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.
-
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 the Winter Rendezvous at Deep Portage Learning Center near Hackensack and a series of bird talks at Sax-Zim Bog near Meadowlands. -
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.
-
Events this week include storytelling at Long Lake Conservation Center and kick sledding at Lake Bemidji State Park.
-
Andrew Dziengel/KAXE“Area Voices” is a segment on the KAXE Morning Show that focuses on the art and history of Northern Minnesota. Host Andrew Dziengel looks back at some highlights in 2025. -
Jennifer Barr/KAXE"Bright Spot" is a segment on the KAXE Morning Show that highlights the good happening in Northern Minnesota. Host Jennifer Barr looks back at some favorites from 2025. -
contributed/LPcorp.comBrian Gulseth and Jerry Asmus from LP discuss SmartSide products, made from local aspen. The "Forest products" series is produced by Mark Jacobs.
