Artworks in Big Rapids

09/04/2026

Thank you to all who attended the opening reception of Artworks' final exhibition of the year: Stories We Tell, Stories We See

This exhibition explores the power of photographic images, featuring a traveling exhibit by Alvaro Alejandro-Lopez, whose collection of photographs focuses on our relationship with books. The exhibit has been shown in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and other major cities around the U.S.

Stories We Tell, Stories We See is also a part of our NEA Big Read grant, which features the narrative of Frederick Douglass. Douglass keenly understood the power of image, and called for African-Americans to be photographed as a gesture of activism to create memorable images of African-American families.

To illustrate that powerful image, we included the family photographs of the Old Settlers, the pioneers who came to this region and settled as a result of The Homestead Act of 1862.

We were honored to have the descendants of those pioneers at last night's reception.

Haven't seen it yet? Be sure to stop by: the exhibition will be on view until October 31st.

09/01/2026

Registration for The Art of Healing, a collaboration between the Anti-Violence Alliance at Ferris State University and Artworks, is now open to the public!

You can sign up here------>

Fill out the information below to reserve your spot in the The Art of Healing: Drawing & Painting event. Event Details: Date: Thursday, September 17th Time: 11:00 - 1:00 PM, stay the whole time or drop in when you can! Just know that if you arrive close to the end of the event, you may not have time...

08/28/2026

Join artist Joyce Capen for Draw It Out: A Two-Session Introduction to Drawing!

Ready to swap stick figures for something a little more… impressive? In this beginner-friendly class, you'll explore essential drawing tools and materials, experiment with lines, shapes, shading, and mark-making, and learn to break down complex subjects into simple forms.

No experience needed, and all materials are provided.

Visit our website to register!

September 26 & October 3rd 10am-12:30pm Instructor: Joyce Capen Ready to swap stick figures for something a little more… impressive? In this beginner-friendly, two-part class, we’ll start at the very beginning—because every masterpiece begins with a pencil and a plan. In Session One, you.....

08/25/2026

Are you looking for a new creative practice that is imaginative, meditative, and fun?

Starting on September 10th, drop-in on Thursday evenings to cut, tear, layer, and glue at Open Studio Collage!

We'll have everything you need to get started, all you'll need to bring is a curious mind and a drive to create!

08/21/2026

Join us for an afternoon of words, whimsy, and wonder at this Meet the Author double feature!

On September 24th from 2-4pm authors Carrie Weis and Marge Punches will be reading excerpts from their books- Full Moon Speaks and She Found Beauty.

Meet them both, learn about the creation of their books, and get your copy signed!

08/20/2026

Artworks made a prize delivery to Cranker's Brewery today 🎶

Congratulations once again to David Turner for winning this signed event poster from Artstock '26. We hope you enjoy it!

And a big thank you to Carrie Weiss for donating this incredible framing job, making the prize even more special.

08/19/2026

Did you know that engaging in a creative practice can help lower stress, anchor your focus to the present moment, and calm your nervous system?

Artworks is stoked to collaborate with the Anti-Violence Alliance at Ferris State University on The Art of Healing series!

Right now registration is reserved for Ferris students, but will open to the public on September 1st, so mark your calendars if you're interested in attending!

The RSVP Form is now opened for "The Art of Healing: Drawing and Painting" Event!

Hosted by the Anti-Violence Alliance and Artworks, create artwork that reflects your healing journey or simply enjoy the creative process. Reflection prompts, activities, and art supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own sketchbook and preferred drawing/painting materials. This is considered a 2-paw event, so you can create alongside others or work independently in a welcoming, supportive space. A light lunch and refreshments will be available for all who RSVP, but there are only 50 slots available.

The link to the RSVP form on Instagram is in AVA's profile bio.

Responses will initially be open to the Ferris State community (students, staff, & faculty), then open on September 1st to the general public.

All responses are due by September 13th at Midnight.

08/14/2026

Join us on August 29th from 7-8:30pm for an intimate screening of fine art films created by Black Artist's Path cohort mentee Noelle Shelton, exploring contemporary Black artistic practice at the intersection of cinema and community storytelling. The screening will follow with a focused dialogue in a moderated discussion and a live virtual Q&A with the filmmaker.

This program coincides with our current exhibition, Art From the Margins, which will be on view in the Batdorff Gallery until August 30th, so don't miss your chance to check it out before it's gone!

This film screening is FREE to attend, but registration is required! Please email [email protected] or call to register.

08/12/2026

Join the Ferris State Fine Art Gallery in transforming the Riverwalk at Hemlock Park into a vibrant outdoor art gallery at their first ever Chalk the Walk event on September 19th!

Bring your creativity and join in on the fun for a chance to win art-related prizes, and add some color to our community!

Save the date! On September 19th we will be hosting a free art event! Come decorate the sidewalk along the Muskegon River at Hemlock Park. Draw for fun or enter the competition for the chance to win art prizes!