First Friday Art Walk – May 3, 2024

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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.  

First Friday Art Walk – April 5, 2024

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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!

Jenny Farber at Benders

1. BENDERS

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 décor  available.

2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER

Celebrating the opening of “Social Canvas” an exhibition of photography and mixed media paintings by Roya Nazari Najafabadi. Join us for a reception with food and other refreshments from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.

Roya Nazari Najafabadi at MacRostie Art Center

3. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE

Showcasing the artwork and cultural projects of students in ISD #318’s Ojibwe Education program PLUS the unveiling of a new freezer featuring single scoops by Borealis Creamery.

4. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL

Stop up to the 3rd floor artist loft to visit with resident artists Nelia Harper, Krista Rogers, and Leah Yellowbird. Nelia Harper will be demonstrating egg tempera painting and will have new portraits in progress on display.

Artists in Residence in Old Central School

5. GRAND RAPIDS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

GRACF celebrates their 30th anniversary “Seeds of Change” by hosting artwork by Michelle Linn of Itasca Creations and live music by Ditty Wish from 4:30 – 6:30pm, along with food and beverages.  Local nonprofits encouraged to attend to learn more about a 30th anniversary nonprofit partner opportunity. 

6. RAPIDS BREWING

Listen to live jazz with the Clearwater Hot Club from 6 – 9 pm featuring Sam Miltich, Matthew Miltich, and Mark Kreitzer.

First Friday Art Walk – March 1, 2024

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Amanda McElray Hunter at MAC

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.

First Friday Art Walk – February 2, 2024

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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.

First Friday Art Walk – January 5, 2024

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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.

First Friday Art Walk – December 1, 2023

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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 Shields and 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.

First Friday Art Walk – November 3, 2023

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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

First Friday Art Walk – October 6, 2023

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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.

First Friday Art Walk – September 1, 2023

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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.  

First Friday Art Walk – August 4, 2023

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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.