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/Any Lane via PexelsIt's time to start thinking about gift-giving as the holidays approach. What are some things that you like to make to give to others? -
Events this week include Fireside Movie Night and Learn to Curl in Grand Rapids, electronics recycling in Deerwood and tuba Christmas concerts in Virginia and Brainerd. -
Contributed/Smiles for JakeNonprofit Smiles for Jake is putting on the event Dec. 6, 2025, as part of its mission to prevent suicide through positivity, listening ears and a message of hope. -
Contributed/Mary Knox-JohnsonLoon Country Arts needed a new location as a result of this summer's devastating derecho in Bemidji. It's now located in the Carnegie Library starting Dec. 3, 2025. -
Contributed/Minnesota News ConnectionBrown joined the KAXE Morning Show to discuss his recent Star Tribune column on heating assistance delays, moral judgment placed on public benefits, and his own childhood experience. -
Contributed/Eric SundeenPercussion gets the spotlight during Bemidji State's Percussion Ensemble concert at 7:32 p.m. on Dec. 4, 2025. Eric Sundeen joined “Area Voices” to discuss the upcoming performance. -
Events this week include CLC's Jingle and Mingle in Nisswa, art receptions in Grand Rapids and Cook, a Christmas party in Marble and the Festival of Trees in Shevlin.
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The holidays often brings a mix of joy and stress. Kimberly Erickson talks about why they can trigger anxiety, fatigue and old emotional patterns, and how to recognize stress signals in the body. -
Contributed/Martinus Via PexelsEvery Friday morning, we get to know one of our members on "What's for Breakfast." Last week, we talked with Dennis Dantes from Eveleth. -
Events this week include "A Very Good Christmas Carol" and the Heartland Lakes Community Tree Lighting in Park Rapids, Night We Light in Bemidji and Festival of Lights in Walker.
