We all love that wonderful moment when things fit perfectly together–like a match that was meant to be. The Holland Area Arts Council has been matchmaking for almost 50 years! The result? Creative connections that expand the accessibility, reach and impact of art in our Lakeshore community. A Perfect Match of Art and You.
And, as it so often happens a family results from successful match-making. We are so proud of the individuals, organizations, businesses and institutions that make up our vibrant ARTS community. Having a healthy, successful family takes commitment, participation and work from all of its members.
Thank you for being an important partner in helping the Arts Council make these connections happen. We are grateful that, together, we have strengthened and added to our core initiatives.
And, as it so often happens a family results from successful match-making. We are so proud of the individuals, organizations, businesses and institutions that make up our vibrant ARTS community. Having a healthy, successful family takes commitment, participation and work from all of its members.
Thank you for being an important partner in helping the Arts Council make these connections happen. We are grateful that, together, we have strengthened and added to our core initiatives.
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THE STUDIO, unveiled this past June, is an exciting destination for learning the principles of art and design through interactive play, creative projects and exhibitions. The Studio showcases the incredible design talent that has come to define west Michigan. Attracting all age groups and abilities, The Studio is a first class environment that is dynamic, fresh and a unique addition to the west Michigan Lakeshore community.
ART FOR ALL & LIVE ARTS have us working together with group homes and special education programs to introduce adults and youth with developmental disabilities to the joy and wonder of self expression. When creating art, our students awaken their creative spirit in an environment that is judgment-free. This effort brings feelings of self-worth and accomplishment to the individual.
"Volunteering with Art For All has opened me up to a community like none other. Working with the students each week and getting to know them has been a privilege, and I love to see their creativity come out in different ways each class. Volunteering with this program has also helped me realize my interest in studying psychology, and I am so thankful to be a part of this community at the Holland Arts Council".
Samantha Brigham Art for All Volunteer 
CERAMICS is growing so much in popularity that we made the commitment to expand. Finding the perfect blend of knowledgeable instructor and passionate volunteers has inspired our students. We’ve enlarged our ceramics space, invested in new equipment and added more classes and more ways to experience the joy of mud.
"My reasons for enrolling in a pottery class at the Arts Council were to bring my desire to work in clay into reality, knowing I could benefit from thoughtful instruction along the way. I also sought a welcoming place with quality facilities where I could express myself without reservation and make connections with other local artists. The Arts Council exceeded these expectations"!
Michael Burmeister Owner and Director, Button Gallery 
PUBLIC ART PROJECTS match artists’ talents with initiatives to delight the public and enliven our streetscapes. Public Art engages artists and the public in a conversation about the Arts while drawing crowds from within and around the community to appreciate our community talent. Corporate and individual sponsorship demonstrates an understanding that a robust Arts community helps build economic and social capital.
"Public Art plays a significant role in the vibrancy of Holland’s award-winning downtown, complementing the brick facades, Victorian streetlights and cobblestone sidewalks; it allows us to see our community through a new and different lens".
Sally Hallan Laukitis, Executive Director Holland Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 
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OUTREACH brings Arts into the community! The Arts Council is always on the lookout for partner institutions to ensure quality arts experiences are available to all. Our outreach programs bring quality Arts education and experiences to those who need it the most. A few of our partners include: Holland Museum, Hope College, Grand Rapids Ballet, CASA, Latin Americans United for Progress, Center for Women in Transition, Tulipanes and Children’s Resource Center.
"We love having the Arts Council as a good neighbor. They always razzle and dazzle our young students by opening up the world of art with fun projects that excite the kids and make them proud of their new creations".
Fonda Green Executive Director, Chidrens After School Achievement, (CASA), Hope College 
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS provide avenues for both children and adults to use creativity to solve problems, express themselves and interpret their world. Art camps and classes for children are fun and help to build intellectual curiosity for future learning. Programs for adults give students of multiple skill levels opportunities to explore their passions, build on their skills or step into new territory.
"The Holland Area Arts Council is a welcoming environment for all levels and an amazing place to learn and bring out creativity! Gini Cooper's Fused Glass class is such a great experience! Gini is an amazing instructor that creates a warm, nurturing and encouraging environment in the classroom and uses her passion for fused glass art to bring her students creative spirit to the surface as well as inspiring her students to express themselves in their art with color and design. The Holland Area Arts Council is not only a place to learn, create and be free to express yourself, but to also be in an environment with wonderful people!"
Keiffer Sestric Student 
ART EXHIBITIONS showcase and share quality art with the community. Joining artists with people interested in appreciating and/or purchasing art is an important function of the Arts Council’s commitment to art advocacy. Admission to our galleries and openings are free and open to the public so visitors can experience art in a very personal, educational way.
"The Holland Area Arts Council is a wonderful resource for art lovers in the Lakeshore area, but it is an especially supportive and nurturing force for us artists. I've had the pleasure of participating in numerous exhibitions and presentations at the Holland Arts Council that have gone a long way toward advancing my career and expanding my understanding of the diversity of art in general".
John Leben, Artist 
FUNDRAISING is an important way of building an active donor base and bringing in long-term and ongoing support. We work to tell our story, raise community awareness and create a viable, strong organization–giving us the ability to sustain our organization into the future. Rounding out this symbiotic equation are the Corporate sponsorships which underwrite programming, education and outreach initiatives to publicly show their support for a vibrant and valuable creative community.
"When Jewel Tec donates to different events we are hopeful for adve1iisement through the items we donate. Your event exceeded any expectation we may have had. It is rare that I feel as if we gained something, other then the joy of giving, from participating in an a event such as this one. You put our name out there in such a cool and exciting way. We really appreciate that".
Scott Bouwman Owner, Jewel Tec |
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Photography by Mike Lozon.