she loves to see her designs in use.
2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Presenting “To Throw Out a Line” in the Minnesota Gallery with fiber sculpture by Lauren Faherty. Join us for a reception with food, wine, and other refreshments from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.
Lauren Faherty fiber sculpture – at MAC
3. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Showcasing the students of ISD #318’s Anishinaabe Gikinoo’amaadiwin/Ojibwe Education program and the creative cultural projects they have completed.
4. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
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: Donna LaBeau (painting), Jenny Winkelman (painting and drawing), and Shanai Matteson and Annie Humphrey of Fire in the Village (printmaking, upcycled fashion, and community organizing).
Anishinaabe Gikinoo’amaadiwin students – at Giinawind
5. RAPIDS BREWING
Listen to live jazz with the Clearwater Hot Club – Sam and Matthew Miltich, Mark Kreitzer, and Tony Balluff. 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. First Friday events are free unless noted, and all are welcome! [Above image: Diana Magner of Donna’s Daughter at Move It Real Estate]
1. BENDERS SHOES
Benders will be hosting Cydney Gibeau of Celadon Garden Pottery, a Grand Rapids-based studio specializing in handmade, high-fired ceramics that merge functionality with artistic elegance. Known for unique glaze combinations and meticulous craftsmanship, Celadon Garden Pottery creates pieces that captivate with their organic beauty and tactile charm.
Celadon Garden Pottery at Benders
2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Presenting the annual Northern Spirit Shop holiday marketplace with handmade original art and gifts. Plus M’lou Brubaker’s jewelry trunk show, and food by Timberlake Restaurant.
3. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Wreaths and more from the MAC’s annual Wreath + Art Auction fundraiser will be on display. Place your bids and shop our collection of artwork, books, and gifts by Indigenous artists.
4. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS
Welcoming Beth Beddoe of “Ad-tiques.” Beth and her daughter Stephanie use upcycled materials to create beautiful jewelry, ornaments, and décor.
Lena James Design pop-up at Old Central School
5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
True North is excited to host makeup artist Isabel Hawk and hair artist Emily Virnig for a special holiday event! Enjoy personalized lip color consultations and free holiday hair tinsel (while supplies last). Don’t forget to check out our exclusive holiday experience packages, perfect for gifting or treating yourself!
RE-Thrift, a pop-up vintage and thrift store, will be open in Suite 103. Joining the event is Curated by Kirby, a specialty vintage collector bringing an incredible selection of handpicked treasures for sale!
Northern Lights Coffee Co., a small-batch roastery from Cohasset, will be offering samples of their fresh-roasted, single-origin coffee. Sourced from carefully selected small farms and co-ops, their coffee delivers exceptional flavor in every cup!
Wildland Fabrics will be open until 5:30
Lena James Design will host a permanent jewelry pop up. Pick your chain, and create lasting jewelry with bracelets, necklaces, anklets, and rings.
Artists in the Attic includes the studios of Jenny Winkelman, Fire In the Village and Donna LaBeau. Donna will be hosting Jane Latimer as a guest artist and there will be a free card-making activity.
Mike Weedman at Wings ‘n Willows
6. MOVE IT REAL ESTATE
Featuring, Diana Magner’s (Donna’s Daughter) mandala painted artworks, pebble art, art journals and repurposed creations. And Sarah Mell, MDS Designs – handcrafted clay jewelry. Plus snacks and beverages, and raffle baskets with proceeds matched by Move It Real Estate Group and benefiting The Grace House.
7. UNWINED UP NORTH
Alicia with Fresh from Alicia’s Kitchen will be on site from 1 – 4 pm with live music by “Sapphire” starting at 6pm.
8. WINGS ‘N WILLOWS ART GALLERY & 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.
9. FRAME UP
Lea Friesen, an artist, yoga and meditation teacher, will be presenting the original artworks that were used to create her coloring book, Garden Love. She will have the original twenty three images — ink drawings colored with Gouache and colored pencil — available for purchase.
Courtney Kerns, a Cohasset-based photographer, will be presenting her photographs showcasing the natural world, from glowing auroras in the sky to intricate and elegant plants.
Lucy Mann, a budding eight year old artist, will be displaying and selling her beaded jewelry.
Annual Wreath Auction at MAC
10. NORTH IN BLOOM
Meet Karla Ylitalo with Pink Tie Cookies. She is a cookie artist that does custom orders and teaches private cookie events. She will have her Eddie Printer to demonstrate the fun things she can print on goodies (such as cookies, marshmallows, etc) your logo, your face and almost anything you can imagine.
11. RAPIDS BREWING
First Friday live music with the Clearwater Hot Club from 6 – 9pm featuring Sam and Matthew Miltich with Doug and Trevor Haining.
Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during our monthly art walk. 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. First Friday events are free unless noted, and all are welcome! [Above image: Kim Young jewelry which will be on display at Wings ‘n Willows]
Bob Beaver at Bender’s Shoes
1. BENDER’S SHOES
Hosting Bob Beaver of Fish Frames LLC. Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015 and uses his creativity and woodworking skills as an avenue to express his thoughts to others.
2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Celebrating the opening of “Intersection: Reconnecting Through Clay” – with ceramic works by Bob DeArmond, Karen Keenan, and Ray Shelerud. Reception from 4 – 7 pm with an artist talk at 6pm.
3. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS
Paul Durocher is a local artist whose work is eclectic, robust, and varied. His art as a quest to capture creation in realistic and engaging ways through painting and creating heirloom leather goods. Paul’s work features primary oil paintings and mixed medium acrylic and oils to include a good mix of many subjects from landscapes to portraits and “favorite memories.”
Karen Keenan, with Bob DeArmond and Ray Shelerud at the MAC
4. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE – 3rd Floor
Donna LaBeau will present a watercolor demonstration at 5 pm and Fire in the Village will have hands-on printmaking activities.
LORA: AFFIRMATION ORCHESTRA – 2nd Floor
LoRa utilizes a variety of instruments—such as bowls, small gongs, drums, conch shells, dream pipes, and tuning forks— to create a unique atmosphere where vibration merges with creativity, fostering mindfulness and connection. Attendees are invited to write affirmations on canvas, or paper, inspiring spontaneous spoken word, or song.
LoRa: Affirmation Orchestra at Old Central School
BUFFALO PLAID COFFEE COMPANY – Parking Lot
Locally roasted coffee – grab a cup or a bag of beans!
5. UNWINED UP NORTH
Featuring The Chocolate Dog with homemade chocolate truffles from 3-6 pm and Todd Newman with live music from 6-8 pm.
6. FRAME UP
Hosting watercolor painters Jane Latimer and Denise Latimer. Come make a collage card. All ages welcomed with materials and instruction provided — just bring your hands and imagination!
The Chocolate Dog at UnWined Up North
7. WINGS ‘N WILLOWS ART GALLERY & CUSTOM FRAMING
Kim Young will be showing her Saami-inspired bracelets made of many colors of reindeer leather, reindeer antler buttons, and pewter (silver and tin) thread and her handpainted with new colorful designs.
8. THE EVERGREEN
Showcasing work by local artists Karen Olson Pottery, Tamarick Designs, Carol Bowman Photography, and DJP wood products.
9. RAPIDS BREWING
Fire in the Village presents a Zaka’an Celebration including a fashion show, block printing, and live music with David Huckfelt and Annie Humphrey starting at 8 pm. Tickets available online.
Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during our monthly art walk. 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. First Friday events are free unless noted, and all are welcome! [Above image: “Spectacular Star” by Jeannie Spears – from the Loon Country Quilters exhibit at The Reif
1. REIF PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The public is invited to attend a reception for the Loon Country Quilters group exhibit from 4 – 5:30 pm. Over 20 quilters from the Itasca area have work on display! Light refreshments served.
Laurie Jacobi at MacRostie Art Center
2. BENDER’S SHOES
Hosting Heidi Barton of Loon Lake Watercolors. Heidi has always enjoyed crafting, but in the last four years has focused on watercolor painting as a creative outlet and is inspired by the colors of nature.
3. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Celebrating the opening of “Wisdom in Wool” – a retrospective of the work of textile designer Laurie Jacobi. An artist reception with food, wine, and other refreshments will take place from 4 –7 pm with an artist talk at 6pm.
4. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
Steph Woodford at UnWined Up North
The Artists in Residence on the 3rd Floor include Donna LaBeau, Jenny Winkelman, and Fire in the Village.
The Grand Rapids Area Male Chorus will perform a mix of show tunes, jazz, choral music, and more starting at 5 pm on the 2nd floor.
Borealis Creamery will be scooping their hand-crafted small batch ice cream from their food truck in the parking lot.
5. UNWINED UP NORTH
Hosting Steph Woodford with permanent jewelry from 3 – 6 pm and live music by Keith Soring from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
6. RAPIDS BREWING
Outside People at Rapids Brewing Company
Live music from 6 – 9 pm with Outside People, a solo acoustic rock project lead by singer songwriter Dani Kerr.
7. BLANDIN FOUNDATION
Hosting an open house with tours of the newly remodeled building and grounds. With live music by PK Mayo, award-winning guitarist and Iron Range native and refreshments by Pinched Catering.
Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during our monthly art walk. 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. First Friday events are free unless noted, and all are welcome! [Above image by Lea Friesen – from the Garden Art exhibit at Reif Center]
1. REIF PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The public is invited to attend the closing reception for the Garden Art group exhibit from 4 – 5:30 pm. It features work by Lea Friesen and over thirty regional artists. Light refreshments served.
Shannon Lucas Westrum with Jeremy Simonson at MAC
2. BENDER’S SHOES
Hosting Sandra Benzie of ZenDen Art. Sandra is a semi-retired local painter that has been perfecting her craft since she was young and whose faith is her focal inspiration.
3. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Celebrating the opening of “Woods/Water: Entwined” – with artwork by Jeremy Simonson and Shannon Lucas Westrum. An artist reception with food, wine, and other refreshments will take place from 4 –7 pm with an artist talk at 6pm.
4. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS
Welcoming Joanna Knase of JoJo’s Custom Candles.
Donna LaBeau watercolor demonstration in Old Central School
5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
The Artists in Residence on the 3rd Floor include Donna LaBeau who will demonstrate watercolor painting at 5 pm, Jenny Winkelman, and Fire in the Village.
Rapids Brass presents a free concert on the lawn from 4:45 – 6 pm. Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the show!
Northwoods Candy Company will have a booth on the grounds with caramel apples, fudge, and chocolate.
The Borealis Creamery food truck will be scooping their hand-crafted small batch ice cream in the parking lot.
6. NORTHERN CRUISERS & ITASCA VINTAGE CAR CLUBS
Come to the final First Friday Show-n-Shine of the season from 4 – 7 pm at the old Kremer’s parking lot. This event is open to collector cars of any model year, and Bobcats Lunchbox food truck will be on site.
Katy Tessman at UnWined Up North
7. UNWINED UP NORTH
Live music from 7 – 9 pm with Katy Tessman, an optimistic and approachable songwriter who celebrates life’s stumbles and summits.
8. RAPIDS BREWING
Live jazz with the Clearwater Hot Club from 6 – 9 pm featuring Sam Miltich, Matthew Miltich, and Gary Schulte on violin.
Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during our monthly art walk. 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. First Friday events are free unless noted, and all are welcome! [Above Image: Leah Fox of Sota Art Company]
1. BENDERS
Susan Hawkinson at Benders
Hosting Susan Hawkinson, author of three books including her most recent: The Adventures of Annie McCallum, set in Grand Rapids in 1955, which just took first place in Young Adult literature at the 2024 Midwest Book Awards.
2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Celebrating the opening of the 32nd Annual Juried Show with an artist reception including food, wine, and other refreshments from 4 –7 pm. The juror’s remarks and awards will be presented at 6pm.
3. BOREALIS CREAMERY
Scooping hand-crafted small batch ice cream along 1st Ave NW.
4. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
Third Coast Chamber Collective in Old Central School
The Artists Residency on the 3rd Floor will be open to the public. Shanai Mattson with Fire in the Village will have iced tea and free block printing demos, and Donna LaBeau and Jenny Winkelman will have work on display.
The Third Coast Chamber Collective presents a free concert at 5pm on the 2nd Floor and featuring their unique mix of music by classical and contemporary composers.
Borealis Creamery food truck will be on the grounds for hand-crafted small batch ice cream.
5. GRAND RAPIDS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Leah Fox of Sota Art Company will be displaying her fun, bright colored, whimsical art that shows her love of water, nature and her Minnesota roots. With live music by Dan Rigoni of Rapids Radio from 4:30-6:30pm and beverages and appetizers served.
Greg Kaczor at UnWined Up North
6. UNWINED UP NORTH
Celebrating First Friday with live music on the patio with Greg Kaczor from 6 – 8 pm.
7. RAPIDS BREWING
Presenting live jazz with the Clearwater Hot Club from 6 – 9 pm featuring Sam Miltich, Matthew Miltich, and Briand Morrison.
Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during our monthly art walk. 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. First Friday events are free unless noted, and all are welcome! [Above Image: We Need to Talk by Sarah McRae]
1. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Celebrating the opening of “THE ROCKS ARE STRANGE HERE” – a new exhibit by Pono Asuncion in the Minnesota Gallery with an artist reception with food, wine, and other refreshments from 4 –7 pm and an artist talk at 6pm.
Pono Asuncion at MacRostie Art Center
2. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Welcoming Sarah McRae for the opening of her exhibit “Stories Between Earth and Sky” featuring paintings inspired by nature, family, and Ojibwe designs.
3. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
The Artist Loft on the 3rd floor welcomes three new Artists in Residence. Meet Donna LaBeau, Jenny Winkelman, and Shanai Mattson and Annie Humphrey with Fire in the Village.
4. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL GROUNDS
Celebrate First Friday with a free concert on the lawn by Ditty Wish from 4 – 6 pm and visit the Borealis Creamery food truck for hand-crafted small batch ice cream.
Ditty Wish on the Old Central School grounds
5. NORTHERN CRUISERS & ITASCA VINTAGE CAR CLUBS
The car clubs will be hosting a Show-n-Shine Car Show from 4 – 7 pm at the old Kremer’s Parking Lot on the corner of Hwy 2 and 1st Ave NW. This event is open to all Collector Cars of any model year, and Bobcats Lunchbox food truck will be on site.
6. WINGS ‘N WILLOWS ART GALLERY & 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 design.
Star of the North Jewelry at Wings ‘N Willows
7. RAPIDS BREWING
Listen to live jazz with the Clearwater Hot Club from 6 – 9 pm featuring Sam Miltich, Matthew Miltich, and Liz Ashworth.
8. UNWINED UP NORTH
Celebrating First Friday with live music by PK Mayo from 6 – 8 pm and food and drink specials like Blueberry Warm Brie and Walnuts and Sweet Home Alabama rum punch cocktail.
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! [Above Image: Mandala by Ellen Sandbeck]
1. REIF GALLERY
Welcoming the four artists from the Regional Printmakers exhibition for an artist reception from 4 – 5:30 pm. Belle Hulne, Monica Ihrke, Glenna Olson, and Deb Page are each featured in the exhibition and will be present to meet with the public. Light refreshments served.
Monica Ihrke and Regional Printmakers at the Reif Gallery
2. BENDERS SHOES
Benders will be hosting their very own Beth Beddoe of “Ad-tiques.” Beth and her daughter Stephanie use upcycled materials to create beautiful jewelry and decor.
3. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Presenting the opening “As Long As the Rivers Shall Run” in the MacRostie Gallery, which features papercutting artwork by Ellen Sandbeck. 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.
4. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Showing “Air and Water,” an exhibit of appliqued mural blankets by Rick Kagigebi. Rick will be present to share the stories of his blankets and give an artist talk at 6pm.
5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
True North Salon and Spa
Hosting a Wellness Happy Hour from 4 – 7 pm, with summer skin care tips and tricks!
Artists in the Attic
Stop in to visit Krista Rogers, Nelia Harper, and Leah Yellowbird the 3rd floor for the final First Friday of their year-long artist residencies.
Annie Humphrey with Jeremy Ylvisaker at Old Central School Grounds
6. CENTRAL SCHOOL GROUNDS
Celebrate First Friday with a free concert on the lawn by Annie Humphrey and Jeremy Ylvisaker from 4 – 6 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
Akre Homestead will be displaying and selling their inspired soaps, apothecary products and other items. There will be live music by Dan Rigoni of Rapids Radio from 3 – 6 pm, and beverages and appetizers will be served.
9. WINGS ‘N WILLOWS ART GALLERY AND CUSTOM FRAMNG
Featuring the creative, whimsical wood sculptures by Kent Brown. Kent has been working with wood for 45 years. His carvings are inspired by loons, fish, crows, herons and more. Register to win one of his beautiful loons.
Heidi Leppala at The Evergreen
10. THE EVERGREEN
Hosting Heidi Leppala from Dragonfly Ranch. She has been painting with a variety of mediums for the past 40 years and recently has been working with mixed media using acrylic on canvas. Heidi will have several of her paintings available for purchase during the event.
11. RAPIDS BREWING
First Friday live music with the Clearwater Hot Club from 6 – 9pm featuring Sam Miltich, Matthew Miltich, and Gary Schulte.
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! [Above Image: Rick Kagigebi at Giinawind Creative Space]
Lily Winter at Benders
1. BENDERS
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 enameling.
2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Celebrating the opening of the annual miniatures exhibition featuring Nancy Kingbird and over 80 different artists. Join us for a reception from 4 – 7pm and artist talk at 6pm — then stay for a fashion show with Annie Humphrey and Terri LaDuke of Zaasaakwe Designs at 7 pm.
3. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE
Showing “Air and Water,” a new exhibition of appliqued mural blankets by Rick Kagigebi.
Celadon Garden Pottery at Stained Glass with Class
4. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS
Hosting Cydney Gibeau with Celadon Garden Pottery. Check out her collection of fun and functional ceramics.
5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
The 3rd floor resident artists Nelia Harper, Krista Rogers, and Leah Yellowbird will be hosting several guest artists with work ranging from rock designs to abstract expressionism: Ken Johnson, Robin Brown, Rachel Kortekaas, Amanda Wilde, and Jenny Winkleman.
6. NORTHERN CRUISERS & ITASCA VINTAGE CAR CLUBS
Hosting the season-opening First Friday Show-n-Shine on the west side of the old Kremer’s parking lot, with Bobcats Lunchbox on site. This event is open to all Collector Cars of any model year.
Free Range Food Co-op Site Announcement Party in the parking lot
7. FREE RANGE FOOD CO-OP SITE ANNOUNCEMENT
The community is invited to celebrate the announcement of where our future food co-op will be! From 3-7pm enjoy live music from Formerly Charles One-Man Band, local vendors from the Farmer’s Market, and brews and bites by Klockow & Rapids Brewing, Singing Chihuahua Tacos and Borealis Creamery. Come at 5pm to hear the exciting news!
8. RAPIDS BREWING
Listen to live jazz with the Clearwater Hot Club from 6 – 9 pm featuring Sam and Matthew Miltich with special guest, Briand Morrison.
Grand Rapids Arts 