Art Shows Galore!

June 10, 2016

Almost every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day there’s a high quality art show in northern Michigan. Here’s a glimpse at some of the region’s most popular shows and art fairs.

Boyne City will host the seventh annual SoBo Art Festival June 24–25. There’s a juried art show featuring an assortment of works from dozens of artists, wine tasting, music, art demonstrations, workshops, puppet shows and other activities for youngsters. A first-ever “CHALK-OUT” contest offers a first place prize of $200. Food trucks featuring farm-totable menus will be on site. To learn more, visit soboartsfestival.com.

Since 2006, Elk Rapids has hosted Art Rapids!, where talented artists from around the nation display and sell their works in Veterans Park. The show, which draws about 4,000 visitors each year, is a fixture for the final Saturday in June. This year it’s June 25. Juried categories include oils, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, drawings, pastels, sculpture, metal, photography, jewelry, glass and ceramics. This year a plein air event is something new. For more, visit artrapids.org.

Celebrating its 18th 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 to run June 25–26. For information, visit Charlevoix.org.

The National Cherry Festival Arts and Crafts Fair hits Traverse City on July 3 along Union Street. More than 100 artisans will offer wares and works at this annual juried event a short walk from Grand Traverse Bay. To learn more, visit cherryfestival.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 at Mineral Springs Park on July 4 and features works from Michigan artists. For details, visit frankfort-elberta.com.

The Beulah Art Fair is traditionally held the first Saturday after Independence Day. This year that’s July 9. An array of works will be shown by regional artists at this juried show. For details, go to visitbenzie.com or call (231)499-4068.

The 19th annual Leland Artist’s Market is also scheduled for July 9. 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, 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 48th annual Arts & Crafts Show July 9-10. This show offers a mix of fine art and hobby crafts. With more than 150 artists from across the nation, there’s something for almost everyone. For details, call (231)547-210 or visit charlevoix.org.

The 33rd annual Harbor Springs Women’s Club Art Fest is set for July 13 at Nub’s Nob. The event is juried and attracts 120 quality artists from across the country. Admission is $3 for adults, free for children 12 and under. For information, email nmwomensclub@gmail.com.

Petoskey’s Pennsylvania Park will host the 31st annual Art in the Park on July 16. More than 130 artists will display paintings, photographs, pottery, jewelry and more. Whether you’re a newbie to the art world or a seasoned collector, this show always offers tempting treasures. To learn more, visit petoskeychamber.com.

The Bay Harbor Fine Art Fair marks its 17th anniversary July 29–31. Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, this show draws thousands of visitors each year to Bay Harbor. More than 100 artists will display ceramics, drawings, fibers, furniture, painting, sculptures and more. For info, visit bayharbor.com.

The 56th annual edition of the Traverse City Outdoor Art Fair will be held at Northwestern Michigan College on July 30. This summer tradition attracts more than 100 vendors annually.

There’s always an impressive assortment of works in many media. Admission and parking is free. For details, visit crookedtree.org.

The Suttons Bay Art Festival will be held at the village’s Marina Park Aug. 6–7. More than 100 artists will display an array of works along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. To learn more, visit suttonsbayartfestival.org.

Charlevoix’s reputation as an artistic center is proven at its 58th annual Waterfront Art Fair on Aug. 13. 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 40th annual Frankfort Art Fair will be held in Market Square Park Aug. 19–20. 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.