by: Kahlen Duffany
West Michigan is known to house numerous Art Schools and Galleries. Its galleries are all unique in characteristics, but all share one thing in common; they all instill the importance of art and its role in society by displaying art through various eras in exhibitions and lectures by art curators and artists alike. The galleries listed below can all be found within the following cities: Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Muskegon. Whether one visits an art gallery to rekindle a past feeling or vision, stem inspiration, or to merely appreciate that talents of various artists, the galleries of Western Michigan will capture the hearts of their visitors.
GRAND RAPIDS
Richard App Gallery
910 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Richard App Gallery is located in the East Hills Business District in Grand Rapids. It houses a large variety of colorful paintings and sculptures from local and national artists. This gallery is one that is filled with many rooms which can house events such as baby showers to weddings. It is known for its eye-grabbing features and for the hospitality of its workers. Richard App Gallery is dedicated to housing Fine Art.
Cascade Gallery
2840 Thornapple River Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Cascade Gallery is located in Grand Rapids. It is a bi-level gallery that houses a variety of mediums; these mediums include pastels, oils, acrylics, watercolors, prints, hand-blown glass, and even jewelry. They are also known for their framing as it is custom and done by the staff in house. Cascade Gallery is also known to be the home of the Heritage Collection; this collection is done by a variety of famous artists.
LaFontsee Galleries
833 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
LaFontsee Galleries Is located in Grand Rapids. This gallery is one that has won numerous awards for the quality of artwork it houses. Not only can artists come to view this artwork, but they can even purchase it. They have artwork from over fifty artists and are home to a high quantity of contemporary art. LaFontsee Galleries is also dedicated to informing and promoting the arts by doing community work.
MercuryHead Gallery
962 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
MercuryHead Gallery is located in Grand Rapids. It houses a variety of works by a number of artists. They are best known for their custom picture framing and custom digital printing. They will often take a painting that one wants and resize it to fit a canvas for one’s home or event. They are known to be very helpful and meticulous when it comes to their customer’s needs.
Calvin College Center Art Gallery
Calvin College, 1795 Knollcrest Circle Southeast,
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Calvin College Center Art Gallery is located in Grand Rapids. Its current location is within Calvin College campus and has been there since 1974. They house over 1,500 works of art dating back to the early 16th century to present day. Calvin College Center Art Gallery also holds a number of exhibitions and events every year; they do this to expose a variety of artists and types of work to viewers.
Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park
1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI
Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park is a botanical and sculpture park located in Grand Rapids. It was first opened in April of 1995; it houses indoor theme gardens, nature trails, a boardwalk, and outdoor gardens as well. It has a permanent collection that holds over 300 works from international artists. Also, Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park holds numerous presentations and exhibitions every year for its guests.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Grand Rapids Art Museum is located in Grand Rapids. It is an Art gallery that has been around for over 100 years; it was first opened on June 1, 1910. It holds many exhibitions and learning activities each year for its guests. Also, it has a Print Room which displays prints and drawings that date back to the early 15th century up until present day.
GRCC Collins Art Gallery
located on the 4th Floor of the Main Building
143 Bostwick Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Grand Rapids Community College Collins Art Gallery is located in Grand Rapids. It prides itself on displaying many exhibits that are provided and created by faculty and students. The art gallery acts as inspiration for fellow students and local artists. Not only do they have faculty and student exhibits, but they offer lectures and talks given by art curators and artists. This gallery, along with its events, are free for the public.
GVSU Art Gallery
1 W Campus Dr, Allendale, MI 49401
Grand Valley State University Art Gallery is located in Grand Rapids. They pride themselves on informing the public on the importance of art and on art appreciation along with art’s role in society. Every year they provide many exhibitions, learning activities, and collections for locals and students to view. Grand Valley State University Art Gallery is not only housed in one building, but they have artworks spread widely across the campus.
KCAD Galleries (Kendall College of Art and Design)
17 Fountain St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Kendall College of Art and Design Galleries is located in Grand Rapids. It holds
including exhibitions that have participated in the ArtPrize. Along with its many exhibitions, they also hold solo shows and lectures created by individual artists. They aim to promote creativity and freedom of expression within its viewers.
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA)
2 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts is located in Grand Rapids. This Institute is used for multiple purposes; it acts as a center for Art, Film, Dance, and Music. The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts acts as a studio space for artists all while providing learning experiences for its visitors. Each year they hold programs and exhibitions to demonstrate the latest ideas and designs within the Art world.
HOLLAND
Carolyn Stich Art Studio (located above Model Drug Store)
35 ½ W. 8th Street Holland, MI
Owner artist Carolyn Stich; commissioned portraits, photography, prints Carolyn Stich Art Studio is located in Holland. This Art Studio is a spacious and inviting studio opened by artist, Carolyn Stich. Carolyn Stich is an artist who has illustrated more than twenty children’s books all while doing work that promotes local businesses. Her studio is open to any and all who appreciate and have a passion for art. It currently houses some of her works that she has done and continues to work on.
Lake Effect Gallery
16 W. 8th Street Holland, MI 49423
Paintings, jewelry, fine crafts, prints Lake Effect Gallery is located in Holland. This Gallery is dedicated to the Western Lakeshore of the beautiful state of Michigan. It features works done by local Western Michigan Artists. Lake Effect Gallery’s main mission is to provide art that is affordable for any business of family household. They are known to be an accommodating gallery that aims to please artists and customers.
Moynihan Gallery & Framing
28 E. 8th Street Holland, MI 49423
Painter Kate Moynihan Moynihan Gallery & Framing is located in Holland. This Gallery was opened by painter, Kate Moynihan. Kate Moynihan is a painter who uses colors from all over the color wheel to grab her audience’s attention; she also uses texture within her pieces to aid in the overall presentation and feel of the colors being used. Moynihan Gallery & Framing also does candle-ology as well as custom framing for its visitors.
Nines Gallery & Framing Studio
17 W. 10th Street #130 Holland, MI 49423
Fine art, prints, posters, paintings, sculpture Nines Gallery & Framing Studio is located in Holland. This Gallery and Framing Studio prides itself on its Fine Art, Prints, Posters, Paintings, and Sculptures that they house; many artists can be found displaying their works of art here. They are known to be one of the best locations for custom framing due to their unique designs and efficient production time.
Uptown Gallery & Framing
205 Columbia Avenue Holland, MI 49423-3520
Paintings, framing Uptown Gallery & Framing is located in Holland. It was first opened
in 1993 and has been family-run ever since. This gallery holds a collection that is filled with numerous distinct colorful paintings created by many local artists; it also houses various shows throughout the year in order for local artists to gain exposure. As well as holding a large collection of paintings, it is known for its framing.
Washington Square Art Gallery (Next to Pereddies Restaurant)
453 Washington Avenue Holland, MI 49423
Local artists’ cooperative; paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture, jewelry
Washington Square Art Gallery is located in Holland. This Art Gallery was first opened in 2008 in order to display works of many local Western Michigan Artists. The types of art displayed throughout this gallery are: impressionistic, realistic, functional, and abstract. They pride themselves in their selections of fine art and features of water color, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and even jewelry; if one wanted a taste of what local artists have to offer in each field of fine art, Washington Square Art Gallery would be the perfect place to visit.
MUSKEGON
Art Cats Gallery
1845 Lakeshore Drive Muskegon, MI 49441
Art Cats Gallery is located in Muskegon. They are a gallery that house stunning works in Glass, Sculpture, Furniture, Prints, Pottery and Jewelry. This gallery has been currently open for thirty years and continue to thrive. They are devoted to helping out those in need because they offer discounted items for those who are purchasing to donate. Also, they hold many silent auctions and exhibits each year.
Red Lotus Gallery
825 W. Western Avenue Muskegon, MI 49441
Red Lotus Gallery is located in Muskegon. This gallery features art work done by the owners and operators of said gallery in Painting, Glass, Mixed Media, and Wood. They are also dedicated to doing numerous projects and participating in events that are based on helping the community. There are many opportunities for local artists and art lovers to get involved.
Wishes & Watercolors
1853 Ruddiman Drive Muskegon, MI 49445
Wishes & Watercolors is located in Muskegon. This particular art business places its focuses on creating Watercolors, Notecards, Cards, Magnets, and Prints; these pieces being created on the topic of nature and nautical scenery.
