Features

The Art of Summer: 15+ Exhibits, Fairs, and Workshops in August

2025’s must-see art shows and must-try classes

By Abby McKiernan | July 26, 2025

Northern Michigan comes alive in the summer, and so does its art scene. From shoreline towns to downtown galleries, creativity blooms right alongside the wildflowers. Whether you’re looking to soak up a gallery show, wander through a lakeside art fair, or get your hands dirty in a creative workshop, there’s something waiting for you around every bend. This year’s lineup offers a mix of old favorites and fresh finds: plein-air landscapes, hands-on … Read More >>

A Museum for All: Dennos Museum Center

As federal decisions limit funding for the arts, the Dennos remains committed to its community

By Ren Brabenec | July 26, 2025

“The Dennos Museum Center builds community, sparks conversation, and inspires change for audiences of all ages through its exhibitions, programs, and the collection and preservation of art,” reads the mission statement of a Traverse City staple that’s stood at the southwest end of Northwestern Michigan College’s campus since 1991. “Dennos is one of the top two or three out of over 400 community college museums in the United States in terms of … Read More >>

Welcome to Somebody’s Gallery!

The Petoskey art haven turns 10

By Todd VanSickle | July 26, 2025

A little over 10 years ago, Julie Stoppel was shopping in Petoskey’s Gaslight District when a friend pointed out a building that she thought would make a good location for an art gallery—something Stoppel had always dreamed of owning and operating. “What I wanted to do was create a gallery that anyone felt comfortable walking into,” Stoppel says. “I remember being a teenager and walking into a gallery in San Francisco and … Read More >>

Bringing Art to Community

Inaugural mural festival heads to Traverse City in September

By Ellen Miller | July 26, 2025

With the beauty of the coastline front and center, you could be forgiven for not knowing that Traverse City has a robust public arts scene. Walk around town, though, and you’ll be met with a rich artistic experience, from gallery walls to public art on buildings to TART Trail sculptures. This year, six artists will participate in Traverse City’s first Mural Festival, happening Sept. 12-17, 2025. The festival, run by the Traverse … Read More >>

A Whole Life of Art

Bier Art Gallery & Pottery Studio continues a 40-year tradition

By Ross Boissoneau | July 26, 2025

For more than 40 years, the red schoolhouse six miles south of Charlevoix has been a haven for those looking for pottery, paintings, jewelry, and more. It’s also a haven for artist owners Ray and Tami Bier. “When I was 15, I was throwing pottery,” says Ray, who attended Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids. He admits he was a rather indifferent student, except for art. “I was not so … Read More >>

Dance the Week Away

Traverse City Dance Project takes the stage

July 26, 2025

Traverse City Dance Project is all about using the power of professional dance to “unite, empower, and inspire communities.” This week, they’re out for their summer tour around northern Michigan, with four free events in the region. Tuesday, July 29, catch them at The Garden Theater in Frankfort from 7-8:30pm. Thursday, they’ll be at the Odmark Performance Pavilion in Charlevoix from 7:30-9pm. Saturday, head to Railroad Square Pavilion in Kalkaska from 4-5:30pm. … Read More >>

Harbor Days Are Here!

July 26, 2025

The biggest Elk Rapids bash returns July 30-Aug. 2 for its 70th year. Opening ceremonies take place on Wednesday, paired with the village’s Evening on River Street. Thursday’s headliner events include an Art and Craft Show, the Car Show by the Bay, and an ice cream eating contest. Friday, join the Community Paddle with Paddle Antrim in the morning before taking the kids to a foam party or signing up for the … Read More >>

Street Sale + Friday Night Live

By Jamie Kauffold | July 26, 2025

TC’s biggest summer street party returns! The Downtown Street Sale and Friday Night Live are joining forces Friday, Aug. 1. The Street Sale runs from 8am-9pm, with FNL transforming Front St. into a block party with live music by The Timebombs and Fresh Coast Groove DJ set, food and beverage vendors, street performances such as the Clark Lewis Juggle Show + Twisted Style Freerunning, activities including yoga and line dancing with Little … Read More >>

Budget Cuts to Mental Health Services Threaten Livelihoods of the Disability Community

Funding shortages, eliminated services, and Medicaid changes have advocates worried

July 19, 2025

In northern Michigan, where community ties run deep and services for vulnerable populations often rely on shoestring budgets, recent cuts to mental health funding are shaking the foundations of organizations like Grand Traverse Industries (GTI), a nonprofit that offers “vocational training, employment, and habilitation services” to people with disabilities in seven counties. The crisis stems from a significant budget shortfall at Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority (NLCMHA), which provides services to … Read More >>

Straight No Chaser Takes the Stage

The a cappella group heads to NoMi for two nostalgic nineties shows

By Ross Boissoneau | July 19, 2025

There’s no truth to the rumor that the words “a cappella” are short for “the singers don’t have enough money to pay a band.” That’s because the singers are the band. Example A: Straight No Chaser, the vocal group that originated on the campus of Indiana University more than a quarter century ago. It includes lead and harmony vocals, percussion, bass, maybe even some choreography, and plenty of hits. In short, everything … Read More >>