08/31/2026
Hey Artists! This is your weekly update from the Ludington Area Center for the Arts—LACA!
We kick off the week on Tuesday, September 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with Lobster Buoys Watercolor led by artist Richelle Daniels. This laid-back workshop channels nautical vibes by guiding participants through painting a charming stack of brightly colored harbor lobster buoys ($30 members / $40 non-members, all supplies included). As always, participants in Richelle's Tuesday classes are welcome to bring their own reference photos if they prefer to bring a personal vision to life!
On Wednesday, September 2, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., join us at Waterfront Park for the grand season finale of the 2026 LACA Summer Concert Series! We close out an incredible summer of live music with Roger That, bringing high-energy rocking dance tunes alongside pop and soul favorites to the waterfront stage. This free, family-friendly concert offers the perfect setting to gather with neighbors and celebrate another unforgettable summer of community song. While the series is free to attend, community donations help ensure we can bring live music back next year—donations can be made online at ludingtonartscenter.org/donate.
Friday, September 4, begins with our regular weekly Oil Painting led by local artist Justin David Gustafson. Open to all skill levels with no long-term commitment required, this flexible, ongoing workshop provides hands-on technique guidance for $50 per session for LACA members and $60 for non-members, with all materials provided.
That same evening marks one of our biggest community highlights of the year: the launch of the annual LACA Member Exhibit, running through September 26 across both the Main Gallery and Performance Hall Gallery. Showcasing an extraordinary range of 2D and 3D original works created by local LACA members over the past year, this exhibition celebrates the depth of talent within our creative community. Join us for a FREE public artist reception on Friday, September 4, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. to meet the artists, enjoy live community connection, and explore available works for purchase. Executive Director Andrew Skinner emphasizes that investing in local artwork directly supports regional creators while stimulating our local cultural economy.
Looking ahead to next week, registration is officially open for our September youth after-school programs starting September 8! Designed for ages 5 through 14, these hands-on series include Art-Ventures (mixed media, ceramics, stop-motion animation), Sewing Studio, and Creative Quest (culinary arts, paper crafts, ceramic sculpture). Programs include snacks and run directly after school with transportation provided by Ludington Area School District from Ludington Elementary and O.J. DeJonge Middle School. Member families receive a 30% discount using code MEMBERS at checkout. These programs are made possible by grants from the Community Foundation for Mason County, Patrick and Maria O'Hare Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County, and Pennies from Heaven Foundation.
