GRAND RAPIDS — The first Friday of the month is upon us once again, and in downtown Grand Rapids, that means celebrating the arts!
Here's what's happening 4-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3.
Stained Glass with Class
Alyssa Olson will display her modern clay jewelry.
Giinawind Creative Space
This space next door to the MacRostie Art Center will host a reception for the artists of the Animikii Print Club, whose artwork is featured in the Giinawind Gallery.
MacRostie Art Center
The gallery celebrates the opening of “Thinking About My Thinking,” an exhibit of watercolor paintings by Diane Levar. The reception will include food, wine and other beverages and an artist talk at 6 p.m.
Bender's Shoes & Gifts
Bender's welcomes Jenny Farber of Chaotic Beauty Artistry. Jenny is a wood-burning and watercolor artist based in Grand Rapids, and she'll have handmade earrings, magnets and wall decor available.
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 third floor artists in residence: Nelia Harper, Krista Rogers and Leah Yellowbird. Guest artist Serenity Barden from Hibbing will display her abstract paintings.
North in Bloom
North in Bloom has 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.
Rapids Brewing Co.
The brewery welcomes musician Charley Wagner beginning at 6:30 p.m.
VFW Post No. 1720
Sam Miltich and Friends perform an evening of jazz music 7-9 p.m.
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Events this week include ConnectEffect in Brainerd, a rummage and bake sale at the Bemidji Senior Center and an art class in Pine River. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXEWatermark Art Center’s latest exhibit is “Minwaajimowinan – Good Stories” curated by artist Kent Estey. Estey joined “Area Voices” to discuss the origins of the project. -
Contributed/Allison Connor / Bemidji State UniversityJoshua Jones received the 2025 Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor award for his work as an environmental leader for Red Lake youths. -
Contributed/Jim AuneEvery Friday morning, we get to know one of our members on "What's for Breakfast." Last week, we talked with Jim Aune from Cook. -
Events this week include a series of bird talks at Sax-Zim Bog near Meadowlands.
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Contributed/Central Lakes College Performing Arts CenterA stripped-back stage reading of Martin McDonagh’s “The Pillowman” is one night only 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. The director and an actor joined “Area Voices” to discuss the production. -
Contributed/Union Congregational United Church of ChristA church with a long history in Hackensack hosts many community groups under its roof. That roof is in need of replacement, and a fundraiser is 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXE"Minnesota Star Tribune" columnist Aaron Brown talks media consumption and the state of library funding in Minnesota. -
Events this week include a games and puzzle swap in Pine River and the Second Annual Cardboard Classic sledding event in Deer River.
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Events this week include storytelling at Long Lake Conservation Center and kick sledding at Lake Bemidji State Park.
