Shows, Walks & Fairs

June 15, 2014

Art lovers on the prowl for a special painting, sculpture or pottery can find a high quality show almost every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day across northern Michigan. Here are details on some of the most popular shows and art fairs across the region.

Boyne City’s Peninsula Beach Park will host the fifth annual SoBo Art Festival on June 27-28. There’s a juried art show featuring an assortment of works, wine tasting, music, art demonstrations, workshops and activities for youngsters. To learn more, visit soboartsfestival.com.

Celebrating its 16th 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 28-29. 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 28. For info, visit artrapids.org.

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 artisans from across Michigan and is one of the standout activities always held on the holiday. For details, call (231) 526-7999.

Frankfort’s annual Art In The Park will be held on July 4 and feature works from Michigan artists on the shores of Lake Michigan. For details, visit Frankfort-elberta.com.

The National Cherry Festival Arts and Crafts Fair is set for July 6 along Union Street in Traverse City. More than 100 artisans will offer wares and works at this juried event. To learn more, visit cherryfestival.org.

The Beulah Art Fair is traditionally held the first Saturday after Independence Day. This year that’s July 5. An array of works will be shown by regional artists at this juried show. For details, call (231) 325-6642 or go to visitbenzie.com.

The 31st annual Harbor Springs Women’s Club Art Fest is set for July 9 at Nub’s Nob. This event is juried and attracts more than 100 artists. Admission is $3 for adults, free for children 12 and under. Call (231) 526-6496 for details.

The 18th annual Leland Artist’s Market is slated for July 12. It features 100 booths 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 12- 13. This show offers a mix of fine art and hobby crafts. With more than 150 artists, this show offers something for almost everyone. For details, call (231) 547-2101.

On July 16, the 43rd 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, including pottery, glass, jewelry and more. For details, call (231) 326-6084.

Petoskey’s Pennsylvania Park will host the 29th annual Art in the Park on July 19. Some 135 artists will display their works. Whether you’re a newbie to the art world or a seasoned collector, this show always offers tempting treasures. To learn more, visit Petoskey.com.

On July 25-27, Castle Farms will host the juried Craft Show and Fiber Arts Festival, featuring more than artisans displaying clothing, jewelry, home décor items and more. To learn more, visit castlefarms.com.

The 54th annual edition of the Traverse City Outdoor Art Fair will be held at Northwestern Michigan College on July 26. More than 100 vendors will be at this 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 26-27. 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. 2-3. More than 100 artists will display works along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. To learn more, call (231) 9895 or visit suttonsbayartfestival.org.

Charlevoix’s reputation as an artistic center is proven at its annual Waterfront Art Fair on Aug. 9. 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. To learn more, call (231) 547-2675.

The 38th annual Frankfort Art Fair will be held in Market Square Park on Aug. 15-16. 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.