Art Galleries In Saugatuck Celebrate
Saugatuck Is One of The Top 5 Art Towns in America!
Explore the amazing Saugatuck, Michigan art galleries and the local art scene that made American Style Magazine name Saugatuck one of the Top 5 Art Towns In America! Reserve a getaway to Wickwood Inn and stay a few steps away from all of the best art galleries in West Michigan.
Yes, Saugatuck does have more than a century of history proving that it is a sanctuary for artists,. And it is home to more than 30 art studios and art galleries. But a stay at Wickwood means your immersion into fine art begins as soon as you open our front door.
Perhaps the first thing you’ll notice when you enter Wickwood is the smell of delicious foods emerging from our kitchen. (Warm, dark chocolate brownie bites anyone?) After that, it might be the abundance of fresh flowers that catch your eye. However, it probably won’t be long before you begin exploring the paintings, drawings and sculpture that are elegantly placed throughout the inn.
Award winning cookbook author and Wickwood Inn owner, Julee Rosso, was inspired by the famous art at La Colombe d’Or in Saint Paul de Vence (where in the 20’s and 30’s art had been traded for room and board to some of the greatest artists of all time … Matisse, Picassso, Giacometti, Braque). Julee decided to place some of her art collection at Wickwood and have the pieces inspire the décor of the rooms. Of course, husband Bill always says “Julee had so much ‘stuff’ we had to buy an Inn to store it.” Both Julee and Bill have had great fun sharing with their guests what they’ve collected and love seeing how the art often becomes a real conversation starter between guests.
“Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Take your time strolling through the spacious common areas throughout the inn. You’ll find original art and sculpture throughout. There is also fine art in each of the 11 guest rooms and suites at Wickwood Inn. Julee and Bill are especially proud to feature local artist’s work: Max Matteson, Richard Dexter, Lisa VanderHill, Eddie Parach’s wooden sculpture, Sylvia Randolph (one of Saugatuck’s legendary artists) and Ken Cadwallader, just to name a few.
Whether it’s the Francisco Zuniga drawings that beckon you to read a book in the seating area of The Lodge Suite; the Max Matteson oils and Barbara Margolis sculptures that soothe as you nestle into The Christy Suite; glimpses of the genius in sketches of Spain that inspire and spark your muse in Picasso; drawings from Henry Moore’s 1928 Sketch Book and charcoals from Parisian artist Bernard Piga that touch your heart in English Garden; or Henri- Matisse’s “Cinquante Dessins” drawings and a Donna Leonard faux oil of the Master’s iconic goldfish bowl that delight in Mattise, the art in your room is sure to delight and enchant.
“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.”
~ Henry Ward Beecher
Just outside Wickwood’s front door, you’re within walking and easy driving distance of more than 30 artist studios and galleries. Many artist studios are open to the public which is a rare chance to see artists at work in their own environment. With all this diversity and access, it’s easy to see how Saugatuck has become to be known as “The Art Coast Of Michigan.”
In Saugatuck you’ll want to be sure and visit James Brandess, Armstrong-De Graaf, Good Goods, Jeff Blandford, Amazwi and Indian Summer.
“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”
~ Pablo Picasso
The Saugatuck Center for the Arts offers shows, exhibits, concerts, classes, and more.
The Saugatuck – Douglas History Center’s Pumphouse Museum exhibit, Cold War Hot Towns, is a beautiful and comprehensive look at the revelers who filled our villages in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s.
In Douglas, don’t miss J. Petter Galleries (and now, Upscale Mercantile in the historic barn!), Water Street, and LaFontsee Gallery.
Just outside the villages, Peachbelt Studio, Blue Roan, Khnemu Studio on Fernwood Farm, and the entire Blue Coast Artist tour are certainly worth the scenic drive.
During the Summer, each of the galleries is proud to show off their new artists and their exciting new work! Exhibitions and openings are a regular reason for celebration this time of year, we’ll happily let you know all the happenings during your stay at Wickwood. Some seasonal highlights include: July 4th weekend Saugatuck Art Fair; the Clothesline art show; The Art on Center Gallery Strolls; and the Spring and Fall Gallery Strolls.
Anchoring all of this is the magic that happens at OxBow. For more than one hundred years, OxBow School of Art and Artist Residency has been providing classes, exhibits, and inspiration all in in proud partnership with The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Immerse yourself in a one or two week intensive class, or take a daily class from within the Art On The Meadow curriculum. Classes can be taken for credit or non-credit and there are offerings for all skill levels.
Visit Wickwood Inn And Saugatuck’s Art Galleries
So, why wait to be inspired? Reserve your artistic summer getaway to Wickwood Inn today. Oh … the food is amazing; and the shopping, beaches, and sunsets are spectacular! See you soon in Saugatuck!