Krasl Art Center

COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR
2024-05-23 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Tour the recently opened exhibition, Traditional Echo: Contemporary Pokagon Artists & The Ones Who Came Before, with guest curator Jennifer Marcussen, an enrolled citizen from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, where she works as an archivist and curator for her tribe. Coffee with the Curator is a free, informal tour over the lunch hour at KAC. Sponsored by Forté Coffee.
Image: Archivist and curator Jennifer Marcussen.

PechaKucha
2024-05-30 19:00 - 21:30 | The Inn at Harbor Shores, 800 Whitwam Dr, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Members of the community, friends, families, and all those in-between are all cordially invited to attend the PechaKucha 20×20 St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Volume 30 Event. The ticketed event takes place at The Inn at Harbor Shores on Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 7 – 9:30 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm. PechaKucha’s – meaning “chit chat” in Japanese – presentation format shows 20 images, each for 20 seconds. In other words, presenters get 400 seconds to tell their story, with visuals guiding the way.
PechaKucha St. Joeseph/Benton Harbor has been bringing local creatives to center-stage for 9 years, and Volume 30 brings more creative stories! This is a special, ticketed event, so be sure to get your tickets in advance. Our last event sold out!
Whether you have been to all 30 volumes or this is your first, this fun and communal evening spent engaging with local artists and community members is sure to enlighten your evening.

TEEN WORKSHOP | Make Your Own Zine!
2024-06-02 11:00 - 15:00
Sunday June 2nd, 11am – 3pm
FREE FOR TEENS! AGES 13 – 20
WHAT’S A ZINE?? A zine is a printed publication you make and distribute with your own hands. Some zines are comics. Some zines are words-only, or pictures-only. A zine can be funny, serious, scary, instructional, or anything in between. If you can think it up and put it onto paper, you can put it into a zine.

In this 3-hour workshop, you’ll make several copies of your own 8-to-16-page zine, start to finish. All supplies provided. No previous experience required. Come with an idea in mind (such as a story, a poem, or favorite song lyrics), or just come as you are, ready to invent on the spot. Anything goes.
Workshop will begin promptly at 11:00am.
TAC is hosting a Teen Zine Fest and Summer Kick-off event!! Learn how to make Zines with Brian McMullen from 11am – 2pm (seats are limited, register now)! Have fun painting on the graffiti wall with Jessica Hightower, from 1pm – 3pm! There will be ART! There will be MUSIC! There will be SNACKS!!!
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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Brian McMullen is an artist and writer who has spent his career editing and designing books, magazines, and other publications. He created and taught a zine-making class at California College of the Arts for many years, and is currently an art director at the New York Times. He got started by making zines as a teenager.

CULTURE CLUB HAPPY HOUR: ART OUTDOORS
2024-06-06 17:30 - 18:30 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Let’s talk about: Art Outdoors. KAC embraces summer during this June Culture Club in a discussion of the new outdoor artworks on view. Explore Kris Sanford’s Between the Lines, Jason Maracani and Jeremy Barnett’s new installation in the East Garden, and three new sculptures by Eric Stephenson.
As part of this monthly club, artists share enriching media connected to the art on view: a book they studied, a movie that inspired them, a playlist that got them through the project – anything goes! Each month, we’ll meet to discuss. Drinks and lite bites will be provided. While exhibitions are always free and open to all ages, the media and related discussion as part of Culture Club is intended for an adult audience. Ages 18+ recommended.
Artwork: Playful Spaces by Jason Maracani & Jeremy Barnett.

FAMILY DAY | Autobiography Maps!
2024-06-08 11:00 - 12:30
Saturday, June 8th, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
FREE & Open to All Ages
Saturday, June 8, 11 am – 12:30 pm
FREE & Open to All Ages

Join us on Saturday and make your own Autobiography Map! Have fun brainstorming and answering a few simple questions with instructor Jessica Hightower to create a map that is both beautiful and personal. We will be using watercolors and collage to make it all come to life!
On the second Saturday of every month, Krasl Art Center has free artmaking activities for the whole family!
Come down to 707 Lake Boulevard from 11 am – 12:30 pm and create something special.

FAMILY NIGHT | Autobiography Maps!
2024-06-13 17:00 - 18:30
Wednesday, June 12th, 5 pm – 6:30 pm
Wednesday, June 12, 5 PM – 6:30 PM
FREE & Open to All Ages

Join us on Wednesday evening and make your own Autobiography Map! Have fun brainstorming and answering a few simple questions with instructor Jessica Hightower to create a map that is both beautiful and personal. We will be using watercolors and collage to make it all come to life!
On the second Wednesday of every month, Krasl Art Center and Benton Harbor Public Library collaborate to host free artmaking activities for the whole family!
Come over to the Benton Harbor Library from 5 pm – 6:30 pm and create something special.

FAMILY NIGHT | Clothesline Art Show!
2024-07-10 17:00 - 18:30
Wednesday, July 10, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Free & Open to All Ages at the Benton Harbor Public Library
Join instructor Miss Jessica and make your own Outdoor Summer Art Show! ! Have fun creating a mini masterpiece to display the way Olga Krasl did during the very first Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff! You will also have the opportunity to display your piece during the Benton Harbor Childrens Art Fair on July 20th in beautiful Arts! Park downtown Benton Harbor in the Arts District!
See you on Wednesday, July 10th from 5 – 6:30PM!

ART FAIR BLOCK PARTY
2024-07-12 17:00 - 21:00 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Kick off the 62nd Krasl Art Fair, presented by 1st Source Bank Wealth Advisory Services, with a lively block party on July 12 from 5 – 9 pm! Savor beer and wine, indulge in food truck delights, and enjoy live entertainment by St. Joe Jack and Sankofa as you meet the exhibiting artists and connect with fellow community members. Purchase your tickets HERE.

ART FAIR ON THE BLUFF
2024-07-13 10:00 - 18:00, 2024-07-14 10:00 - 17:00 | Lake Bluff Park, 500 Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Join us this summer for the 62nd Art Fair on the Bluff, presented by 1st Source Bank Wealth Advisory Services! Immerse yourself in the creativity of 172 artists from across the U.S. With over 300 volunteers ready to assist, you’ll have a fantastic experience exploring the diverse art on display. In addition to the incredible artwork, enjoy delicious food from a variety of food trucks and fun activities for children. Admission is free, but donations are kindly requested to help fund year-round access to the arts. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of art and community, and show your support for our talented artists by making a purchase that will bring joy for years to come!

CULTURE CLUB HAPPY HOUR: WORKSHOP WITH ALLISSA CORAK
2024-08-01 17:30 - 18:30 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Artist Allissa Corak walks us through the process of building a miniature “realm,” a tiny entomological world inspired by her exhibition in The Lab. Materials include one small specimen, dried flowers, and a miniature cloche.
While this event is free and open to the public, we ask that you pre-register here.
Image: Artwork by Allissa Corak

SUMMER ART MARKETS
2024-08-17 10:00 - 17:00 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Enjoy sunshine, sculpture, and support small-town artists with Krasl Art Center this summer! Krasl’s Summer Art Market is a free community event featuring 10 regional artists, including one Emerging Artist. After visiting the Art Market, explore Krasl’s sculpture and gallery exhibitions.

SUMMER ART MARKET
2024-08-31 10:00 - 17:00 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States

CULTURE CLUB HAPPY HOUR: ARTIST TALK WITH NICK COLLARD
2024-09-05 17:30 - 18:30 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Let’s talk about: creative communion with nature. Tour the new Lab exhibition Forest with photographer Nick Collard during this Culture Club artist talk. Enjoy drinks and lite bites, learn about the impetus behind Collard’s work, and mingle with the artist.
As part of this monthly club, artists share enriching media connected to the art on view: a book they studied, a movie that inspired them, a playlist that got them through the project – anything goes! Each month, we’ll meet to discuss. Drinks and lite bites provided. While exhibitions are always free and open to all ages, the media and related discussion as part of Culture Club is intended for an adult audience. Ages 18+ recommended.
Artwork: Photograph by Nick Collard.

OPENING RECEPTION
2024-09-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Artists Gwen Yen Chiu and Nick Collard join KAC to celebrate their recently opened exhibitions, Language as Form and Forest. Hear from the artists, mingle with friends, and explore the work on view. Cash bar and lite bites provided. FREE & Open to the public
Image: Guests mingle at the opening reception of the 2023 Lab exhibition, The Art of Elizabeth Catlett.

COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR
2024-09-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Tour the recently opened exhibitions, Language as Form and Forest, with Chief Curator Tami Fauver. Coffee with the Curator is a free, informal tour over the lunch hour at KAC. Sponsored by Forté Coffee. FREE & Open to the public
Image: Executive Director and Chief Curator Tami Fauver leads a conversation about the 2023 exhibition The Stop Motion Worlds of Joe Baughman during Coffee with the Curator.

PECHAKUCHA
2024-09-20 20:30 - 22:30 | Ghostlight Theatre, 101 Hinkley Street, Benton Harbor, 49022, United States
PechaKucha – meaning “chit chat” in Japanese – is a presentation format that shows 20 images, each for 20 seconds. In other words, presenters get 400 seconds to tell their story, with visuals guiding the way. This event will be held outside at The Ghostlight Theatre in Benton Harbor.

CULTURE CLUB + TEEN ARTS COUNCIL: CALLIGRAPHY AS DRAWING
2024-10-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Let’s talk about: language as form. Join us for a special Culture Club event featuring the talented mother-daughter duo, Christine Yen and Gwen Yen Chiu. They will share their unique approaches to Chinese calligraphy and guide you through a hands-on art project highlighting the expressive power of line. Participants will practice traditional Chinese calligraphy techniques and explore contemporary styles that blur the boundaries between language and image.
As part of this monthly club, artists share enriching media connected to the art on view: a book they studied, a movie that inspired them, a playlist that got them through the project – anything goes! Each month, we’ll meet to discuss. In partnership with KAC’s Teen Arts Council, this session is open to ages 13+.
FREE: REGISTRATION REQUIRED (WS.2A); Ages 13+
Artwork: Gwen Yen Chiu. 飛 (To Fly), 2024. Chinese ink on rice paper

GEORGE KRASL MEMORIAL CONCERT
2024-10-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Language and form come alive for an afternoon of music and dance in the galleries. For the annual George Krasl Memorial Concert, cellist Jordan Hamilton collaborates with CPR Dance to bring an original score inspired by the work of Gwen Yen Chiu. Enjoy a live performance, light brunch fare, and cash bar. This event is free, but registration is required. Click here to register: https://canvas.krasl.org/classes/1604

CULTURE CLUB + TEEN ARTS COUNCIL: CALLIGRAPHY AS SCULPTURE
2024-11-07 18:00 - 21:00 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Let’s keep talking about language as form! Part two of a two-part workshop, this special Culture Club event gives ‘Calligraphy as Drawing’ participants the opportunity to transform their 2-dimensional ink drawings and calligraphy into 3-dimensional steel sculptures with Gwen Yen Chiu. Working with precut sheet metal, students will bend and make simple welds to modify their designs into dynamic linear works of art.
As part of this monthly club, artists share enriching media connected to the art on view: a book they studied, a movie that inspired them, a playlist that got them through the project – anything goes! Each month, we’ll meet to discuss. In partnership with KAC’s Teen Arts Council, this session is open to ages 13+.
FREE: Registration Required (WS.2B); Ages 13+
Artwork: Gwen Yen Chiu. Ink Stroke No.1, 2023. Aluminum.

FAMILY DAY | Drawing Anime and Manga Style!
2024-11-09 11:00 - 12:30
Saturday, November 9th, 11 am – 12:30 pm
FREE & Open to All Ages

Join us for a fun, hands-on session drawing in anime and manga styles! Led by artist and educator Jessica Hightower. Come explore character creation, expressive features, and dynamic poses. All materials are provided, so bring your creativity and enjoy an inspiring family art experience!
On the second Saturday of every month, Krasl Art Center has free artmaking activities for the whole family!
Come down to 707 Lake Boulevard from 11 am – 12:30 pm and create something special.

FAMILY NIGHT | Drawing Anime and Manga Style!
2024-11-13 17:00 - 18:30
Wednesday, November 13th, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Free & Open to All Ages at the Benton Harbor Public Library
Bring the family to Family Night on Wednesday, November 13, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at the Benton Harbor Public Library! Artist Jessica Hightower will guide participants through the basics of anime and manga drawing, from expressive characters to unique features and poses. This free, all-ages workshop is perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike. All materials are included—come ready to get creative!

PREVIEW PARTY
2024-11-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
It all begins with a first look at the 2024 Community ⇄ Members’ Show. Meet the artists, explore the talent of our community, and celebrate with friends. Live music, cash bar, and ‘a taste of the community’ provided by local restaurants. FREE and open to the public.
Image: Artist Chandra Williams performs during the 2019 Community ⇄ Members’ Show.

GO BIG OR GO GNOME 2
2024-11-22 - 2024-11-23 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Save the date! Our competitive, social, and artistic fall fundraiser, Go Big or Go Gnome 2, will be held on November 22 – 23. Click here for more details.

WARM UP EVENT WITH LIGHT UP THE BLUFF
2024-12-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Kick off your holiday season at Krasl Art Center! Stop by during the Annual Light Up the Bluff event to enjoy hot chocolate, artists sketching Santa, and more!

FAMILY NIGHT | Winter Collage Making!
2024-12-11 17:00 - 18:30
Wednesday, December 11th, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Free & Open to All Ages at the Benton Harbor Public Library
Bring the family to Family Night on Wednesday, December 11, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at the Benton Harbor Public Library! Join us for a cozy evening of creativity as artist Jessica Hightower guides us in making beautiful winter-themed collages. All ages are welcome to explore their artistic side using a variety of materials to craft unique seasonal designs.

FALL FINALE & ANNUAL MEETING
2024-12-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
Embark on an artistic journey at Krasl Art Center’s highly-anticipated Fall Finale & Annual Meeting! Hear from Krasl leaders and faculty. Following the brief presentations, immerse yourself in the creative world of the studio classrooms. From the breathtaking displays in The Galleries to the intimate drawing, painting, and ceramics studios, every corner of Krasl Art Center will come alive with student-made artwork from the fall semester.

FAMILY DAY | Winter Collage
2024-12-14 11:00 - 12:30
Saturday, December 14th, 11 am – 12:30 pm
FREE & Open to All Ages

Enjoy a morning of creativity as artist Jessica Hightower leads a fun, hands-on workshop to create winter-themed collages. Bring the whole family and explore your artistic side with a variety of materials to craft unique seasonal designs.
On the second Saturday of every month, Krasl Art Center has free artmaking activities for the whole family!
Come down to 707 Lake Boulevard from 11 am – 12:30 pm and create something special.

FAMILY NIGHT at Benton Harbor Public Library | Textured Painting Experiments!
2025-01-08 17:00 - 18:30
Wednesday, December 8th, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Free & Open to All Ages at the Benton Harbor Public Library
On the second Wednesday of every month, KAC hosts free artmaking activities in the evening for the whole family at the Benton Harbor Public Library!

Projects have included DIY Button Making, Pumpkin Painting, Pinewood Racing, and more! See what we have planned this month at krasl.org/events/featured-events/

Come to 213 E. Wall St, Benton Harbor from 5 – 6:30 pm and create something special.

FAMILY DAY at Krasl Art Center | Textured Painting Experiments!
2025-01-11 11:00 - 12:30
Saturday, January 11th, 11 am – 12:30 pm
FREE & Open to All Ages

On the second Saturday of every month, Krasl Art Center has free artmaking activities for the whole family!

Projects have included DIY Bubble Wands, Rock Painting, Ski Slope Racing, and much more! See what we have planned this month at krasl.org/events/featured-events/

Come down to 707 Lake Boulevard from 11 am – 12:30 pm and create something special.
