Pop-up art event to benefit parks

Art

Apr 11

Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective (LVAC) will transform the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing County Park into a pop-up art venue for one night on April 26, from 5-8 p.m. Art for the Parks is a collaboration between Ottawa County Parks Foundation and LVAC. The event brings regional artists, art patrons, and nature lovers together to benefit nature and the arts.

"We're excited about partnering with LVAC to share the amazing talents of West Michigan artists and the beautiful parks and green spaces of Ottawa County," said Anita Yoder, President, Ottawa County Parks Foundation. "Our mission as a foundation is to bridge our community to nature. Proceeds from this event will allow us to continue the improvement of the parks and programs for students, families, and visitors to our county. Together we can weave the joy of nature into everyone's lives."

The event features work by select regional artists in a wide range of media, including painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, and more. Much of the work is inspired by nature and natural spaces, many of which are familiar to the area's parks' lovers.

Art for the Parks is open to all and features a cash bar, live music by Jack Leaver, and eats from the Parliament Pizza food truck. A $10 suggested donation at the door and 10% of all art sold will benefit the Ottawa County Parks Foundation.

The LVAC organizes innovative pop-up art events in unexpected places, raising tens of thousands of dollars for area nonprofits and building a community of art patrons along the West Michigan lakeshore.

"Nature is a muse for so many West Michigan artists, and this collaboration celebrates that, and the important work of the Parks Foundation. LVAC's mission is to create a sustainable artist community by partnering with area nonprofits and venues through innovative events with benefits that flow in many directions—to artists, patrons, and nonprofits," said Kathleen O'Brien, Art for the Parks show chair.

The event is made possible by the generosity of Dr. Barbara Brown & Linda McAffrey, Haworth Helps, Karen & Randy Smith, Murushka, Ottawa House Clay + Glass, The City Farmer, and an anonymous artist.

For more information, visit https://ottawacountyparksfoundation.org/2025-art-for-the-parks/.