The annual Suttons Bay Artisan & Wine Walk will take place under peak fall colors Saturday with over 24 local businesses participating in the in the community event from 5 to 8 p.m.
As in previous years, pick up a walking guide at either the north or south end of St. Joseph Street and spend the evening strolling Suttons Bay.
“It’s a great night to enjoy the beauty of the season, meet local artists and sample local refreshments,” Suttons Bay Chamber President Amy Peterson said. “This year the chamber will be selling a new Yeti Calendar, featuring 12 local businesses. Everyone loves the tradition of the Yeti Fest so we thought it would be fun to catch him in the ‘act’ around town. Available for $20 while supplies last.”
The Artisan & Wine Walk is free but a donation to support the Suttons Bay Chamber is recommended.
Weather looks to be very favorable at one of prime fall events in Suttons bay that brings hundred to the peninsula.
Each of the 24 business will feature and area artisan and many will be pouring local wines, cider, beer or cocktails.
••• The Old Art Building in Leland, Glen Arbor Arts Center, and Northport Arts Association are in the midst of an exciting fall season, offering creative opportunities for local artists and the community, from open art sessions and exhibits to family- friendly events and upcoming shows.
Every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Old Art Building in Leland opens its doors to artists of all skill levels to work on their craft in a supportive, social environment. Painters, knitters, and creators of all kinds gather to share ideas and enjoy lunch together.
“The social part is my favorite, and then we have lunch after,” said local artist Carol Geiger. “It’s wonderful because we help each other. There’s no class, but you get feedback from other people — only if you ask for it.”
Geiger is currently working on a holiday-themed Christmas card to send to friends and fami- ly. The drop-in art program is part of the Old Art Building’s broader strategic campaign, which was launched in 2020 to support its mission and community outreach.
For Judy Kelly of Lake Ann, a first-time participant in the open art session, the collaborative atmosphere is a highlight.
“I like the energy of the space. We have lots of room, and it’s going really well,” she said.
The Old Art Building will be hosting a member and donor appreciation reception on Friday, Oct. 25, followed by a public art exhibit from Saturday, Oct. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 3. Additionally, the OAB will host a family-friendly Halloween event on Oct. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m., complete with cider, donuts, kids crafts and face painting. Children are invited to decorate goodie bags and trick-or-treat at participating Leland businesses. Costumes are encouraged to be spooky.
••• The Northport Arts Association (NAA) is wrapping up its “When Form Meets Function” exhibit on Oct. 27, showcasing 3D works by local artists, including pottery, wood, stone, and fiber sculptures. This is the second time NAA has hosted this exhibit, which celebrates the intersection of form and function in art.
Looking ahead, NAA is gearing up for its fall new member exhibit, which will run from Nov. 1 to Nov. 23. According to NAA Executive Director Hadley Dickinson, the goal is to encourage the community to support local artists and promote creativity in the region.
“We have a lot of new and upcoming programming for the upcoming year,” Dickinson said. “Our goal with this new gallery is to promote local art and help people buy local.”
In addition to exhibits, NAA will launch a new open mic and writers’ series in the spring, summer, and fall of 2025, creating a platform for storytellers and creatives to share their work. Another highlight will be the “Small Works” showcase, with pieces available for acquisition during the Grateful Gathering open house on Nov. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.
••• The Glen Arbor Arts Center (GAAC) is currently showcasing the “Shrines + Altars” exhibit by local collage artist Claudia Keglovitz, running through October 24. As the GAAC prepares for the holidays, it will also offer a range of festive workshops and host its popular “Grateful Gathering and Small Works” reception in November.
The “Shrines + Altars” exhibit invites viewers to reflect on what is sacred and the personal or societal shrines created.
The exhibit features works from over 30 artists, including Michele Aucello, Cheryl Boc-Chidester, Judy Kelly, and Robert Tucker, each bringing their own interpretation of shrines through various mediums, including humorous, political, and family-themed pieces.
Following this exhibit, the GAAC will host its annual “Grateful Gathering and Small Works Reception” from Nov. 1 to Dec. 19, featuring over 100 original works from local artists. These small-scale pieces, measuring 12” x 12” or smaller, will be priced at $150 or less, making them perfect for holiday gifting. Exhibitors include Michele Aucello, Margo Burian, Jessica Kovan, and David Westerfield, showcasing works in glass, mixed media, collage, clay, and more.
In addition to the exhibits, the GAAC will offer a series of holiday workshops. On Oct. 26, a class on creating decorative papers will kick off the festive season. Upcoming classes include holiday ornaments and accents (Nov. 2), needle-felted ornaments (Nov. 11), and wreathmaking (Dec. 2), ensuring plenty of opportunities for the community to get creative and prepare for the holidays.
