Art for the Parks brings nature, artwork together to benefit parks system
Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective will transform the beautiful Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing county park into a pop-up art venue for one night — 5-8 p.m. April 26.
WEST OLIVE — Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective will transform the beautiful Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing county park into a pop-up art venue for one night — 5-8 p.m. April 26.
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 in a collaboration that benefits nature and the arts.
The event features work by select regional artists in a wide range of media — 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 park lovers.
Art for the Parks is open to all and features a cash bar, live music by Jack Leaver, and great eats from the Parliament Pizza food truck, parked outside the show.
A $10 suggested donation at the door and 10% of all art sold to benefit the Ottawa County Parks Foundation. Guests can avoid the lines and be fast-tracked into the venue by signing up online before the show at the Ottawa County Parks Foundation website at ottawacountyparksfoundation.org.2025-art-for-the-parks.
"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 of the 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," she said.
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.
One-night shows are curated salon style — informal, nonlinear displays that build connection and contrast between works and artists. Door donations and a percentage of artists’ sales at all events go to a designated nonprofit partner in the community.
“Nature is a muse for so many West Michigan artists. 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 to create innovative arts events with benefits that flow in many directions — to artists, patrons, and nonprofits,” said Art for the Parks show chair Kathleen O’Brien.
The event is made possible by the generosity of these organizations and individuals: Dr. Barbara Brown and Linda McAffrey, Haworth Helps, Karen and Randy Smith, Murushka, Ottawa House Clay + Glass, The City Farmer, and an anonymous artist.
To become a member, sponsor or venue, or to learn more about LVAC, visit LakeshoreVAC.com or find us on Facebook.
— Submitted by Kathleen O'Brien. Click here to submit an article.