Six Benzie County Art Havens to Visit This Summer
Experience local fine art, brand new events, and live performances at these art hubs
Benzie County may be beloved for its Hallmark–esque towns and beaches that stretch to infinity, but it’s also a hub for fine art. From outdoor art parks that spark the imagination to galleries that would belong in a big city, there’s no shortage of inspiring places to visit. This summer, these creative destinations are hosting a variety of new exhibits, concerts, and special events you won’t want to miss.
The Community’s Art Center
With its year-long events, live music, and hundreds of new and rotating exhibitions from local artists, it’s easy to see why the Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts is at the heart of Benzie County’s art scene.
“We try to highlight incredible talent from around the state and expose both our artists and our guests to great art they might not otherwise have the opportunity to see,” says executive director Tamara Hoffbauer.
The center hosts at least 10 special exhibitions each year, including two member showcases featuring work by 100-plus local artists across a wide range of styles and media. It also hosts an annual student exhibition, where K–12 students from area schools contribute over 500 pieces of art.
This year, the center is ramping up its public events and providing a space where artists and the public can meet and greet. On Friday, July 25, the center hosted its fourth annual Coastal Caravan Art Fair. The free event featured 20+ juried local artists, plus gourmet hot dogs by Red Top Hot Dogs and a Bloody Mary bar.
Throughout the summer, the center hosts its chamber series featuring professional musicians, including its Ensemble in Residence, Viridian Strings. “This year we’re excited because we’re able to offer either free or no more than $10 for tickets for the entire chamber series through grants and private donations,” Hoffbauer says.
Hoffbauer encourages anyone interested in art, regardless of skill level, to enroll in one of more than 150 art classes offered at the center each year.
“You don’t have to ‘be an artist’ to appreciate, enjoy, and benefit,” she says. “I encourage people to think of themselves as part of the art scene of Benzie County, and just come out, take a class, and play with us.”
Where Fine Art Meets the Forest
Deep within 31 acres of hardwood forest in Crystal Mountain, Michigan Legacy Art Park uses its exhibits to take visitors on an adventure through the state’s history
“We focus on connecting people to the Michigan story, whether it’s the history, the culture, our legends, or the environment itself,” says executive director Angie Quinn.
Since 1995, the park has grown from a handful of sculptures into a permanent collection of over 53 large-scale contemporary works. Manicured trails open up to giant, interactive sculptures such as the stockade labyrinth, where visitors can walk through a three-dimensional maze and climb two stories to a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding forest.
Deeper along the trails are more thought-provoking pieces, like David Barr’s Sawpath Series, which tells the story of Michigan’s lumbering history through spiralling wood planks and metal spires. Another piece called Five Needles stands over 30 feet tall and displays five canvas sails, arranged in a Fibonacci Spiral similar to the natural patterns of tree branches and cones.
Throughout the summer, Quinn says the public can join the park’s free drop-in art program on Saturday mornings to help create the park’s newest exhibit.
“We’re making quilt squares for this large public installation and inviting everyone to help us,” she says. “Together, we’ll create a giant quilt that will go through the forest along one of the trails.”
Quinn says that besides art, the public can also expect several new concerts and events this year, such as its Summer Sounds concerts every Thursday evening and its first-ever open mic night on Aug. 13.
The sculpture park also offers weekly Tai Chi classes every Thursday morning from 10-11am throughout the summer, hosted by martial arts instructor Jim Atkins. The event costs a $20 drop-in fee.
Follow the Art Trail
Outside of the Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts’ modern exhibits or the ethereal trails of Michigan Legacy Art Park are several local art spaces that are full of summer-long events and special exhibits. Here are a few that we’re excited about.
Gwen Frostic Prints: Shop the iconic nature-inspired letterpress prints, stationery, books, and gifts created from Michigan artist Gwen Frostic’s original linoleum block designs, and watch historic Heidelberg presses in action. Enjoy the first-ever Gwen Frostic Yard Sale from July 31-Aug. 2 to find rare art, furniture, and time-worn prints at a discounted price.
5140 River Road, Benzonia | gwenfrostic.com
Focus Gallery: Check out photography by Drew Smith and wildlife art by Carl Freeman. See photos of Benzie’s coastal landscapes, wildlife, and sunsets and ready-to-display fine art prints depicting northern Michigan’s flora and fauna.
402 Main Street, Frankfort | focusfrankfort.com
PHOTO CREDIT: RON WISE
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