Time to Sketch and Strum!
Holland Area Arts Council
150 E. 8th Street Holland, MI 49423
7pm-9pm

All Acoustic Instruments welcome. Songsheets and lyrics projected on a large screen.

Come play, sing, sketch or be a great audience. Refreshments and snacks are available or you are welcome to bring beverages and/or snacks to share.

Holland Area Arts Council’s First Fridays presents -
UKEn and Friends

UKEn will perform covers solo and with some of his musical friends. Two hours of songs you will tap, clap and sing too!!

Friday•JUNE 6•2025 • 6pm-8pm

FREE for Arts Council annual members and students
Tickets - $10 at the door or online hollandarts.org

Lil’ Rev is a Wisconsin-based, award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, storyteller, poet, author, and entertainer, whose deep commitment to the traditional arts keeps him busy teaching and performing at music camps, festivals, and folk societies all over North America.  

He regularly performs at temples, theaters, music stores, festivals, house concerts, acoustic venues, traditional arts organizations, Jewish community centers, retirement homes, libraries, and schools all over North America and Canada.  

Performing on Ukulele, Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica, and Banjo, Rev’s performances have become legendary for his ability to draw the listener into his stories of love, loss, travel, work, play, and social justice.  $20 at the door or online https://www.hollandarts.org/shop/p/lil-rev-world-renowned-ukulele-ace

SHHH! PRODUCTIONS is bringing the laughs with "A Court Jester's Guide to Improv" this Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Holland Area Arts Council!

Always cracking jokes? Think fast? Obsessed with comedy? This pay-what-you-want workshop is calling your name!

But wait, there's more! Improv isn't just funny business – it:
Boosts brain power and melts stress (science says so!)
Builds killer teamwork and listening skills
Skyrockets your confidence for interviews and presentations

Don't let the fear of missing out win! Join us this Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Holland Area Arts Council (150 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423).

Partner up with a family member or friend for a lesson in slab building, where the two of you will create, decorate with textures and add your own personal touches to these pottery pieces together. These pieces will become keepsakes to treasure and remember this amazing time. An Email will be sent when items are ready after firing. No experience necessary. All materials included. Cost of class is for 2 people. Register here

Make it a memorable Friday-night playing in clay! Bring a family member or a friend and let loose creating on the potter's wheel. *No previous experience required. Light refreshments served! Register here

Age: 18+
Friday, May 16
6:00pm-8:00pm
$140 for 2 people

Anna Vinten (nee: Vinten-Johansen) grew up in Connecticut and Michigan, with degrees in Scandinavian studies, vocal performance, and fine arts. A Fulbright scholar, she studied folk music and poetry in Norway. Marriage sparked her artmaking, leading to a BFA in Art Education and teaching/performing in Austria with her family before their 2019 move to western Michigan. Inspired by a Dutch children commission, I explored archival images, drawn to the strength of a past culture despite it not being my own. The original black and white photos shifted my focus from color to light, dark, line, form, tone, and pattern, blending abstract and real. Using varied media on canvas or wood, each piece was a learning process, sometimes involving sketches. I value this deep dive into another world.

SHHH! PRODUCTIONS is bringing the laughs with "A Court Jester's Guide to Improv" this Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Holland Area Arts Council!

Always cracking jokes? Think fast? Obsessed with comedy? This pay-what-you-want workshop is calling your name!

But wait, there's more! Improv isn't just funny business – it:
Boosts brain power and melts stress (science says so!)
Builds killer teamwork and listening skills
Skyrockets your confidence for interviews and presentations

Don't let the fear of missing out win! Join us this Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Holland Area Arts Council (150 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423).

Come in and vote for the Viewers Choice Award from the vibrant collection of top twenty artworks celebrating tulips, each crafted in unique styles and techniques. As part of the annual poster competition, this exhibit showcases diverse interpretations of tulip themes. 

Come in and vote for the Viewers Choice Award from the vibrant collection of top twenty artworks celebrating tulips, each crafted in unique styles and techniques. As part of the annual poster competition, this exhibit showcases diverse interpretations of tulip themes. 

Come in and vote for the Viewers Choice Award from the vibrant collection of top twenty artworks celebrating tulips, each crafted in unique styles and techniques. As part of the annual poster competition, this exhibit showcases diverse interpretations of tulip themes. 

Come in and vote for the Viewers Choice Award from the vibrant collection of top twenty artworks celebrating tulips, each crafted in unique styles and techniques. As part of the annual poster competition, this exhibit showcases diverse interpretations of tulip themes. 

Celebrate Tulip Time by painting bisqueware pottery in traditional Delft patterns! Using glaze, you'll create a functional and beautiful piece to be kiln-fired and ready for pickup in about three weeks. This one-day, drop-in workshop is a fundraiser for the Arts Council. Each piece is $20. Open to all ages—bring your family and join the fun! Bisqueware available whilst supplies last.

Come in and vote for the Viewers Choice Award from the vibrant collection of top twenty artworks celebrating tulips, each crafted in unique styles and techniques. As part of the annual poster competition, this exhibit showcases diverse interpretations of tulip themes. 

Come in and vote for the Viewers Choice Award from the vibrant collection of top twenty artworks celebrating tulips, each crafted in unique styles and techniques. As part of the annual poster competition, this exhibit showcases diverse interpretations of tulip themes. 

Come in and vote for the Viewers Choice Award from the vibrant collection of top twenty artworks celebrating tulips, each crafted in unique styles and techniques. As part of the annual poster competition, this exhibit showcases diverse interpretations of tulip themes. 

Come in and vote for the Viewers Choice Award from the vibrant collection of top twenty artworks celebrating tulips, each crafted in unique styles and techniques. As part of the annual poster competition, this exhibit showcases diverse interpretations of tulip themes. 

Trumpeter Kenny Cooper brings the spirit of Louis Armstrong to the stage, having performed with legends like Curtis Mayfield, B.B. King, Lou Rawls, and Aretha Franklin. Vibraphonist and pianist Jim Cooper, an award-winning composer and educator, has been performing for over 50 years with artists like Milt Hinton and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble.

Come in and vote for the Viewers Choice Award from the vibrant collection of top twenty artworks celebrating tulips, each crafted in unique styles and techniques. As part of the annual poster competition, this exhibit showcases diverse interpretations of tulip themes. 

SHHH! PRODUCTIONS is bringing the laughs with "A Court Jester's Guide to Improv" this Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Holland Area Arts Council!

Always cracking jokes? Think fast? Obsessed with comedy? This pay-what-you-want workshop is calling your name!

But wait, there's more! Improv isn't just funny business – it:
Boosts brain power and melts stress (science says so!)
Builds killer teamwork and listening skills
Skyrockets your confidence for interviews and presentations

Don't let the fear of missing out win! Join us this Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Holland Area Arts Council (150 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423).

***SOLD OUT!*** THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Join us for an evening of warmth, art, and community at Food for the heARTS, a soup supper fundraiser benefiting the Holland Area Arts Council and Community Action House/Community Kitchen.

To participate, purchase a handmade bowl from our SHOP webpage for $100. Your purchase includes a beautifully crafted bowl of your choice and a delicious meal prepared by Community Kitchen. Enjoy hearty soup, fresh bread, wine, and dessert, all in a welcoming atmosphere with live music and door prizes.

Every dollar raised directly supports the arts and local food initiatives, making a lasting impact in our community. After purchasing your bowl online, it will be available for pickup at the event.

Fill your bowl, nourish your heart, and support two incredible organizations. We look forward to seeing you there!

Get ready for an exciting celebration of young talent at this year’s Début 2025, the annual Regional High School Art Competition, showcasing the incredible work of talented students from 10 West Michigan high schools! Hosted by the Holland Area Arts Council, this event will feature stunning artwork from over 100 students, with pieces selected for prestigious awards by professional artist Janice Propst. The competition is a testament to the dedication and creativity of these young artists, as well as their inspiring art teachers. Join us for this event, where local community support and youthful expression come together to honor the next generation of artists. Don’t miss the chance to experience the incredible art on display and cheer on these future stars!

SHHH! PRODUCTIONS is bringing the laughs with "A Court Jester's Guide to Improv" this Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Holland Area Arts Council!

Always cracking jokes? Think fast? Obsessed with comedy? This pay-what-you-want workshop is calling your name!

But wait, there's more! Improv isn't just funny business – it:
Boosts brain power and melts stress (science says so!)
Builds killer teamwork and listening skills
Skyrockets your confidence for interviews and presentations

Don't let the fear of missing out win! Join us this Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Holland Area Arts Council (150 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423).

Tickets available in our SHOP

International touring artists Diane Van Deurzen & Lisa Otey are a dynamic duo, a perfect blend of hot jazz, sultry blues and classic feel-good music. They take their act to festivals, clubs and theatres around the world and are known for creating a fun, high-energy atmosphere with their beautiful harmonies and joyful interactions with the audience.

Performances include the Thredbo Blues Festival in Australia; Box Factory for the Arts, Michigan; Yardbird Suite in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Blues in Bisbee and Tucson Folk Festivals, Arizona; Le Bilboquet and Caveau de la Huchette jazz clubs in Paris; Yoshi's in California; Festival Alfonso Ortiz Tirado in Sonora, Mexico; Wild Rose Moon in Indiana; Silver City Blues Fest in New Mexico; and the Lucerne Festival in Switzerland.

Diane Van Deurzen and Lisa Otey have been inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame. Lisa has also been inducted into the Tucson Music Hall of Fame and appeared on the Grammy-nominated CD, "Ladies Man" with Pinetop Perkins.

Our March First Friday is a movie night - The Devil Wears Prada. Come watch this stylish and sharp-witted film on our big screen in the gallery, perfect for a girls night out! This flick favorite is about ambition, fashion, and surviving the toughest boss in New York City. Free with concessions available by donation.

Spend this Valentine’s day getting creative and having fun in the ceramics studio! Bring your sweetheart, a family member, or a close friend, and share a memorable evening learning to throw on the potter’s wheel. No experience required. To sweeten the evening, light refreshments will be served. Whether you're celebrating love, friendship, or simply a night out, this event is perfect for you!

Age: 18+
Friday, February 14
5:30pm-7:30pm
$150 for 2 people

Step into a world of intrigue and deduction with a live reading of Sherlock Holmes, presented by acclaimed playwright Max Bush. Join us at the Holland Area Arts Council for two showtimes: Friday, February 7, from 7:00–9:00 PM, and Saturday, February 8, from 2:00–4:00 PM. Part of our First Fridays series, this event is perfect for mystery enthusiasts and literature lovers alike. Don’t miss the legendary detective’s adventures brought to life!
Tickets - $10 at the door for non-members
FREE for Arts Council annual members