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, Dec. 1.
'Jingle and Mingle' 2nd Annual Night Makers Market
The event will take place on First Avenue Northwest with local makers, food and hot beverages, visits with Santa, and fun for people of all ages.
Giinawind Creative Space
Wreaths and more from the Macrostie Art Center’s annual Wreath + Art Auction fundraiser will be on display along with artwork by Indigenous artists and a collection of books by local authors and illustrators.
MacRostie Art Center
The annual Northern Spirit Shop holiday marketplace will feature handmade original art and one-of-a-kind gifts. Plus M’lou Brubaker’s jewelry trunk show, wine, and food by Timberlake Restaurant.
Benders Shoes & Gifts
Benders hosts local jeweler Lily Winter who works out of her home studio to cut, solder, etch, enamel and set stones. This year she is working to bring wild color to her jewelry through glass and plating.
Old Central School
Studio 001
Stop by the Garden Level to see Lea Friesen’s painting and 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.
Move It Real Estate Group
Join Move It Real Estate Group with fresh-popped popcorn, beverages and other refreshments with live holiday piano music from Cathy Shields and Nora Wick, local artisans, and a “Gnomes for Pet Homes” fundraiser. Featured artists include Cydney Gibeau with functional ceramics, Sondra Grover with walnut cooking utensils, Sarah Mell from M Design Studio with jewelry, and Gail O’Gorman with wreaths and more.
Wings ‘N Willows Art Gallery and Custom Framing
Featuring wood-turned vases by Mike Weedman.
The Evergreen
The Evergreen hosts Tricia from Rustic Willow Designs, showcasing her new Rustic Dippings, handcrafted in Pengilly. Denise’s Designs will also display permanent jewelry options.
Rapids Brewing Co.
Presenting Glitterati with live music 7-10 p.m. at the brewery.
VFW Post No. 1720
Live jazz with Tom Schaefer and the Clearwater Hot Club 7-10 p.m.
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Contributed/Nemeth Art CenterArtists and couple Nancy Friedemann-Sánchez and Charley Friedman have exhibits at the Nemeth Art Center in Park Rapids through Sept. 30. -
Events this week include a pancake breakfast at Lake Bemidji State Park, Native American Music and Arts Festival in Onamia and a golf benefit in Park Rapids. -
Contributed/Lorie ShaullDuring the week of Aug. 19, we enjoy written reports from a few listeners as we await another school year. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXEMaster drummers Fode Camara and Helen Bond joined the KAXE Morning Show to discuss their upcoming workshop and community drum circle jam on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. -
Contributed/Bemidji PrideRayne Heck and Phineas Cole Holmes join the "KAXE Morning Show" to discuss Bemidji Pride events from Aug. 21-23, 2025. -
Contributed/Positive JamRaised in Northern Minnesota, comedian Denise Winkelman released her first stand-up special “Bougie on a Budget.” She joined “Area Voices” to discuss her journey with stand-up. -
Contributed/The Mask and Rose Women's TheaterThe Mask and Rose Women's Theater presents the musical “Hadestown” Aug. 21-25. Director Cate Belleveau and actor Kat Lavelle join “Area Voices” to discuss the production. -
KAXE/John LatimerDuring the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 19, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses acorns, the start of leaf change and other harbingers of fall. -
Healthy people ages 18-35 can go to the Dairy Queen in Grand Rapids on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Cheek swabs will be provided to see if you can be a match to save a life. -
Heidi Holtan / KAXEUniversity of Minnesota rising senior Dani Fraher was an intern at KAXE in the summer of 2025 through Report for Minnesota and the Minnesota Journalism Center.
