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/Central Lakes College Performing Arts CenterBrainerd Community Theater presents “Dracula A Comedy of Terrors” Oct. 23-Nov. 1, 2025. Director Amy Borash and producer Joey Yow joined “Area Voices” to discuss the production. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 21, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers a vibrant year for aspens, describes downy arrowwood, and flocks of blackbirds. -
Contributed/iNaturalist user gutenfrogDuring the week of Oct. 21, 2025, we enjoy reports of hooting Barred Owls, snoozy bears and star-struck stadium bugs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
Contributed/Adriana TrigianiBestselling author Adriana Trigiani joined KAXE to talk family, libraries, her Iron Range Italian roots and her new novel, "The View from Lake Como." -
Contributed/Votsis Panagiotis via PexelsLast week, we shifted into soup mode and finding comfort in our favorite foods that signal fall. -
Contributed/Chelsea PuscPlans are forming for a dog park in Deer River. Chelsea Pusc is leading efforts to raise funds, including a brunch 9 a.m-1 p.m. Oct. 19, 2025, at the Deer River Vets Club. -
Events this week include trunk or treats in Hibbing, Turtle River and Grand Rapids; Hwy. 197 open house in Bemidji and a health fair in Park Rapids. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXEArtist Cheyenne Renee is traveling across the United States creating 50 different murals for the 50 different states. She selected Remer for her Minnesota location and talked with “Area Voices” about the mural and the overall project. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEDuring the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 14, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer explores the North Shore near Grand Marais. -
Contributed/Lorie ShaullDuring the week of Oct. 14, 2025, we enjoy reports of the first frost, migrating monarchs, and milkweed pods opening. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
