Celebrate community, creativity, and connection at the May First Friday Art Walk with the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF).
The featured artist will be Michelle Carlson, who fell in love with Rosemaling after seeing a traveling Vesterheim exhibit in 1992. She went on to study the traditional Norwegian art form through classes and ongoing learning. Michelle is a member of the Twin Ports Rosemaling Society in Duluth, MN, and the Wisconsin State Rosemaling Association in Stoughton, WI. She continues to learn from Vesterheim Gold Medal Rosemaling teachers in many different styles such as Rogaland, Telemark, Vest Agder, Os and Gudbrandsdal.
GRACF will also be sharing beverages and delicious food from Triple C Company, and North in Bloom will once again be creating and selling beautiful mini bouquets. Since it’s May Day, it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up flowers for someone special! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the new Youth in Philanthropy Program.
GRACF staff and board, through their annual campaign, are currently working to establish an endowed Youth in Philanthropy Fund, which will be supported by a Youth in Philanthropy Advisory Board made up of local area high school students. Each year, a small cohort of students will gain hands-on experience in leadership, nonprofit work, and grantmaking – helping direct real funding to youth programs across the Greater Itasca Area.
By donating, you’re not just giving—you’re planting the roots for lasting change, supporting the next generation and strengthening the Foundation’s endowment for the future. Learn more or make a gift today HERE. You can also contact the Community Foundation at 218-999-9100 or info@gracf.org.
