Get Out To The Art Shows!

June 5, 2015

Whether you’re a curious collector or an avid art lover looking for a special piece, there’s a high quality art show somewhere in northern Michigan nearly every weekend this summer. Here are details on some of the region’s most popular art shows and fairs.

Boyne City’s Peninsula Beach Park will host the sixth annual SoBo Art Festival June 26-27. There’s a juried art show featuring an assortment of work from more than 40 artists, as well as wine tasting, music, art demonstrations, workshops and activities for youngsters. Food Trucks featuring farm to table menus will be on site. For information, visit soboartsfestival.com.

Celebrating its 17th year, The Summer 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 27 and 28. For information, visit Charlevoix.org.

Since 2006, Elk Rapids has hosted Art Rapids!, showcasing 65 talented artists from as far away as Florida and Missouri who display, demonstrate and sell their works in Veterans Park. The show, which draws nearly 4,000 visitors annually, is slated each year for the final Saturday in June. This year it’s June 27. Juried categories include oils, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, drawings, pastels, sculpture, metal, photography, jewelry, glass and ceramics. For more information, 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 a standout activity now synonymous with the holiday. For information, call (231) 526-7999.

Frankfort’s annual Art In The Park will be held at Mineral Springs Park on July 4, featuring works from Michigan artists on the shores of Lake Michigan. For information, visit Frankfort-elberta.com.

The National Cherry Festival Arts and Crafts Fair is set to take over Union Street in Traverse City on July 5. More than 100 artisans will offer wares and works at this juried event. For information, visit cherryfestival.org.

The Beulah Art Fair is traditionally held the first Saturday after Independence Day. This year, that’s July 11. An array of works will be shown by regional artists at this juried show. For information, go to visitbenzie.com.

The 32nd annual Harbor Springs Women’s Club Art Fest is set for July 8 at Nub’s Nob.

This event is juried and attracts more than 100 quality artists. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children 12 and under. For information, email judy.birman.thurston@gmail.com.

The 19th annual Leland Artist’s Market is slated for July 11 and will feature 100 booths inside the venerable Old Art Building and on its lawn. You’ll see fine art paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery, tiles, glass, woodcarving, basketry, fiber arts, folk art and gourmet food items. For information, call (231) 256-2131.

Charlevoix’s East Park hosts the city’s annual Arts & Crafts Show July 11-12. This show offers a mix of fine art and hobby crafts, with more than 150 artists displaying something for almost everyone. For information, call (231) 547-2101.

Petoskey’s Pennsylvania Park will host the 30th annual Art in the Park on July 18. More than 100 artists will display their work and, whether you’re a newbie to the art world or a seasoned collector, this show always offers tempting treasures. For information, visit Petoskey.com.

July 24-26, Castle Farms will host the juried Craft Show and Fiber Arts Market, featuring clothing, jewelry, home décor items and more. For information, visit castlefarms.com.

The 55th annual Traverse City Outdoor Art Fair will be held at Northwestern Michigan College on July 25. This summer tradition attracts more than 100 vendors each year and there’s always an impressive assortment of works in various media. For information, visit crookedtree.org.

The Bay Harbor Fine Art Fair marks its 16th anniversary July 25-26. Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, this show draws thousands of visitors each year. More than 100 artists will display at the event. For information, visit bayharbor.com.

The Suttons Bay Art Festival will be held at the village’s Marina Park Aug. 1-2. More than 100 artists will display works along the Lake Michigan shoreline. For information, visit suttonsbayartfestival.org.

Charlevoix’s reputation as an artistic hub is underscored at its annual Waterfront Art Fair on Aug. 8. One of the most popular shows of the summer, more than 150 artisans are chosen from more than 1,000 submissions, showcasing an impressive variety of works. For information, call (231) 547-2675.

The 39th annual Frankfort Art Fair will be held in Market Square Park Aug. 14-15. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, this summer mainstay attracts almost 200 artists and is famous for offering items in almost every media and price range. For information, visit Frankfort-elberta.com.