This time of year it’s easy to start feeling like you’re stuck inside, and even easier to be tired of braving the elements outside! So what do you do? You go on a West Michigan gallery road trip, that’s what!
There’s no better cure for cabin fever than to head out and take in some local work from West Michigan artists along the lakeshore. Here are just a handful of places to get inspired and broaden your horizons while getting out of the house and out of the cold.
#1: Art Cats Gallery, Muskegon MI
Owner, Louise Hopson, is not just a cat-lover — she’s been creating bright and fun art for over 30 years! Ah, but her one-of-a-kind clay pieces are not the only work you’ll find at Art Cats. This premier art gallery located in the historic and eclectic Lakeside District of Muskegon, right on Muskegon Lake, features the contemporary crafts, paintings, and artful accessories of over 70 artists, many of whom are from West Michigan. Everything here is handmade, from original paintings and prints to pottery, glass, jewelry, and of course Louise’s work, which she continuously creates in her studio adjacent to the gallery.
#2: C2C Gallery, Grand Haven MI
Their tagline is “Art for Your Everyday Life” and boy can you find all kinds of it inside this gallery! C2C features everything from handmade pottery and jewelry to glass and wall art, all one-of-a-kind and affordably priced. You’ll find a wide range of unique work from Michigan artisans, perfect for your home, cottage, or office decor. Time it right, and you may even see owner, Cyndi Casemier, working on her ceramic pieces right before your eyes. You can even catch live music performances by local musicians from time-to-time.
Bonus: While you’re at, stroll a bit down the street and you’ll find Gallery Uptown — the oldest artist-operated gallery in the state. Award-winning local artists display their work here and each month, there is a themed show featuring new pieces. You never know what you might see!
#3: Lake Effect Gallery, Holland MI
Here you’ll discover a collection of over 20 Michigan artists whose works are inspired by West Michigan’s coastline. Much of the art at Lake Effect Gallery focuses on beaches and boating, but you’ll also find pieces that showcase the historical architecture of the area, local gardens, and of course tulips, for which this West Michigan town is known! This place has a wide variety of original artwork in oil, watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media, as well as abstract pieces, jewelry, furnishings, and glass and metal art. You can even get custom prints sized-to-order and there’s a framing service right on-site.
Take home some art from Lake Effect, and you can enjoy the West Michigan lakeshore no matter where you live!
#4: J. Petter Galleries, Douglas, MI
What goes better with browsing an art gallery than sipping a glass of wine while you do it? J Petter uniquely combines fine art with fine wine at this gallery/wine shop located in Douglas, near Saugatuck – an area that just happens to be known as the “Art Coast of Michigan.”
Not only can you enjoy fine paintings, drawings, sculptures, and glasswork from West Michigan artists and more, but you can also enjoy boutique wines, artisan cheeses, handmade chocolates, and even locally-baked goods to boot!
There is plenty of art and wine to go around, too, and everything is available for purchase. Not sure if a piece of art will look good in your home? You can actually visualize the artwork in your space with J. Petter’s virtual art installation. Yeah, this place is pretty darn cool.
#5: James Brandess Studio & Gallery, Saugatuck MI
As we mentioned above, Saugatuck is referred to as the “Art Coast of Michigan,” so it makes sense you’ll find plenty of galleries to encounter around here! One such place that features local artistry is James Brandess Studio & Gallery. Housed in a historic building that was once the post office in downtown Saugatuck, this gallery offers a wide array of original art that reflects the West Michigan landscape and environment.
We’re not just talking canvas either. You can get your favorite works on hand-deckled cards and notecards, mugs, mousepads, calendars, coasters, and more. If you want a taste of West Michigan art, you can take it home in practically any form you wish!
Love the West Michigan Lakeshore?
West Michigan is home to many amazing artists inspired by the beauty of the lakeshore. If you’re looking for your own inspiration, reach out to BlueWest Properties. We have listings in several lakeshore communities, from South Haven to Muskegon, and can help you find the ideal home to speak to your artistic side.
Just think — if you live out here, you won’t have to travel far to explore West Michigan galleries where you can find unique pieces to decorate your new home! Give us a call at 616-843-0603 or contact us online to learn more.
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