Artworks in Big Rapids

10/20/2026

Our ongoing exhibition, Stories We Tell, Stories We See, explores the power of photographic images and their narratives 📸

It features Alvaro Alejandro-Lopez’s collection of photographs that examines our relationship with books, as well as the photography of Frederick Douglass, who used the medium as a form of activism, or as this year's exhibition theme calls it, "Artivism."

This exhibition, like all Artworks exhibitions, is 100% free and open to the public. It's just one of the ways we bring big conversations right here to our city.

Want to learn about the exhibitions and programs Artworks has put on in the past, and how you keep them thriving in the seasons to come? Just click below 👇

Season After Season is our campaign to raise funds across all of Artworks’ programs. Throughout the season, we’re telling the story of what we do, from our history to our programs to the building that makes it all possible. Every two weeks will bring a new focus, and with it, a new story.

10/16/2026

Practice new creative skills at Artworks! 🎨

Last week, we posted a story diving into some of the exciting exhibitions and programs that take place at Artworks.

Those include classes and workshops that allow anyone to learn and try a variety of art. For those who prefer less structured events, we offer Open Studio nights as well.

Our upcoming classes include Painless Pastel Portraits and Beginner Handbuilt Pottery. Interested? You can sign up on our website, under “Experiences."

To learn more about how Artworks brings creativity to our town, and how you can support us, check out the link below 👇

Season After Season is our campaign to raise funds across all of Artworks’ programs. Throughout the season, we’re telling the story of what we do, from our history to our programs to the building that makes it all possible. Every two weeks will bring a new focus, and with it, a new story.

10/09/2026

Our participation in the NEA Big Read 2026 kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, October 10 at 5pm in our Batdorff Gallery!

We hope you'll join us in welcoming Frederick Douglass historical reenactor Nathan M. Richardson. At the event, Richardson will bring to life the historic social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman.

The experience offers a unique opportunity to encounter history through the eyes of someone who lived it and whose words and actions helped shape it.

We can't wait to see you there.

10/06/2026

Give a little. Shop a little. Support a lot.

Donate your gently used treasures and then shop GFWC’s 4B’s Fundraiser on Thursday, October 29, from 4–7pm at Artworks!

All proceeds benefit children’s programming at Artworks. Helping creativity take root and grow in our community.

Artworks is grateful to GFWC-Big Rapids for their generous support and commitment to making the arts accessible to local kids. Come find your next treasure and help make a little art-magic happen!

10/05/2026

Plan on parking in the lot behind Artworks and entering through the back entrance for Artworks, Papa’s Place, and Three Girls Bakery and Deli.

Heads up! Sidewalk work notice.

10/02/2026

Since the beginning—even when Artworks wasn’t “Artworks”—we've continued to be around because of our donors, members, artists, volunteers, partners, and friends.

Over the years, our location has changed, the two original organizations married (yes, really!), new programs were developed, and the community came together to support us time after time, season after season.

Read below to to learn about our history and how you can help our mission of supporting the arts in Michigan for generations to come. We're counting on your support 👇

Season After Season is our campaign to raise funds across all of Artworks’ programs. Throughout the season, we’re telling the story of what we do, from our history to our programs to the building that makes it all possible. Every two weeks will bring a new focus, and with it, a new story.

09/30/2026

Never before have there been so many opportunities for writers to find their audience.

On October 22nd from 1-2pm in the Batdorff gallery, join Dr. Deirdre Fagan to learn about different paths to publication, experience a show and tell of the possibilities for creative work in the 21st century, and have the opportunity to have your publication questions answered.

Deirdre Fagan is an award-winning multi-genre author of five books, and Professor and Coordinator of Creative Writing at Ferris State University where she teaches literature and writing courses, including a course on publication.

This event is free to attend and no registration needed. We hope to see you there!

09/29/2026

Artworks is proud to join the NEA Big Read 2026, bringing our community together around Frederick Douglass’ landmark 1845 memoir, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave".

In partnership with the Big Rapids Community Library, Jim Crow Museum, Ferris State Fine Art Gallery, and Old Settlers Reunion Association, we’ll explore the ongoing pursuit of a “more perfect union” through literature, history, art, and conversation.

Kicking off October 10 with Frederick Douglass historical reenactor Nathan M. Richardson, the program will continue with book discussions, memoir writing, oral history, photography, and a guided museum tour.

Read. Reflect. Gather. Engage.

More details at https://www.artworksinbigrapids.org/nea-big-read

09/28/2026

Great things happen when we gather.

Artworks is proud to be a Gathering Partner for Michigan Humanities’ new Great Michigan Gathering. A three-year statewide initiative exploring how intentional gathering can strengthen communities.

The initiative kicks off October 8 with Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering, at The Henry Ford. While our executive director will be there in person, we’re bringing the gathering home!

Where: Artworks
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 7PM
What: Livestream watch party

Come gather with us, share space, and explore why how we come together matters.

Everyone is welcome. Let’s gather.

09/25/2026

Did you know Artworks was formed from two parent organizations?

To kick off our fall fundraising campaign, we're focusing on our history and legacy, from Artworks' creation to the endowment fund that ensures we'll be here for the seasons to come.

You can read the full Story of Artworks, and learn more about the campaign, here:

Season After Season is our campaign to raise funds across all of Artworks’ programs. Throughout the season, we’re telling the story of what we do, from our history to our programs to the building that makes it all possible. Every two weeks will bring a new focus, and with it, a new story.