Artworks in Big Rapids

06/12/2026

Today, Artworks takes a moment to wish a very happy birthday to our amazing graphic designer, Kelly DeBaar! 🎉🎉🎉

We can't thank Kelly enough for the talent and hard work she puts into her work for us, including the seriously badass graphics you've been seeing for our upcoming music festival, Artstock.

You make Artworks look like the coolest kid in town, Kelly. For that, we are grateful. Keep doing what you do. 😎

If you like Kelly's work, be sure to check out her portfolio! We've linked it below 👇
https://www.behance.net/kellydebaar

(but don't steal her; she's all ours 😉)

06/11/2026

ARTSTOCK SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Kristi Haik and Steve Durst

A special thank you to Kristi and Steve for becoming an Artworks Opening Act Sponsor! Your sponsorship supports Artstock 2026 and helps Artworks strengthen the arts and humanities in our community.

Community support makes events like Artstock possible, from the live music and artists to the welcoming, creative atmosphere we are building here in Big Rapids.

Thank you for being a part of it.

Interested in joining our growing community of Artstock sponsors and supporters? Learn more here: artworksinbigrapids.org/artstock-sponsorship-packages

06/10/2026

Over the past weeks, we’ve been sharing news about the musicians who will be rocking The Farm at Artstock 2026 and shouting out to the sponsors who make it all possible.

But today, we want to shed some light on one of the best things about Artstock: The Farm.

Located in the Big Rapids countryside, The Farm is the historic property of event hosts Carlleen and Brian Rose. Originally settled by Norwegian immigrants, The Farm was later purchased by Carlleen’s father Carl Schuberg, and the Schuberg family has restored the property to its present state of beauty. The Farm has since become a place of gathering and celebration for the people of Big Rapids, and the memories of those countless events imbue the property with almost as much color as the paint on the barn walls.

Carlleen has described the farm as a space where creativity flows and community gathers. That makes it the perfect place to showcase the amazing musicians we have coming to Artstock. We can’t thank Carlleen and Brian enough for sharing their incredible space with us and allowing us to add to the long history of this breathtaking property.

Come for the live music; stay to explore the trails, take in the scenery, and discover the rustic beauty of The Farm at Artstock on June 27th!

Ticket and festival information:
https://www.artworksinbigrapids.org/artstock

06/09/2026

ARTSTOCK SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: William and Beth Schoenlein

A special thank you to William and Beth Schoenlein for becoming a Roadie Sponsor! Your sponsorship supports Artstock 2026 and helps Artworks strengthen the arts and humanities in our community.

Community support makes events like Artstock possible, from the live music and artists to the welcoming, creative atmosphere we are building here in Big Rapids.

Thank you for being a part of it.

Interested in joining our growing community of Artstock sponsors and supporters? Learn more here: artworksinbigrapids.org/artstock-sponsorship-packages

06/08/2026

Road Trip kicks off this Friday, and there's still time to register your kiddo!

Students will be using everyday materials and art supplies to create their own mystical dragons to take home. All you need to bring is your own imagination and creative flair!

Visit our website to register --> https://www.artworksinbigrapids.org/road-trip

Artworks Road Trip is BACK!

This summer, we’re bringing the arts to YOU with our Road Trip program! A free summer art experience for kids ages 7–11

Young artists will:
- Create a hands-on art project
- Build creativity, confidence, and connection
- Explore, imagine, and make art in a supportive environment

Sessions run from 10am–1pm and space is limited, so be sure to register early! Since each session features the same project, please sign up for just one date/location.

And just like last year, Artworks has partnered with Angels of Action to provide lunches for kids to assemble; encouraging independence while developing fine and gross motor skills.

For dates/locations and to register, visit https://www.artworksinbigrapids.org/road-trip

06/08/2026

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Hand of Giants

We’re stoked to welcome Hand of Giants and their signature Northern rock to Artstock 2026!

Drawing on their West Michigan heartland roots, this eight-piece powerhouse delivers anthemic rock n' roll soaked in the spirit of Southern rock and electrified by the iconic sounds of the ‘80s and ‘90s. The result is, in the words of vocalist and guitarist Michael Kreple, music that's "memorable, relatable, inspiring and full of energy."

Fans of Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC, or Blackberry Smoke won't want to miss Hand of Giants on June 27th at Artstock!

Check out and listen to Hand of Giants on their site:
https://handofgiants.com/

Ticket and festival information:
https://www.artworksinbigrapids.org/artstock

Join us for a full day of live music, art, food, and community at The Farm in Big Rapids!

06/05/2026

UPDATE: SESSION HAS FILLED!!

Turn fruits and vegetables into vibrant works of art! Join artist/botanist/creative genius Jan deRegnier for a fun, hands-on Botanical Dye Workshop where you'll learn how to create natural dyes from everyday produce and use them to paint your own unique masterpiece.

- Discover the art of botanical dyes
- Create colors from fruits and vegetables
- Paint with nature’s palette
- No experience necessary

Tuesday, June 16
1–3 PM
Batdorff Gallery at Artworks

FREE workshop! UPDATE: SESSION HAS FILLED!!

Space is limited to just 12 participants, so register early to save your spot. Call Artworks at 231-796-2420 to register.

Nature provides the colors. You provide the creativity.

06/05/2026

ARTSTOCK SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Johnson & Cowles

A special thank you to Arthur Johnson and John Cowles for joining together as a Roadie Sponsor! Your sponsorship supports Artstock 2026 and helps Artworks strengthen the arts and humanities in our community.

Community support like yours makes Artstock and events like it possible, from the live music and artists to the welcoming, creative atmosphere Artworks is building here in Big Rapids.

Thank you both for being a part of it.

Interested in joining our growing community of Artstock sponsors and supporters? Learn more here: artworksinbigrapids.org/artstock-sponsorship-packages

06/04/2026

Our musicians are preparing to light up The Farm on Saturday, June 27th. That's just 23 days away - and we want YOU to get involved!

Like the original Woodstock, it's a day of peace and music where you can get out, enjoy the vibes, and support Artworks’ mission to vitalize the arts and humanities to Big Rapids. But it wouldn’t possible without the support of volunteers.

Whether you’re greeting guests or supporting logistics, volunteering is a great way to be part of the action and contribute to Artworks’ newest big event.

No experience is necessary – all you need to bring with you is a willingness to jump in and help out. Got something specific in mind? Willing to do whatever? Let us know!

If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out via email to [email protected]

Thank you to all of our volunteers for making Artstock happen. We couldn’t do it without you!

06/03/2026

ARTSTOCK SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Shirley Lerew

A special thank you to Shirley Lerew for becoming a Roadie Sponsor! Your sponsorship supports Artstock 2026 and helps Artworks strengthen the arts and humanities in our community.

Community support makes events like Artstock possible, from the live music and artists to the welcoming, creative atmosphere Artworks is building here in Big Rapids.

Thank you for being a part of it.

Interested in joining our growing community of Artstock sponsors and supporters? Learn more here: artworksinbigrapids.org/artstock-sponsorship-packages