…And Find Your Creative Self in Saugatuck, Michigan
Evolving Your Creativity
The annual fall gallery stroll happens each October. It is when it is common to hear it said by visitors, “I love art, but I’m just not that creative.” Far too often, we give ourselves a free pass on expressing ourselves creatively.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
~ Pablo Picasso
Maybe it’s time to take another look at ourselves and give creativity a chance to breathe in our lives. Support your inner artist. Create your own art or find ways to actively support the artists. Naturally, this is important to us here at Wickwood Inn, because we live in the heart of the “Art Coast of Michigan” – Saugatuck, Michigan. Just outside Wickwood’s front door and within easy walking and driving distance, there are more than 30 fine artist studios and galleries. Waiting to be explored, our local art scene made American Style Magazine, where Saugatuck makes the list of one of the Top 5 Art Towns In America!
“Creativity is contagious, pass it on”
~ Albert Einstein
The 42nd Annual Saugatuck-Douglas Fine Art Fall Gallery Stroll
We have the perfect catalyst in mind for you. The Annual Fall Gallery Stroll of Saugatuck & Douglas weekend takes place on October 6 & 7, 2018. Whether you are an art collector or an art novice, you’ll be inspired. No matter your preference, the sheer number of fine art galleries of every genre will satisfy the art lover in you. Need help deciding which of the many, many Saugatuck Douglas art gallery stroll exhibitions to attend? Begin with a few of our favorites below.
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” ~ Thomas Merton
Here’s the short list of Wickwood’s favorite picks for fine art galleries in the area:
- In Saugatuck, visit the galleries of James Brandess, Good Goods, (two of the art galleries that began the original area Gallery Stroll over four decades ago!) Armstrong-De Graaf, Amazwi, Roan & Black, The Ark and James Blanford.
- For Douglas, don’t miss J. Petter Galleries (founder Joyce Petter had the idea to begin the Gallery Stroll after seeing one in Boston’s art district all those years ago), Water Street Gallery, and LaFontsee Gallery.
- And finally, in Ganges Township, make the trip to Dawn Stafford’s Peachbelt Studio and Gallery. It’s well worth the scenic drive, as her picturesque gallery is exhibited in a rural historic (circa 1867) red brick one-room schoolhouse. Plus do not miss your chance to step into the creative spaces of the 10 Blue Coast Artists’ Studios nearby.
Grand Rapids’ Art Prize, Lakeshore & West Michigan Area Fall Art Happenings
This is by no means a list of ALL the art galleries in the area. And we must mention ArtPrize of Grand Rapids held September 19 through October 7, 2018. Only 30 miles from Saugatuck, art from around the world pops up in every inch of downtown Grand Rapids, MI. Both visitors and jurors vote for their favorites and large prizes are won. Worthy of mention, it is the largest ‘art prize’ in the world with over half a million dollars in prizes won. Ask us about the availability of a private driver to bring you into Grand Rapids for a day of Art Prize 2018 and your truly inspirational art experience.
“Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people”
~ Leo Burnett
You may choose to stay put in Saugatuck to get curious and be inspired with fresh ideas! What better place to do so than at our Ox-Bow School of Art? Immerse yourself in a one to two weeks intensive class or take a daily class from within the ‘Art On The Meadow’ curriculum. Having been around for more than one hundred years, Ox-Bow School of Art and Artist Residency provides classes, exhibits, and inspiration. All of this is in proud partnership with The School of the Art Institute of Chicago with creative opportunities for all skill levels. That’s right. All skill levels are welcome and no one judges you if you are just beginning your art journey. They’re just be happy you are joining their wonderful world.
Want to try your hand at throwing pottery? Khnemu Studios, specializing in exquisite art pottery, also offers very popular fine art workshops. Interested in learning new techniques or brushing up on art skills? The nearby Holland Area Arts Council offers art classes for many mediums and at all skill levels. Interest in the art learning experiences with our fine art professionals in our area is high. So, you must pre-register to participate in their programs.
Enjoy Wickwood’s Art Collection In Every Room
Why wait to be inspired? Reserve your artistic getaway to Wickwood Inn today. We’re right in the middle of all things artfully Saugatuck. Stay with us and stroll through our Inn and Gardens as you explore our own personal art collection. On display in every room is fine art (some pictured in left column) acquired with our own curious eyes in our travels over the years. After an exceptional day of exploring the numerous galleries, have a delightful return to your beautiful room at Wickwood. Relax in your art filled sanctuary to call home while you visit us in Saugatuck.