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/Gary PayneThe Cultural Thursday series continues April 9, 2026, at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. Educators Gary Payne and Mary Rosenberg will share their Argentina travel experiences. -
Contributed / National Park ServiceBlack bears emerge from hibernation in the spring across MN. Andy Tri, DNR bear project leader, shares what's happening inside bear dens and how to be "bear wise" this season. -
Events this week include the Classic Movie Series in Bigfork, Train Days in Bemidji and a photo presentation on Argentina in Brainerd. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXE“Area Voices” hit the road to visit the annual five-day Ely Film Festival. Andrew Dziengel talked with the festival’s director and program director. -
Events this week include a trivia night in Chisholm, presentation on Argentina in Brainerd and a webinar on waterbirds.
-
Contributed/Brainerd Public SchoolsBrainerd Public Schools Legendary Women Hall of Fame will induct five new members on March 30, 2026. -
Contributed/Jenny SommernessBemidji State University Talley Gallery's featured exhibit is “Cyrus Swann: Artist.” Mitch Blessing joined “Area Voices” to discuss Swann’s work and artistic legacy. -
Contributed/Lutheran Social ServiceLutheran Social Service is looking for people ages 55 or older to serve as foster grandparents in area schools or as companions to older adults. -
Contributed/Shannon Lucas WestrumShannon Lucas and Jesse Westrum's “Wanderlust and Willow” at the Bagley Public Library features willow weaving baskets and photography from a recent trip to Ireland. -
They are also the only native Minnesota birds in the "perching duck" tribe, which is distinguished by their long, clawed toes — perfect for perching in trees.
