Artworks in Big Rapids

Artworks in Big Rapids Artworks is a non-profit organization for the arts and humanities in Big Rapids, Michigan.
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The Artworks building houses a fine art gallery for art exhibits, a gift shop where local artists sell their artwork, two dance studios, a pottery studio, and a classroom for workshops and classes. Art, dance, literature, and leisure workshops are taught for adults and children of all skill levels. Other activities and events include 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, a speakers bureau for presentations and performances serving the community, writers and poets’ groups and workshops, and Music at Pocket Park – presentations of outside music throughout the summer in downtown Big Rapids. Artworks is partially funded by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. More information about this organization can be found on their website, http://www.michiganbusiness.org/community/council-arts-cultural-affairs/

Today is National Creativity Day! What will you create?
05/30/2026

Today is National Creativity Day! What will you create?

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Gnat TheoryWe can’t wait to have Gnat Theory at The Farm for Artstock 2026! With Gavin Padgett on alto...
05/29/2026

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Gnat Theory

We can’t wait to have Gnat Theory at The Farm for Artstock 2026!

With Gavin Padgett on alto sax, Nashoba Bos on drums, Amund Williams on bass, and Taylor Steinke on guitar, Gnat Theory is an experimental jazz fusion band with some seriously crunchy sounds.

If you dig tracks with sizzling guitar riffs, groovy sax solos, and greasy bass lines with drums that don’t quit, you will want to be at Artstock on June 27th for Gnat Theory!

Check out Gnat Theory’s music on their site:
https://sites.google.com/view/gnattheory/home

Ticket and festival information:
https://www.artworksinbigrapids.org/artstock

Join us for a full day of live music, art, food, and community at The Farm in Big Rapids!

Want to get involved with Artstock 2026? Sponsorship opportunities are available.By becoming a sponsor, you'll support b...
05/28/2026

Want to get involved with Artstock 2026? Sponsorship opportunities are available.

By becoming a sponsor, you'll support both Big Rapids’ hottest new summer event and advance Artworks mission to strengthen the arts and humanities in our community.

Benefits include event tickets, recognition at Artstock, website listing, and social media acknowledgement throughout our promotional campaign leading up to the event.

Explore sponsorship levels and learn more about partnering with Artstock here: artworksinbigrapids.org/artstock-sponsorship-packages

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: High Strung SteelWe’re excited to welcome High Strung Steel to Artstock 2026!Featuring fiddler Budd Gr...
05/27/2026

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: High Strung Steel

We’re excited to welcome High Strung Steel to Artstock 2026!

Featuring fiddler Budd Greenman and percussionist-singer Chris Jane, High Strung Steel delivers “a fusion of Celtic and Americana Folk that’s equal parts fiery, soulful, and unforgettable.”

If you like music with high energy and high spirit, you won’t want to miss High Strung Steel’s set on June 27th.

Check out their website and give them a listen:
https://highstrungsteel.band/home

Ticket and festival information:
https://www.artworksinbigrapids.org/artstock

Join us for a full day of live music, art, food, and community at The Farm in Big Rapids!

It’s finally here!Pack your lawn chairs, gather your favorite people, and get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of li...
05/22/2026

It’s finally here!

Pack your lawn chairs, gather your favorite people, and get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of live music, artful community vibes, and wide-open summer skies – all in support of Artworks.

Join us Saturday, June 27th from 1:00–7:00 PM at The Farm for a family-friendly event featuring activities for kids, a basket raffle, and local food and beverages for purchase from Cranker’s Brewery and Kilwins ice cream.

Live music from:
- Bob Craig
- Hand of Giants
- High Strung Steel
- Kelly Quinn
- Gnat Theory

Tickets are available at the Painted Turtle Gift Shop and online at https://www.artworksinbigrapids.org/artstock – grab yours now before they’re gone!

Lawn chairs or blankets are encouraged. No pets, please.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Artworks Road Trip is BACK!This summer, we’re bringing the arts to YOU with our Road Trip program! A free summer art exp...
05/13/2026

Artworks Road Trip is BACK!

This summer, we’re bringing the arts to YOU with our Road Trip program! A free summer art experience for kids ages 7–11

Young artists will:
- Create a hands-on art project
- Build creativity, confidence, and connection
- Explore, imagine, and make art in a supportive environment

Sessions run from 10am–1pm and space is limited, so be sure to register early! Since each session features the same project, please sign up for just one date/location.

And just like last year, Artworks has partnered with Angels of Action to provide lunches for kids to assemble; encouraging independence while developing fine and gross motor skills.

For dates/locations and to register, visit https://www.artworksinbigrapids.org/road-trip

Artworks is stoked by the latest addition of public art in Big Rapids! Go check out the ‘Bird’!
05/09/2026

Artworks is stoked by the latest addition of public art in Big Rapids! Go check out the ‘Bird’!

04/30/2026

Color is in the air, Big Rapids!

The 2026 Festival of Banners have arrived along Michigan Ave, Maple Street, and Baldwin Street bridge. A heartfelt shoutout to the sponsors who make this community art project possible and to the City of Big Rapids for partnering with Artworks to bring this project to life.

Take a stroll, look up, and let the art meet you where you are!

Artworks is absolutely thrilled to welcome two incredible humans to our creative constellation: Associate Director Natal...
04/28/2026

Artworks is absolutely thrilled to welcome two incredible humans to our creative constellation: Associate Director Natalie Zasadil and Development Coordinator Joshua Brady!

Natalie brings a wealth of nonprofit experience along with a Master of Arts in Arts and Cultural Management & Museum Studies from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Grand Valley State University. A Northern Michigan native, Natalie’s connection to Artworks comes full circle. She first interned with us during her undergraduate studies! When she’s not championing the arts, you’ll find her crafting or tending to her garden.

Josh holds a Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor of Integrative Studies from Ferris State University, where he first connected with Artworks through Ferris’ Drawn to Art club. In addition to his role here, Josh serves as an Adjunct Writing Center Specialist at Ferris, helping students sharpen their voices in academic writing and research.

Together, Natalie and Josh bring passion, perspective, and a deep love for the arts and humanities that will help shape what’s next for Artworks.

Join us in giving them a warm, creative welcome! We can’t wait for you to meet them!

Address

106 N Michigan Avenue
Big Rapids, MI
49307

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+12317962420

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