Ludington Area Center for the Arts

06/05/2026

Tuesday evenings are adult workshop night at LACA! This week we learned about making Flower Essences w/ Michelle Patterson, painted a Dogwood Pastel Painting w/ Marie Marfia, practiced International Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan w/ Leslie Kannon and listened to the brass quartet rehearse!

Learn about and register for upcoming workshops at ludingtonartscenter.org.

06/05/2026

THANK YOU to everyone who attended this evening’s opening receptions for for Jamie Gannon’s ‘Specific to Site: Mapping Time and Place’ and Nina Martine Robinson’s ‘Normal is a Social Construct.’

06/05/2026

The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) will present ‘Normal is a Social Construct,’ a powerful textile exhibition by artist Nina Martine Robinson, on display June 5–27 in the art center’s Performance Hall Lobby Gallery.

A public artist reception will take place Friday, June 5 from 4–7 p.m. LACA artist receptions offer attendees the opportunity to meet the exhibiting artist, learn about the creative process behind the work, and experience the exhibition in a welcoming and engaging setting.

In ‘Normal is a Social Construct,’ Robinson explores neurodiversity and the lived experience of being an autistic woman, with particular focus on late-diagnosed women on the spectrum. The exhibition examines vulnerability, discomfort, masking, and acceptance through sculptural textile forms. Referencing the often-quoted sentiment, “If you have met one person on the spectrum, you have met one person on the spectrum,” Robinson’s work underscores the individuality and depth of autistic experience while challenging societal expectations of what it means to appear “normal.”
Most people on the autism spectrum struggle with nuance and connect more readily with straightforward concepts, often possessing a depth that can be overlooked. Robinson’s textile sculptures highlight specific autism traits and diagnostic criteria while inviting viewers to reconsider assumptions about identity, behavior, and belonging.

With a background in textiles and fashion, Robinson uses repurposed clothing and reclaimed fabrics as both material and metaphor. Clothing, she explains, is a powerful form of self-expression. It can signal confidence, provide comfort, or serve as camouflage in uncomfortable situations. Her practice involves mending, deconstructing, repurposing, and embellishing discarded garments, embracing an ecologically sustainable studio approach while honoring the histories embedded in each piece of fabric.

Robinson describes the process as deeply meditative. Sitting with the garments, listening to their stories, and slowly reconstructing them allows her own neurodivergent experiences to become stitched together with the narratives of the clothing. Flat geometric textile components are pieced together, stitched, manipulated, and organically arranged into dynamic three-dimensional structures. The resulting works are at once architectural and intimate, confronting and tender.

Through this exhibition, Robinson invites the community into a conversation about identity, perception, and the courage it takes to live authentically.

06/05/2026

The Ludington Area Center for the Arts will present “Specific to Site: Mapping Time and Place,” an exhibition by artist Jamie Gannon, on display June 5–27 in the art center’s Main Gallery.

A public artist reception will take place Friday, June 5 from 4–7 p.m., offering visitors the opportunity to meet the artist and experience the exhibition firsthand. LACA artist receptions give attendees a chance to engage with exhibiting artists while exploring the ideas and creative processes behind their work.

“Specific to Site: Mapping Time and Place” investigates the concept of place through the documentation of architecture across Michigan and the greater Midwest. Through mirrored photography and location-based painting, each work maps specific sites—from the campus of West Shore Community College to endangered buildings in Custer, Michigan. Plots of land, agricultural harvest patterns, and architectural details from neighboring buildings serve as source material for a deeper understanding of place.

Working from direct observation and satellite imagery, Gannon’s work reveals the geometric patterns already present in our built and agricultural environments. What may initially appear abstract is rooted firmly in realism, as every painted element traces back to an actual location, uncovering the visual order embedded in the way we organize and inhabit our surroundings.

Supporting the arts at the local level strengthens communities in meaningful ways. When individuals engage with and purchase local artwork, they directly support working artists, keep creative dollars within the community, and help ensure that arts and culture continue to thrive. Collecting local artwork not only brings unique and meaningful pieces into homes and businesses, but also invests in the cultural identity and economic vitality of the region.

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

Holy Boho! Art Shop 107's Featured Artist for June is Erna Beard! She's been on a creative spree! Come and see all of her amazing creations! Opening reception for all exhibitions is tomorrow from 4:00-7:00 pm. Art Shop pARTy celebrating Erna is Wednesday, June 17th 5:30-7:00 pm.

06/03/2026

Check out the newest addition to Ludington Area Center for the Arts!!!

We are calling it “A Wave of Hope”!!

Big thanks to Matt Mroz for the renewal of the sculpture and the heavy lifting! Oh yeah, Ed helped as well!!!

Stay tuned for more great additions… coming soon.

Thank you for sharing this post and supporting the arts in YOUR community!!

06/02/2026

The 2026 spring Garden Ladies by Wendy Laraway are fresh out of the kiln! They measure 8 inches high and they will not last! LACA hours are Tues/Thurs/Fri 11-4, Wed 11-6, Sat 11-2.

06/02/2026

Art center announces 2026 LACA Summer Concert Series lineup

Free Wednesday evening concerts return to Ludington’s Waterfront Park June 17 – Sept. 2

LUDINGTON, Mich. — The sounds of summer return to downtown Ludington as the Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) proudly announces the 2026 LACA Summer Concert Series, a 12-week lineup of free live music performances every Wednesday evening from June 17 through Sept. 2 at Waterfront Park.

This beloved summer tradition transforms downtown Ludington’s Waterfront Park into a vibrant gathering place where residents and visitors alike can enjoy outstanding live performances in a family-friendly setting with views of the channel leading out to Lake Michigan. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends to experience unforgettable evenings of music, community, and spectacular sunsets.

The 2026 season opens June 17 with Big L and Code Blue, delivering an energetic blend of rock, funk, pop, and jazzy soul. On June 24, The Ivas John Band brings dynamic electric and acoustic blues, folk, and roots harmonies. The music continues July 1 with the internationally acclaimed Rodney Whitaker Ensemble, led by the world-renowned jazz bassist and bandleader.

On July 8, audiences will enjoy the fresh, next-generation sounds of The Schleppinbop Kids, whose style mixes soul, blues, jazz, and funk. East Bay Drive takes the stage on July 15 with classic and contemporary jazz infused with funky pop and rock favorites. Then on July 22, The Seth Bernard Quartet offers a genre-defying performance from one of Michigan’s most engaging modern troubadours.

The summer fun continues on July 29 with The Fabulous Horn Dogs, known for infectious jazz, blues, and dance grooves. On Aug. 5, Da’Veonce & DaFunk Gang bring high-energy harmony, hip-hop, and funk to the waterfront stage. Planet D Nonet arrives on Aug. 12 with its award-winning Detroit sound, blending swing, blues, and down-and-dirty jazz.

On Aug. 19, The Charlie Millard Band showcases heartfelt, genre-bending musicianship and humble brilliance. Metro Soul Band follows on Aug. 26 with authentic Motown, funk, pop, and rock favorites sure to get audiences moving. The season concludes on Sept. 2 with Roger That, closing out the summer with rocking dance tunes and beloved pop and soul hits.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with World Class Jazz Productions to bring these exceptional artists to our community for a summer of free performances,” said Andrew Skinner, Executive Director of LACA.

“Part of the art center’s vision is to foster a community where arts and culture bring us together, feed the creative spirit, and fuel community growth—and this series does exactly that. There’s nothing better than gathering with neighbors and visitors on the grass of Waterfront Park, enjoying incredible live music, watching the sunset, and welcoming the arrival of the S.S. Badger.”

While the concerts are free to attend, producing a professional summer concert series is not free. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, LACA relies on sponsorships, donations, and community generosity to keep this cherished tradition thriving.
Businesses and organizations are invited to become sponsors of the 2026 LACA Summer Concert Series. Sponsorship provides valuable visibility, demonstrates community leadership, and helps make one of Ludington’s most popular summer attractions possible. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact Andrew Skinner at 231-845-2787 or [email protected].

Community members who value free arts programming are also encouraged to make a tax-deductible gift in support of the concert series. Donations may be made online at https://www.ludingtonartscenter.org/donate or mailed to:
LACA Summer Concert Series
107 S. Harrison St.
Ludington, MI 49431

Whether attending one concert or all 12, the 2026 LACA Summer Concert Series promises memorable evenings of music, connection, and celebration in the heart of Ludington. Come early, explore downtown, support local businesses, and experience why Wednesdays at Waterfront Park have become a treasured summer tradition.

The Ludington Area Center for the Arts is a 501c3 Not for Profit that strives to foster a community where arts and culture bring us together, feed the creative spirit, and fuel community growth. Located at 107 S. Harrison St. in downtown Ludington, Mich. LACA offers monthly exhibits, with first Friday of the month opening receptions; and a wide assortment of performances and workshops. Art Shop 107 by LACA serves as the art center’s gift shop and features amazing original artwork from LACA members, perfect for gifts or home décor. Art center hours of operation are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about LACA visit www.ludingtonartscenter.org.

06/02/2026

Hey Artists! This is your weekly update from the Ludington Area Center for the Arts—LACA!

Registration is open for our LACA Summer Youth Art Camps. Running throughout June, July, and August, we have an incredible lineup of three-day camps designed for ages 5 to 14. For just $30 per camp—which includes a snack—kids can dive into Nature Play: Board Game Design with Michelle Patterson, where they will craft a custom board game from scratch using negative space painting and polymer clay. We are also offering Stop Motion Animation with Mason County 4-H (which is completely free for 4-H members), Perspective Drawing with Claudette Reid, Nature-Based Mixed Media with Mystic Wilde, outdoor Plein Air Painting with Laurel Prafke, and dynamic music camps with Crescendo that culminate in a live performance at the Forest Trail Music Festival. Plus, Deb Borema is offering her popular summer sewing camps.

If you're an adult looking to explore your own creative side, remember that every Tuesday evening is adult class night at LACA. This week on Tuesday, June 2nd, we are hosting three fantastic workshops starting at 6:00 p.m. You can join Marie Marfia for a Dogwood Pastel Painting workshop for $40 for LACA members and $50 for non-members, or opt for a nostalgic Swimsuit on the Line Watercolor class with Richelle Daniels for $30 for LACA members and $40 for non-members. Michelle Patterson will also be presenting a unique workshop on Flower Essences for natural emotional well-being, priced at $20 for LACA members and $30 for non-members.

Beyond our Tuesday night lineup, we have fantastic ongoing weekly options. Stephanie Shilander’s summer piano lessons are available all week long, with a package of four lessons running $100 for LACA members and $115 for non-members. You can also join Justin David Gustafson for his weekly Oil Painting class every Friday from noon to 3:00 p.m. for $50 for LACA members and $60 for non-members.

Join us this Friday, June 5th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a spectacular double exhibition opening reception. In the Main Gallery, Chicago-based artist Jamie Gannon presents Specific to Site: Mapping Time and Place, a fascinating investigation of Midwest architecture using mirrored photography and location-based painting. In the Performance Hall Lobby Gallery, Nina Martine Robinson presents Normal is a Social Construct, a powerful textile exhibition that uses repurposed clothing and sculptural fabric forms to explore neurodiversity and the lived experience of late-diagnosed autistic women. Come meet the artists and our LACA community!

Find your center—Workshops, Performances and Exhibits—at ludingtonartscenter.org or call LACA at 231-845-2787.