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: Leah Fox at Free Range Food Co-op ]
Carolyn Olson at MAC
1. REIF CENTER
Celebrating the art of collage with an exhibition featuring a series by Karlyn Atkinson Berg plus individual works by artists from across Minnesota. Stop by the closing reception from 4 – 5 pm.
2. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Presenting “Mutual Aid and Chosen Family,” an exhibition of pastel drawings by Carolyn Olson. The reception includes food, wine, and other beverages from 4 –7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.
Block printing at Fire in the Village
3. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
True North Salon and Spa True North hair artists will be offering complimentary green hair tinsel just in time for St. Patrick’s Day!
ReThrift Hosting Nevada Smith of Pressed in Green. Her pressed flower and mixed media creations will be on display and available for purchase!
Fire in the VillageRoom 203 Visitors are welcome to stop by to make and take a printed patch or poster, or to just relax and enjoy some time hanging out with creative community.
Free Range Food Coop Hosting Leah Fox of Sota Art Co, whose bright whimsical art uses an array of mixed media supplies, from traditional watercolors to preloved maps and repurposed canvases.
Artists in the Attic Artists in Residence Nelia Harper, Doug Lien, and Marija Leilynn welcome the public to visit their studio space and view works in progress.
Liz Ashworth witih Sam Miltich and friends at RBC
4. RAPIDS BREWING
Presenting live jazz from 6 – 9 pm by Sam Miltich and Matthew Miltich, with special guests Liz Ashworth and Mark Kreitzer on mandolin and guitar. Plus a Fish Friday dinner special at RBC and a “Roaring 20s Theme Night” next door at The Tied.
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.
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: “A Bee’s Eye View” by Ann Gorman. ]
1. REIF GALLERY
Celebrating the exhibition “In Praise of Pollinators”with closing reception from 4 – 5 pm. Stop by to meet the artists and catch this exhibit before it’s gone! It features the photography of Ann Gorman as well as works by over 30 different regional artists.
Loon Country Quilters at Benders
2. DAVIS CHIROPRACTIC
Welcoming Davis Chiropractic clinic to the First Friday Art Walk from 5:30–7:00 pm! Enjoy live mandolin and guitar music from Dr. Todd Newman, relax with light refreshments, and check out their cold laser therapy. Say hello and celebrate art, music, and community!
3. BENDERS SHOES
Hosting the Loon Country Quilters. This group was formed in 1983 by several area women interested in quilting and their legacy lives on in our current group of enthusiastic quilters.
4. MACROSTIE ART CENTER
Presenting the opening of “Expressing Grief,” a group exhibition with artists Molly Mae, Eric Twait, Ann and Meg Gorman, and Susan Sveda-Pachaud. The reception will include food, wine, and other beverages from 4 – 7 pm and artist talks at 6 pm.
Sew Festive at Stained Glass with Class
5. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS
Welcoming Kayla LaTarte with Sew Festive. Check out her cute and crafty laser cut embroidery kits.
6. NORTHERN CRUISERS & ITASCA VINTAGE CAR CLUBS
The Car Clubs are hosting their final show-n-shine of the season 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.
7. WINGS ‘N WILLOWS ART GALLERY AND CUSTOM FRAMNG
Welcoming jewelry maker Lynne Marie Designs. Lynne’s handmade jewelry is inspired by wood, stone, metals and earth. Naturally sourced, timeless and beautiful!
Celebrating 130 Years of Old Central School
8. RAPIDS BREWING
First Friday live music from 6 – 9pm featuring Sam and Matthew Miltich with special guests Dave Graf on trombone, Doug Haining on saxophone, and Trevor Haining on drums.
9. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL
Old Central School is celebrating its 130th Birthday with a building full of art, music, food, and fun events. Join in the 5:30 pm sing-along around the piano complete with hats and a cake cutting to follow!
Greg Kaczor at Old Central School
Central School Grounds Bring your blanket or chair and kick back for a free concert on the lawn by singer and guitarist Greg Kaczor from 4 – 6 pm.
Itasca Pride will have rainbow cupcakes, board games, and a collaborative community art project. They will also be offering free clothing, food, hygiene products, and other mutual aid supplies.
True North Salon and Spa is celebrating their move to Room 102 by offering discounts, hair tinsel, and special gifts to the first 20 people starting at 4 pm. Lena James Design Handmade & Permanent Jewelry will be on site.
Re-Thrift will be popping up in Room 103 and Smoke on the Water will be handing out samples.
Celadon Garden Pottery in Room 112 is celebrating their grand opening. Guest artists include sourdough goods from Ashley Letendre of Baked by Ashley, and laser art by Brittney Kahlil of Evermore Grove.
Charmed Custom Candles in Room 201 will have a special candle sale and will host Victoria Kragthorpe from 5:30-7pm to show her beautiful chalkboard art.
Fire in the Village in Room 203 will have free block printing demos and information about the kick-off a new program called “Creative Crow Club” – a space for young artists to find their voices and to build a caring creative community.
Free Range Food Co-op in Room 209 will feature Mary Augustyn of Augustyn Artworks Pottery. Specializing in functional and horse hair pottery and unique clay necklaces. She has also been brewing kombucha for 20 years and will have some available.
Artists in Residence on the 3rd Floor – Visit the artists’ loft to see works by Doug Lien, Marija Leilynn, and Nelia Harper.
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.
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!
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.
Grand Rapids Arts 