For the Love of the Arts

From the weekly Music in the Park series to artist lead workshops, films in a historic theatre and an exhibit gallery, the Mackinac Arts Council has enhanced Michigan’s picturesque Mackinac Island with the love of the arts.

What started as a vision to meet the arts and cultural needs of the island has developed into a world-class program encompassing music, film, workshops and more, giving residents and visitors enhanced access to the arts. The Mackinac Arts Council continues to grow and provide expanded arts and cultural programming including Music in the Park, Workshops and Special Events.

The Marquette Park lawn, at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina, is the place to be on Thursday evenings for Music in the Park. The summer concert series, Thursday evenings in July, welcomes folk, jazz, rock, country, and blues musical guests to the island. From American Opera to The Accidentals and Jetty Rae this season is sure to offer music for all tastes. Plan a picnic, or ask an island restaurant to prepare a gourmet picnic of menu favorites, and find the perfect spot on the lawn to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Mackinac.

The Center for the Arts, Mackinac Arts Council’s new home generously donated by and located at Mission Point Resort, will offer three art exhibits during the summer 2014 season including Children’s Book Illustrations, June 2-28, features the work of numerous children’s book illustrators; Puppet Art, July; and featuring 16 original collages from Jennifer Powell’s children’s book “What I saw on Mackinac” an exhibit of the same name, August 4-September 30.

For a hands-on art experience, join local and regional artists as they share their expertise during the workshop programs. From pastels to photography, jewelry and more, the workshops offer a broad range of media. Workshops at the Museum kick off on July 1 with Kids Day. The workshop program has grown this year to include multiple day workshops taught by nationally known artists, including papermaking, bookbinding, painting, felting and weaving. 

In addition to the gallery space the Center for the Arts also includes a 500 seat theater. Take in a classic, or cult-classic, film at the historic theater at Mission Point Resort. Throughout the season films are shown most Fridays and Mondays. Along with the regular line up, the Arts Council will also feature an Art and Artists on Film Series on Fridays during August. Check the calendar to see what’s showing this season. Stay up-to-date with the Arts Council happenings on Mackinac Island by signing up for their newsletter.