Tag Archives: exhibitions

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 – 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!

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 – March 7, 2025

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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: Todd Newman]

1. REIF PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Portraits exhibition at the Reif Gallery – artwork by Susan Klann

Celebrating the art of portraiture with an exhibition featuring Susan Klann and over 30 regional artists. Visit with the artists and enjoy light refreshments during the closing reception from 4 – 5:30 pm.

2. BENDERS

Benders is hosting Aidan Lofstrom, a high school student in Grand Rapids. Aiden crafts unique pens and pencils using exotic wood and creates hand carved and hand painted spearing decoys.

3. MACROSTIE ART CENTER

Hosting the opening of “Species of Special Concern” an exhibit of drawings and paintings by Tanya Piatz. Join us for food, wine, and other refreshments from 4 – 7 pm and an artist talk at 6 pm.

Melissa Fowler at Giinawind Creative Space

4. GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE

Welcoming Melissa Fowler with an exhibition of birchbark, textiles, and beadwork. Her work is inspired by her love for endangered art forms, ancestral regalia, woodland florals, and powwow dancing.

5. STAINED GLASS WITH CLASS

Featuring the Root of Craft with handmade jewelry by Anastasia Root.

6. OLD CENTRAL SCHOOL

  • Third Floor: Visit the Artists in Residence to see watercolor demonstrations by Donna LaBeau and check out work by Jenny Winkelman and Annie Humphrey.
  • Room 203:  Join Fire in the Village for their first “Free Friday Art Jam.” Stop by to visit and bring something you’re working on or use art materials on hand to try something new.
Free Friday Art Jam with Fire in the Village

7. UNWINED UP NORTH

Presenting live music from 5 – 7 pm with Todd Newman on mandolin and acoustic guitar.

8. RAPIDS BREWING

Listen to live jazz with the Clearwater Hot Club – Sam and Matthew Miltich will be joined by Liz Ashworth and Mark Kreitzer on mandolin and guitar. The group will perform from 6 – 9 pm.

JW Wieser at Hill Top Antiques

9. HILL TOP ANTIQUES  

Featuring the artwork of the late James “JW” Wieser from Hastings, MN. A most interesting artist – he was a professional wrestler who performed as “Diamond Jim Reno” prior to enrolling in the police academy in 1971 where he began his law enforcement career of 26 years. His artwork was a form of stress relief and focused on subjects from his travels and the American West.