HOURS
Tues - Fri 10:00 - 5:30
Saturday 10:00 - 3:00
CLOSED: Sunday & Monday
106 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307 231-796-2420
Artworks is a non-profit organization for the humanities and the arts located in Big Rapids, Michigan. Its mission is to initiate and support humanities and arts activities that enrich our lives, nurture our creative effort and vitalize the community.
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Below are some of the many programs and activities currently supported by Artworks.
- A fine art gallery and gift shop for art exhibits and a place where local artists sell their artwork
- Art and leisure classes for persons of all ages and skills
- Literature, art and other workshops for children
- A dance studio for teaching ballroom, ballet, jazz, and other dances
- A pottery studio that allows persons the opportunity to pursue interests otherwise out of reach
- A foreign film series where international films are screened and discussed
- Art Attack for students from area school districts to display their artwork in the Artworks Gallery
- Art enriching activities for special populations in the community
- A speakers bureau for presentations and performances serving the community
- Writers and poets' groups and workshops
- One Book Presentations - Author visitations, book discussions, and nature-related presentations serving fifteen libraries in 4 counties
- Traveling exhibits featuring historical, and cultural themes available to the community
- Riverdays presentations of outside music and demonstrations of Arts at Artworks
- Music at Pocket Park - Presentations of outside music throughout the summer in downtown Big Rapids
- Up and Down the River - Fifty weekly Pioneer articles each year by local writers.
- Walking Tours - self touring packages that include FSU’s Artwalk; Riverwalk, Arborwalk of historic homes, City Tree Walk, Plaques and Sculptures on the Landscape, Recorded Firsts of Mecosta County, and A Walk through History.
- Festival of the Arts
The video Big Rapids Life, which describes Artworks and its history, is available on CD at Artworks or you can download it.
The Artworks gallery is a fine art gallery established in 2000 by a group of forward-thinking, civic-minded citizens in the Big Rapids community.
The Artworks Gallery has a 3-fold mission.
- to provide a place for artists to exhibit and sell their work
- to provide a place for education and performance of the arts
- to provide a community center for the arts and cultural activities
The gallery houses an ongoing Gift Shop of two dimensional work, jewelry and original items crafted and created by local artists and artisans. In addition, the gallery is constantly being energized by exhibits of wide-ranging displays, creating and stimulating interest in the Big Rapids community. Poems, short stories and other writings are welcome for inclusion in most of our exhibits.
Classes of great variety in the arts are taught throughout the year serving both adults and children. Most classes are taught by the artists themselves which offers a unique opportunity for the community.
The gallery operates largely through the efforts of volunteers and patrons. The artists meet regularly to discuss the operation of the gallery and its exhibits while the Artworks director handles the various duties in running the gallery and its promotion.
If you are interested in becoming involved with the Artworks Gallery, or if you have questions concerning appropriate subject matter for a specific show, please contact the gallery director: 231-796-2420.
| Executive Board | Board |
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| Doug Haneline, President Jack Batdorff, Past President Marlies Manning, VP Program Alice Bandstra, Secretary Lorraine James |
Marian Beadle Scott Cohen Mark Gifford Cheryl Gould Dave Lerew |
Dan Mullet Lolly Nicol Steve Ross Jeff Rumsey Cheryl Stein Betty Stolarek |
The Board meets at 3:30 on the second Monday of the month in the Artworks Conference Room. The meetings are open to the public.
Jeanette Fleury, Executive Director
Pat Heeter, Gallery Manager
Diane Kennedy, Office Manager
Lori O'Neil, Public Relations
Ruth Vermeer, Education Coordinator
Shelia Geglio, Bookkeeper
Artworks receives funding from public and private grants, fund raising events, class and presentation fees, and support from generous donors like you. Please be a part of these programs and plans and consider how you can contribute to our community.
If you're interested in becoming a financial donor or contribute in other ways to Artworks, please contact Artworks at 231-796-2420 or download the Patron form.