Tag Archives: culture

First Friday Art Walk – November 6, 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 by Tim Vahle, North Shore Artists League on view at the Reif Center gallery]

1. REIF GALLERY

Hosting the closing reception for “Nature and Nurture: The Boreal Speaks” featuring the North Shore Artists League from 4 – 5 pm.

Samantha Seelen at Benders

2.  NELIA HARPER FRENCH & DOUG LIEN STUDIO

Visit the artist studio on the lower level of the Eye Care Clinic to visit with watercolor painter Doug Lien – and find Nelia a few blocks away at Wildlands Gear Exchange (#6).

3. BENDERS

Welcoming Samantha Seelen who pieces together fun fabrics and denim to make quilted zipper pouches, bags, mug rugs, jar openers, decor, reusable paper towels, burp cloths, quilts and more!

Hillary Kempenich at Giinawind Creative Space

4. MACROSTIE ART CENTER

Hosting the opening of “Double Visions,“ by David Browne with a reception from 4 – 7 pm and artist talks at 6 pm AND the “Diamond Jubilee” celebrating of MAC’s 60th anniversary.

5 GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE

Welcoming Hillary Kempenich for the opening of her exhibit of acrylic paintings “Roots that Roam.”

6. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL

Oh deer! Join OCS  for a 131st birthday bash filled with local shopping, unique finds, and plenty of fun! Gather ‘round at 5:30 pm to sing Happy Birthday and celebrate with a slice of birthday cake.

Garlic and Herb Bowls at Celadon Garden Pottery
  • Celadon Garden Pottery: Hosting Stardew Acres for a delicious gathering featuring sourdough tastings and a pottery demonstration showcasing handmade Garlic and Herb Bowls.
  • True North Fall into Fabulous with 20% off all Aveda!
  • Re-Thrift 10% off storewide; Megs Mixes will have treats!
  • Fire in the Village Join Fire in the Village in Room 203 from 4 – 6 pm for printmaking and learn about their upcoming events.
  • Free Range Food Co-op Hosting a local maker in the co-op offices.
  • Artists in Residence Head up to the 3rd floor for a harvest treat and to visit with Nevada Smith, Rose Hoolihan, Krista Matison, Vicki Menozzi, and Jenny Winkelman.

7. WILDLANDS GEAR EXCHANGE

Enjoy the wild and scenic places of Grand Rapids through the paintings of Itasca Plein Air artists on display and for sale. In the spirit of a life outdoors, members of the North Country Trail Association will be sharing information about this national trail that runs through the heart of Grand Rapids.

First Friday Art Walk – August 1, 2025

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Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during theArt Walk! Events are held 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. All events are free unless noted, and all are welcome!  [Above image: Fire in the Village]

1. BENDERS
Hosting Simon and Lynn Wilson, local Grand Rapids authors and longtime educators with their new children’s book “Learning to Love Your Monster.”

Simon and Lynn Wilson at Bender’s

2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER

Celebrating the opening of the 33rd Annual Juried Show with juror Karen Goulet. Refreshments from 4 – 7 pm and awards presented at 6pm.

3. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS

Welcoming Meredith Newman with the creations of At the Lake MN.

4. BOREALIS CREAMERY

Hand-scooping locally made ice cream with inspired flavors. Find the ice cream truck on 1st Ave NW in front of MacRostie Art Center.

First Friday Concert in Old Central School

5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL

  • Fire in the Village in Room 203 will be showcasing a mural project and other art made by teens in the Coherent Crow Camp.
  • Free Range Food Co-op in Room 209 is welcoming featured artist John Bauer of A Lost Art. His whimsical sculptures from forgotten objects blend imagination with the textures of the past.
  • Live Music: The First Friday Concert Series presents the cello duo of Magdalena Sas and Dr. Zachary Preucil (Madison, WI) with compositions for two cellos by Mozart, Gliere, Barriere and more!
  • Artists in Residence: the 3rd floor studio is home to resident artists Doug Lien, Marija Leilyn, and Nelia Harper.
John Bauer at Free Range Food Co-op

6. GRAND RAPIDS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Presenting an art exhibit from Itasca Life Options, live music by Jenika Schermerhorn, and beverages and treats from The Chocolate Dog. Bouquets of spring flowers from North in Bloom will also be available for purchase.

7. WINGS N’ WILLOWS ART GALLERY AND 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 designs.

8. RAPIDS BREWING

Featuring live jazz with Sam Miltich and friends from 6 – 9 pm. Sam and Matthew Miltich will be joined by jazz pianist Chris Lomheim.

First THURSDAY Art Walk – July 3, 2025

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Please note: the art walk will take place on Thursday this month due to the July 4 holiday falling on a Friday. Come downtown to celebrate the arts and artists during theArt Walk! Events are held 4 – 7 pm with live music continuing later. All events are free unless noted, and all are welcome!  [Above image: Rob Downing ]

1. BENDERS
Hosting Sweetness Farm, a bee-loving, honey-making haven run by David Setness in Deer River. It’s a thriving source of local honey, lip balms, and finishing salts—crafted with heart, hustle, and plenty of buzz.

Nancy Kingbird at Giinawind Creative Space

2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER

Presenting the opening of “Shapes and Spaces,” an exhibit of photography by David Fallon. Refreshments from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6pm.

3. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE

Welcoming Nancy Kingbird for a solo exhibit of her beadwork creations.

4. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS

Celebrating their 4-year business anniversary – including a prize drawing.

Northern Cruisers and Itasca Vintage Car Club in the old Kremer’s lot

5. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL

  • Charmed Custom Candles in Room 201 is hosting Meredith Rothstein Newman with At the Lake MN.
  • Fire in the Village in Room 203 is a community art space open to all. Stop by to learn more about their mural project and other work.
  • Free Range Food Co-op in Room 209 is welcoming featured artists Rob Downing (oil painting) and Jason Ritter (kinetic sculptures).
  • Live Music: Sam Miltich with sons Evo and Leo will perform a free concert of Irish, Balkan, and other European folk tunes from 4 – 5 pm in Room 212.
  • Artists in Residence: the 3rd floor studio is welcoming a new group of artists: Doug Lien, Marija Leilyn, and Nelia Harper.
Jazz at Rapids Brewing Co

6. NORTHERN CRUISERS & ITASCA VINTAGE CAR CLUBS

Hosting a Show-n-Shine at the Old Kremer’s Parking Lot. Open to all Collector Cars of any model year, with Bobcat’s Lunchbox food truck on site.

7. WINGS ‘N WILLOWS ART GALLERY & CUSTOM FRAMING

Welcoming Two Feathers Ranch featuring LIVE GOATS!!!  They raise their own stock of Nigerian Dwarf goats, producing quality goat milk soaps, balms and lotions in a sustainable manner. You won’t want to miss this fun evening!!

8. EVERGREEN COLLECTIVE

Featuring in-house artist Kathy LaDoux of Lake Lover Vintage. One-of-a-kind, upcycled wind chimes and decorative bird houses is the theme for the night!

Antique jewelry at Hill Top Antiques

9. RAPIDS BREWING

Live jazz with Sam Miltich and friends from 6 – 9 pm. Sam and Matthew Miltich will be joined by Doug Haining on saxophone and Trevor Haining on drums.

10. HILL TOP ANTIQUES 

Featuring a large selection of high-quality vintage and estate jewelry along with original artwork throughout the store. Find treasures just up the hill!