Summer Arts

A round-up of the season’s most creative events

June 16, 2013

Art lovers in Northern Michigan can find a high quality show almost every weekend through Labor Day this summer. Here are details on some of the most popular shows and art fairs across the region.

- While not a typical art show, the Dennos Museum in Traverse City will host "Birds of Paradise: Amazing Avian Evolution," an exhibition from the National Geographic Society though the summer. It begins June 16 and runs through Sept. 22 at the museum. The photography of Tim Laman captures images of the 38 species of these elusive birds in New Guinea for the first time. A number of activities are planned in coordination with the exhibition. For more information, visit www.dennosmuseum. org/birds or call (231) 995-1055.

- Boyne City’s Peninsula Beach Park hosts the SoBo Art Festival on June 28-29. There’s a juried art show featuring an interesting mix of works, art demonstrations and activities for youngsters.

- Celebrating its 15th year, The Summer Solstice Art Show in Charlevoix’s East Park is known for its high quality art displayed on the shores of Round Lake. Whether you are interested in oils, watercolors, acrylics, sculpture, pottery, photography, furniture or jewelry, you’ll find it here. The two-day event is set for June 29-30. For information, call (231) 547-2101 or visit Charlevoix.org.

- Since 2006, Elk Rapids has hosted Art Rapids! where some 70 talented artists from as far away as Florida and Missouri display, demonstrate and sell their works in Veterans Park. Juried categories include oils, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, drawings, pastels, sculpture, metal, photography, jewelry, glass and ceramics. This show is a fixture for the final Saturday in June. This year it’s June 29. For info, visit artrapids.org.

- On June 30, the National Cherry Festival Arts and Crafts Fair will be held along Union Street in Traverse City. More than 100 artisans will offer wares and works at this juried event. To learn more, visit downtowntc.com or call (231) 922-2050.

- Celebrate the Fourth of July with a visit to the Harbor Springs Art Fair at the city’s Zorn Park. This one-day event features talented artisans from across Michigan and is one of the standout activities held on the holiday. For details, call (231) 526-7999.

- The Beulah Art Fair is traditionally held the first Saturday after Independence Day. This year that’s July 6. An interesting variety of media will be displayed by regional artists at this juried show. For details, call (231) 325-6642 or go to visitbenzie.com.

- The 30th annual Harbor Springs Women’s Club Art Fest is scheduled for July 10 at Nub’s Nob. This juried event attracts dozens of artists from across the country. Admission is $3 for adults, free for children 12 and under. Call (231) 526-6496 for details.

- The 16th annual Leland Artist’s Market is set for July 14. It features 80 booths and artists on the lawn and inside the venerable Old Art Building. You’ll see fine art paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery, tiles, glass, jewelry, woodcarving, basketry, fiber arts, folk art and gourmet food items. For information, call (231) 256-2131.

- Charlevoix’s East Park is the setting for the city’s annual Arts & Crafts Show on July 14-15. This show offers a mix of fine art and hobby crafts. With more than 150 artisans on site, this show offers something for almost everyone. For details, call (231) 547-2101.

- On July 17, the 42nd annual Glen Lake Women’s Club Art Fair will be held at the Glen Arbor Town Hall. More than 90 artists will display their creations in a variety of media, including pottery, glass, jewelry and more. For details, call (231) 326-6084.

- Petoskey’s Pennsylvania Park will host the annual Art in the Park on July 20. Some 130 artists will be displaying their works. Whether you’re a newbie to the art world or a seasoned collector, this show always offers tempting treasures.

- The 53rd annual edition of the Traverse City Outdoor Art Fair will be held at Northwestern Michigan College on July 27. More than 100 vendors will be at this show which has turned into a summertime tradition for art lovers. There’s always an impressive assortment of works in many media. For details, visit artcentertraversecity.com.

- The Bay Harbor Fine Art Fair marks its 15th anniversary on July 27-28. Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, this show draws thousands of visitors each year to Bay Harbor. More than 100 artists will display during the event. For info, visit bayharbor.com.

- The Suttons Bay Art Festival will be held at the village’s Marina Park on Aug. 3-4. More than 100 artists will be set up near the village marina along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. To learn more, visit suttonsbayartfestival.org.

- Charlevoix’s reputation as an artistic center is proven at its annual Waterfront Art Fair on Aug. 10. This is always one of the top shows of the summer and, with more than 150 artisans chosen from more than 1,000 submissions, it offers an impressive variety of works in many media. To learn more, call (231) 547-2675.

- The 37th annual Frankfort Art Fair will be held in Market Square Park on Aug. 16-17. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, this summer mainstay attracts almost 200 artists and is known for offering items in almost every media and price range. To learn more, visit Frankfort-elberta.com.