Art is defined as "the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination." This can be shown in so many different ways, from paintings to photography, singing and musical instruments, to dancing and acting. The communities along the Lake Michigan shoreline are rich with a variety of cultural events that take place throughout the year. Combined with the beauty of lake views and richly forested land, this area of Michigan has emerged as a venue for those who truly love all kinds of art.

Visual Arts Along the Lakeshore

There are many talented painters, sculptors, potters, and photographers alone the lakeshore, many who's work can be seen in galleries. The visual arts are widely appreciated to bring excitement and energy into your home. A piece of artwork is meant to inspire. Whether it's functional pottery, an abstract painting that creates a sense of calmness, or a breathtaking photograph of a sunset...it's art, and it was created by an artist who's mission is to inspire.

Up and down the Lake Michigan shoreline, there are many talented photographers, professional and amateur. Everyone has access to a camera these days, and a popular activity, especially along the shore line, is to take a photography workshop to build your picture-taking skills. It's difficult to really capture a sunset on your camera and have it turn out just right, so taking a photography workshop will give you the tips and tricks you need to create beautiful, life-like photographs. Photographers like Todd and Brad Reed in Mason County, or Ken Scott in Leelanau County are fantastic people to learn from.

Music & Live Performances

What's better than spending an evening watching or listening to a great local performance? Experience plays, musicals, and concerts near the Lake Michigan shoreline, and some are even performed outside in the parks!

Read more about:

• Scottville Clown Band
• Pentwater Civic Band
• Manistee Ramsdell Theater
• Ludington Area Center for the Arts
• Traverse City Opera House
• West Shore Community College Performing Arts Series

Fine Arts & Crafts Fairs

Small towns along the Lake Michigan shoreline are known for their fantastic art fairs, bringing visitors from all over the state to see talented works of arts and crafts. Find special pieces such as hand crafted wood items, photography, paintings, jewelry, yard art, repurposed art, and so much more. Each year you'll find different vendors from all around, so don't miss the many opportunities to experience and explore the unique art available at these fantastic art fairs.

Read more about:

• Ludington Arts & Crafts Fairs
• Manistee Arts & Crafts Fairs
• Pentwater Arts & Crafts Fairs
• Oceana County Arts & Crafts Fairs
• Traverse City Arts and Crafts Fairs
• Frankfort Arts & Crafts Fairs
• Holiday Arts and Crafts Shows

Discover More Art...

Art Galleries in Manistee, Michigan--This Victorian Port City is the perfect setting for arts shopping.
Ludington Art Galleries & the Arts--Shop the downtown Ludington area, right next to Lake Michigan for unique art, from paintings and photography to pottery and glass art.
Hamlin Lake Area Art Galleries--Just four miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for the vacation and the arts, featuring the popular Shagway Arts Barn, which houses local art and musical events.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes Arts Shops--This is a wonderful area to vacation, with plenty of exciting activities, on and off the dunes. Art galleries and shops in nearby towns offer items to satisfy the art lover in you.
Pentwater, Michigan Art Galleries--This quaint village along Lake Michigan is a real gem when it comes to art. Here you'll find art galleries and many other stores that will keep you busy all day.
Arts Shopping in Scottville--Scottville is not far away from several art galleries in nearby cities.
Pere Marquette River Area Arts--The PM River ranges from Scottville to Baldwin area, so there are sure to be many art galleries and art venues nearby and along the way.
West Michigan Art Galleries and Art Centers--Our most complete list of art galleries, art information, performance venues and more!
Northern Michigan Art Galleries -- There are various art galleries in the Northern Michigan area; be sure to visit them when traveling there.
Northwest Michigan Area Art Galleries -- Art galleries in the Northwest Michigan area feature jewelry, pottery, paintings, and photography--plenty of things to satisfy the art lover in you.
Wisconsin Art Galleries -- Check out the many art galleries in Eastern Wisconsin. Some may exhibit and sell the works of a sole artist, while others offer art by several artists, often on a consignment basis.

Discover the Arts in West Michigan...

Northern Michigan Arts...