Late Night Fridays and Manitou Music
2025-06-13 17:00 - 2025-06-27 20:00, 2025-06-20 17:00 - 2025-07-04 20:00, 2025-06-27 17:00 - 2025-07-11 20:00, 2025-07-04 17:00 - 2025-07-18 20:00, 2025-07-11 17:00 - 2025-07-25 20:00, 2025-07-18 17:00 - 2025-08-01 20:00, 2025-07-25 17:00 - 2025-08-08 20:00, 2025-08-01 17:00 - 2025-08-15 20:00 (America/Detroit) and 6 more dates | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Scott Bouma
Executive Director
Glen Arbor Arts Center
231/334-6112
director@glenarborart.org
The Glen Arbor Arts Center is keeping the lights on a little longer on Friday nights. Late Night Fridays and Manitou Music bring the B-Side Growlers back to the GAAC Front Porch on June 27, 5-7 pm. This “tradition-inspired, toe-tapping fired” acoustic trio from Grand Rapids plays a plein air concert of blues, jazz and country. Bring a chair and refreshments.
As part of Late Night Fridays, both GAAC galleries are open June 13, 20, and 27. In the GAAC Main Gallery is the 2025 Members Create, an exhibition of work by 49 GAAC members. In the Lobby Gallery: Random: Collages From The Scrap Pile by Leelanau County painter Mark Mehaffey. Read more about the exhibit here: GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS.
All Late Friday Nights events are free. The GAAC is located at 6031 S. Lake St., Glen Arbor.

Artist’s Interview: Inside The Outside
2025-06-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Scott Bouma
Executive Director
Glen Arbor Arts Center
231 334-6112
director@glenarborart.org
Artist’s Interview: Inside The Outside
Inside The Outside is a new exhibition of work by Traverse City painter Justin Shull. This group of five digital paintings are on the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Outdoor Gallery. Shull and Sarah Bearup-Neal, GAAC gallery manager, will discuss the work, the theme that connects each of the paintings in the installation, and Shull’s process for making them. The program is July 20, 11 am at the GAAC.
The paintings in this exhibition are digitally generated, and were created for the 6th edition of the GAAC’s Outdoor Gallery project, a year-long, invitational exhibition that turns the GAAC’s exterior walls into an outdoor exhibition space. Shull is no stranger to digital technology, and has integrated it into his painting practice. Shull will discuss how he balances high-tech methods of making with the conventions of working by hand.
Read more about Inside The Outside on the GAAC website: GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS

Glen Arbor Arts Center Presents Youth Plein Air Month in July
2025-07-01 09:00 - 2025-07-31 15:00, 2025-07-12 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-31 18:00 - 19:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Scott Bouma Executive Director / Glen Arbor Arts Center (231) 334-6112 director@glenarborart.org
Glen Arbor Arts Center Presents Youth Plein Air Month in July
GLEN ARBOR, Mich. — Throughout July, the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s new Youth Plein Air Month will invite children ages 6–12 to step outside, paint in the open air, and capture the signature landscapes and buildings of Leelanau County.
“Youth Plein Air Month is intended to nurture confidence and creativity by taking art making outside the classroom,” said Scott Bouma, Executive Director of GAAC. “We want young artists to feel the very spark of inspiration that has brought seasoned plein air painters to this area for generations.”
Paint with Free Plein Air Art Kits
From July 1 through July 31, families may borrow fully stocked art kits at no cost. Each kit contains supplies and instructions, including standing easels, canvases, paints, brushes, and painters palettes. Young artists can paint on GAAC grounds or borrow the kits for up to four days to take on outdoor adventures.
“We’re excited to introduce children to the world of plein air painting with free art kits designed just for them,” said Kristie McCaw, Program Manager at the Glen Arbor Arts Center. “It’s a chance to spark their creativity, connect with nature, and experience the joy of making art in the open air, all while exploring the beauty of our region.”
Meet a Plein Air Artist Day | Saturday, July 12
Professional plein air painters will be on site at GAAC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for demonstrations, technique tips, and hands-on guidance. A rain date is set for Sunday, July 13.
“After decades in the classroom, I’ve seen how quickly young minds spark when they watch creativity unfold in real time,” said Mark Mehaffey, former teacher and featured plein air painter. “The artists will guide kids, inviting them to pick up a brush and experience the joy of capturing the world around them.”
Youth Plein Air Exhibit | July 28 to July 31
Each participant will have the opportunity to display one completed painting in GAAC’s classroom gallery. The exhibit will be open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gathering and Awards Ceremony | Thursday, July 31
A community celebration on the GAAC back deck from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. will spotlight the young artists and recognize their work.
“Seeing their artwork on display and hearing applause from family and friends can be transformative for young creators,” Bouma added.

Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair
2025-07-16 10:00 - 16:00
The 53 rd annual Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair will be held on July 16 th , at the Glen Arbor Township Hall. The Art Fair features artists carefully selected to represent a wide variety of one-of-a-kind art pieces for sale including pottery, painting, textiles, woodworking, and jewelry. Each year, thousands of people shop for that unique piece of art, either for themselves or for a special gift. Some go to their favorite artists’ booths to add to a collection, while others like to peruse vendors new to the Art Fair for a special purchase.
The Art Fair is a family-friendly event with a large selection of treasures available across a wide range of price points. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful homemade purse or jacket; an original painting of a favorite, local scene; a stunning piece of new jewelry; or a unique pottery garlic keeper; you are sure to find it at one of the well-displayed booths, both inside and outside the Township Hall.
Co-chairs Ruthy Bolton and Meg DeJager begin coordinating the Art Fair Committees in January to make sure all runs smoothly for vendors and shoppers on Art Fair Day. You can find them scurrying throughout the Fair, along with other Glen Lake Woman’s Club members in their bright yellow t-shirts throughout the day. They will also be hosting an information table right inside the Township Hall doors and can direct you to a specific booth. Bolton states, “Even with all our hard work these 7 months, we couldn’t pull off a successful Art Fair without the support of local businesses who donate advertisements and food or the media for getting the word out, and the Empire Lion’s Club for assisting with vendor loading and unloading.” DeJager adds, “The vendors really set the tone for the quality of the art at the Fair.
Check the Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair Facebook page for information about how to become a vendor.” “BATA is pleased to partner with the Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair to provide vendor transportation to and from the event location. Helping support Leelanau County groups, organizations and events with transportation is a just one way BATA can provide added value to the communities we serve,” stated Eric Lingaur, Communications and Development Director for the Bay Area Transportation Authority.
All proceeds from the Art Fair support scholarships for Glen Lake Community School students. Since 1980, The Glen Lake Woman’s Club has awarded $350,000 to over 250 students attending Northwest Michigan College. Scholarships are also awarded for Blue Lake Music Camp and other critical student-needs through the school’s student assistance fund and the LIFT Middle School afterschool program. The scholarship recipients and Glen Lake High School Football players have a history of volunteering at the Art Fair with enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to assist where needed most. You will find them distributing coffee and donuts to vendors early in the morning, serving in the kitchen, setting up and taking down tables, and assisting customers at the popular jewelry or bake sale tables.
The Glen Lake Woman’s Club, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1937 with the goal of fostering social, civic, and educational projects. The charter members adopted as their slogan, “If you wish to live in a better place, better the place in which you live.” For more information about the Glen Lake Woman’s Club, the Art Fair, or our scholarship program, visit the Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair Facebook page or our web site at
https://www.glenlakewomansclub.org. Information is also available on the Glen Arbor Chamber of Commerce website at https://www.visitglenarbor.com.

Traverse City Dance Project: Summer Performance Tour
2025-07-29 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-31 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-08-02 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-08-03 19:30 - 21:00
The Traverse City Dance Project’s 2025 summer season features a four-stop tour of FREE performances across Northern Michigan! The program boasts an impressive lineup of professional dancers from around the country and showcases new dance works by Resident Choreographer Jennifer McQuiston Lott and recent Juilliard graduate Julia Ciesielska, in collaboration with live cellist Kyle Stachnik. The second half of the program will spotlight choreography by Artistic Director Brent Whitney, set to the iconic music of Queen. Pre-show tunes by DJ Eric P! The summer season concludes with Gala in the Gardens, a magical evening supporting the future growth of the Traverse City Dance Project.
Note: All of the shows, except for Frankfort, are outdoors. Bring your own chair/blanket for the Charlevoix and Traverse City performances, as seating will not be provided. We strive to make these events as accessible as possible; please feel free to reach out if you have any specific needs.

Plein Air Weekend
2025-08-01 - 2025-08-02 | Glen Arbor Township Hall
ADVANCED NOTICE – August Event
Note to Editors: We’re providing this press release in advance to assist with your summer coverage planning. You’re
welcome to publish anytime, though we kindly suggest running it in July to align with public interest and the event date.
Contact: Georgia Gietzen
616-633-3919
georgia@northwoodshardware.com
Plein Air Weekend Returns August 1–2 with New Sunsetter Event
Glen Arbor, MI – The Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Plein Air Weekend returns August 1–2, 2025, bringing together dozens
of artists and hundreds of art lovers to celebrate the region’s natural beauty through the time-honored tradition of
outdoor painting.
This year’s event introduces two exciting additions: The Sunsetter, a new Friday evening painting event during the
dramatic light of sundown, and a special showcase of Youth Plein Air Exhibit winners, featured as part of Friday and
Saturday’s exhibitions.
Over two days, more than 100 artists will set up their easels in and around the area to capture the landscapes, water,
and village life of Leelanau County. The public is invited to watch the work unfold in real time, then view and purchase
freshly painted pieces from three unique painting events:
● Quick Draw – Friday, August 1
Artists paint within a short window in and around Glen Arbor, with finished works available for purchase during
the exhibition from 4:00–6:00 PM at the Glen Arbor Town Hall.
● Sunsetter – Friday, August 1
A new sunset event celebrating the dramatic beauty of evening light. Artwork will be available for viewing and
purchase at the Saturday Exhibition from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Glen Arbor Town Hall.
● Paint Out – Saturday, August 2
75 regional artists spend the day capturing the area. Their fresh works are then displayed and available for
purchase at the Glen Arbor Town Hall in the evening from 5:30–7:00 PM.
Whether you’re an art collector, nature lover, or just curious about the creative process, Plein Air Weekend offers a
vibrant and immersive experience for all.
For full event details visit: glenarborart.org
About the Glen Arbor Arts Center:
The Glen Arbor Arts Center is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to enriching community life through exhibitions,
education, and public programs. Located in the heart of Leelanau County, the GAAC champions creativity and
connection through the visual, performing, and literary arts.

Traverse City Dance Project: Gala in the Gardens
2025-08-05 19:00 - 22:00
Join us on August 5th, 2025, for Gala in the Gardens, a magical evening supporting the future growth of the Traverse City Dance Project at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City. Experience captivating performances by TCDP dancers, live music by cellist Kyle Stachnik, and beats to dance the night away with DJ Eric P. Indulge in delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres while mingling with friends and fellow supporters. Choose from individual tickets or reserve a sponsorship table for eight guests (a portion of the cost is tax-deductible).
The gala will commence under the pavilions with registration, drinks, live music, and dance, before transitioning into the cathedral barns, where there will be food, more live dance, and an exciting paddle raise to support the future of the TCDP. The evening will culminate back outside under the pavilions, where we will dance the night away.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and support for the Traverse City Dance Project. Secure your tickets or tables today for Gala in the Gardens below.

Art in the Barn
2025-08-09 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-10 10:00 - 17:00
Artist Douglas Racich will be opening his studio for visitors in his historic Leelanau County barn. Featured works will include egg tempera & watercolor/drybrush paintings.

HIStory / HERstory: Whose Story?
2025-08-15 09:00 - 2025-10-23 15:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Scott Bouma
Executive Director
Glen Arbor Arts Center
231 334 6112
director@glenarborart.org
HIStory / HERstory: Whose Story? [August 15 – October 23, 2025]
The Glen Arbor Arts Center takes on the question of history and voice in its next exhibition. HIStory/HERstory: Whose Story? is an exhibition that explores the idea that the victors have written history. This version of history has often been told from one perspective — while other histories have been ignored, deleted, denied, left out of the official record. The exhibition opens August 15, 5 pm with a reception in the GAAC Main Gallery.
Whether it’s visual art, literature, film, sports, science, politics, education, animal, mineral, real or imagined history, this exhibition asks:
• Who’s telling what stories?
• Who’s included in the official record?
• Who’s excluded? Omitted? Erased?
Twenty-four exhibitors take on these questions, and answer them with work about what’s included in the art historical canon; a fractured telling of Native American history; the voices inside a mom’s head; and other topics. Read more about the exhibit, and exhibition companion programs. View it online at GlenArborArt.org / EXHIBITS. HIStory / HERstory runs through October 23.

‘Not Accepted: An Historical Look At Art Exhibition Rejection’
2025-09-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI, 49636
Rejection from juried exhibitions is baked into the cake for artists who want to show their work. “Not Accepted: A Conversation About Rejection,” a slide lecture, delves into the topic. The lecture takes place at the Glen Arbor Arts Center on September 7, 11 am. Tickets are $5 for GAAC members, $10 for nonmembers. Reservations are required.
“Not Accepted” explores rejection through the lens of two, historic examples: the Paris Salon of 1863, and the Third Reich’s suppression and destruction of visual art it considered “degenerate.” The topic also touches upon other issues: Who determines what is acceptable art? Whose voice is heard? And, whose voice is erased? GAAC Gallery Manager Sarah Bearup-Neal leads the discussion.
The lecture is offered as part of the GAAC’s exhibition HIStory / HERstory: Whose Story? The show is on display in the GAAC Main Gallery through October 23. To reserve a ticket or for more information about the exhibit, go to: GlenArborArt.org /EXHIBITS.

Art in the Barn
2025-09-13 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday September 13 10AM-5PM
Sunday September 14 10AM-5PM
Studio Open House:
Artist Douglas Racich will be in his studio at his 1870’s Leelanau County Barn. Featured works will include egg tempera & watercolor paintings by Racich.
This month’s special guest artist Moira Racich’s paintings will include works from her ongoing DARK SKY series.
