Tag Archives: arts

First Friday Art Walk – November 7, 2025

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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: Sue Rauschenfels at MacRostie Art Center ]

1. BALSAM CREEK DECOR

Stop by the Central Square Mall where Deb Buxengard will be displaying her exhibit “Backyard Bird Mosaics”  in her studio. Deb will be sharing information about the project and her mosaic journey.

Joel Adamson at Benders with Heidi Barton

2. BENDERS
Hosting the father-daughter creative duo of Heidi Barton and Joel Adamson. Heidi of Loon Lake Watercolors has always enjoyed crafting, but in the last five years has focused on painting with watercolors as a creative outlet and is inspired by the colors of nature. Joel’s retirement business name is Solid Rock Lapidary where he enjoys cutting and polishing stones and rocks, making jewelry and other items from them.

3. MACROSTIE ART CENTER

Celebrating the opening of “For the Love of Trees,” a painting exhibit by Sue Rauschenfels. The reception includes food and wine from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.

4. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE

Presenting the opening of “Generations” an exhibit showcaseing creativity across generations with a display featuring regional Indigenous artists Teresa Laduke, Kelly Martinson, Anthony Rivera, and Shaun Chosa.

Shaun Chosa at Giinawind Creative Space

5. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS

Hosting Leah Fox with Sota Art Company. Leah brings bright colors and whimsical characters to her mixed media creations.

6.OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL

  • True North Salon and Spa and ReThrift are hosting Jasmine Harwood with J. Grey Jewelry with curated vintage jewelry and Megan MacDonell with Meg’s Mixes with her delicious monster cookie, brownie, sugar cookie mixes and more! Re-thrift will have new curated thrift items and holiday gift sets. 
  • Fire in the Village in Room 203 will hold a Mini Gala. A silent auction will open at 5pm.  The famous block printing pop up will pop up from 6-7pm.  At 7pm a warrior woman fashion presentation will precede a concert by Annie Humphrey and Lakota John. Suggested concert donation: $20 but no one will be turned away!
  • Free Range Food Co-op in Room 209 is featuring artist Lynnette Mackey, the owner of WYILDCHILD House Of Healing, a studio in the northwoods which focuses on health, healing and well being through yoga, art, music, chocolate, tea and massage. She will have some of her artwork on display and will be selling her chocolates, cookbooks, and cds.
  • Artists in Residence in the 3rd floor artist loft include painters Doug Lien and Nelia Harper with multidisciplinary artist Marija Leilynn. They will have guest artist Ken Johnson joining them and will have artist demos and a make-and-take art project for visitors.
Lynnette Mackey at Free Range Food Co-op

7. EVERGREEN COLLECTIVE

Let’s talk Kawandi with Marie Duffy! A handstitched quilting style originating from the Siddi’s in West India brought by immigrants from Africa. Marie has Kawandi samples to show and other handmade items like Christmas stockings and napkins. Plus hot cider and treats!

8. WINGS ‘N WILLOWS ART GALLERY & CUSTOM FRAMING

Featuring Two Feathers Ranch — two sisters who raise their own stock of Nigerian Dwarf goats producing quality, luxurious goat milk soaps, balms and lotions in a sustainable manner. Great for holiday gift giving. 

MIchaela James at Rapids Brewing Company

9. FRAME UP

Welcoming artists Shannon Dahlberg and Andy Wagner. Shannon mainly works with acrylic on canvas capturing the essence of nature in all its forms. She strives to convey peaceful and calming elements. Andy creates new life and purpose out of discarded firewood.  He likes to say he rescues firewood one piece at a time transforming them into functional furniture.

10. NORTH IN BLOOM

Join North In Bloom as they host a Sew Festive Pop-up where Kayla will have her handmade and custom curated DIY embroidery kits.  Visitors are also invited to participate in a community art project to be unveiled in late January.

11. RAPIDS BREWING COMPANY

Live music with singer-songwriter Michaela James from 6 – 9 pm.

First Friday Art Walk – June 6, 2025

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Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during the First Friday Art Walk! Events are held 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. First Friday events are free unless noted, and all are welcome!  [Above image: Susan Clandon ]

Diamond Knispel with Amber Burns and Kat Corrigan at the Reif Gallery

1. REIF GALLERY

Celebrating the exhibition Wild, Wild Life with an artist reception from 4 – 5:30 pm. The exhibit features the vivid and captivating wildlife portraits of Amber Burns, Kat Corrigan, and Diamond.

2. BENDERS SHOES

Hosting local artist Kelly Villebro, whose art can be described as rusty and weathered barn finds, repurposed and upcycled into flowers with a pop of color.

3. MACROSTIE ART CENTER 

Presenting the opening of “As History Repeats Itself,” an exhibit of human-rights themed pottery by Nathan Bray. The reception will include food, wine, and other beverages from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.

Nathan Bray at MacRostie Art Center

4. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE  

Hosting the Team Carrie fundraiser, organized by the family and friends of Carrie Estey who died of leukemia. The fundraiser includes an exhibit of original artwork and a raffle to support Native American cancer patients and their families.

5. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS  

Welcoming Cydney Gibeau with the beautiful and functional creations of Celadon Garden Pottery.

6.  OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL

  • Fire in the Village is holding their Free Friday Art Jam in Room 203 and celebrating First Friday with karaoke!
  • Free Range Food Co-op in Room 209 is featuring a community weaving project and hands-on fiber fun for all ages with Shara Dabrowski, who creates unique pieces using handspun wool from regional farms and reclaimed materials. 
  • Artists in Residence Visit the 3rd floor to bid farewell to Donna LaBeau, Annie Humphrey, and Jenny Winkelman at the end of their year-long residency.
GR Area Male Chorus on the Central School Lawn

7. CENTRAL SCHOOL GROUNDS

Celebrate First Friday with a free concert on the lawn by the Grand Rapids Area Male Chorus from 4 – 5 pm, and visit the Borealis Creamery food truck for hand-crafted small batch ice cream.

8. 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) and welcoming the Austin Healey and MG Clubs of Minnesota as well.   This event is open to all collector cars of any model year. Bobcats Lunchbox will be on site selling burgers, fries, and more.

9. GRAND RAPIDS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Featuring a Retrospective Exhibit by area artist Susan Clandon which will include a wide range of landscapes and figures, mostly acrylic paintings, large and small, at very accessible prices, as well as cards. Susan’s paintings will be on show and on sale throughout the month of June. Guests can also enjoy live music by Dan Rigoni of Rapids Radio from 4:30-6:30 p.m., along with beverages and appetizers from Triple C Company. Bouquets of spring flowers from North in Bloom will also be available for purchase.

Two Rivers Ranch at Wings n’ Willows

10. WINGS ‘N WILLOWS ART GALLERY AND CUSTOM FRAMNG  

Featuring Two Feathers Ranch. They are two sisters raise their own stock of Nigerian Dwarf goats producing quality goat milk soaps, balms and lotions in a sustainable manner.

11. FRAME UP

Frame Up is hosting a special First Friday Art Walk, featuring RE-Thrift’s Ashley Brubaker. Join us for a night of community, creativity, and connection as Ashley shares her handmade sewn goods and a curated selection of thrifted treasures. It’s a celebration of local talent and the art of repurposing!   

Susan Kattas at Hill Top Antiques

12. RAPIDS BREWING 

First Friday live music from 6 – 9pm featuring Leah Lemm, Tony Balluff, and Nathan Norman with Sam and Matthew Miltich.

13. HILL TOP ANTIQUES 

Artist Susan Kattas, formerly of Grand Rapids, will be featured with her works in collage and poured acrylic. Susan, retired from teaching studio art and art history at Inver Hills Community College, will be present to greet visitors and talk about her artwork using recycled materials like address labels and bottle corks.  

First Friday Art Walk – May 2, 2025

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Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during the First Friday Art Walk! Events are held 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. First Friday events are free unless noted, and all are welcome!  [Above image: Celadon Garden Pottery]

8th Grade Art Show at the Reif Center

1. REIF CENTER

Celebrating art in the schools with a closing reception for the 8th Grade Student Art Show in the Reif Gallery. Stop by from 4 – 5 pm to see the students’ work and support youth artists.

2. BENDERS
Hosting Benders’ 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 of the annual “Little Big Show” miniatures exhibition featuring Ashley Kolka-Lee and dozens of other artists. Refreshments from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6pm.

4. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS

Welcoming Cydney Gibeau with the beautiful and functional creations of Celadon Garden Pottery.

Borealis Creamery at Old Central School

5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL

  • Fire in the Village is holding their Free Friday Art Jam in Room 203. Bring something you’re working on, use art materials on hand to try something new, or just stop by to visit.  
  • Free Range Food Co-op in Room 209 is featuring chalk art by Lea Friesen, who focuses on collaborations that support spiritual, communal and physical ways of healing. 
  • Artists in Residence Donna LaBeau, Annie Humphrey, and Jenny Winkelman welcome the public to their studio space on the 3rd floor.
  • Borealis Creamery will be on site in the parking lot scooping their latest flavors from the ice cream truck.

6. 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.

Margo Hansen and Rena Yeager at Inspirations

7. RAPIDS BREWING

Live jazz with Sam Miltich and friends from 6 – 9 pm. This month features vocalist Charmin Michelle, Dave Graf on trombone, and Nathan Norman on drums along with Sam and Matthew Miltich.

8. INSPIRATIONS CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE 

Featuring local author Margo Hansen with her fourteenth and newest book “Superior Heir.” Margo will be joined by Rena Yeager with her book “It’s a God Thing” from 3 –  6pm.

First Friday Art Walk – August 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. 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.