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/Allison AufderheideDuring the week of Sept. 16, 2025, we enjoy the first batch of reports from the school year. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
Contributed/Aurora Center for the ArtsAurora Center for the Arts is hosting UpNorth LitFest Sept. 25-26, 2025, in Fosston. Bonnie Stewart joined “Area Voices” to discuss the guests hosting workshops. -
The University of Minnesota Extension is offering a series of healthy aging webinars in September, plus they offer other online resources all year long on the topic. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe Bemidji Community Latin Block Party is 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at the American Indian Resource Center on the BSU campus. It's an inclusive space with free local food, games, dancing and more. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 9, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer talks fall colors, fuzzy caterpillars and hummingbird migration. -
Events this week include Flapjack Festival in Brainerd, 'Annie' in Pequot Lakes, Open Mic Night in Park Rapids, Starapalooza at Long Lake Conservation Center and the Fall Bazaar in Buhl. -
Contributed/David Kenyon/MI Dept. of Natural ResourcesMakenzie Henk, an elk biologist with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, discusses the reintroduction initiative and the steps underway to prepare. -
Contributed/Chad KaddatzDuring the week of Sept. 9, 2025, we enjoy reports of Broadwing Hawks, migrating insects, and vibrant sumacs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
Contributed/Andrew DziengelActor Kevin Cease joins “Area Voices” to talk about how long he’s been planning his one-man show and what audiences can expect ahead of his performances Sept. 12-14, 2025, in Bemidji. -
Pexel/Kam PhotosEvery Friday morning, we get to know one of our members on "What's for Breakfast." This week, we talked with Steve Cramer from his cabin near McGregor.
