Life and Whim by Heather Harrington

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Life and Whim by Heather Harrington

Happy Creations for a Colorful Life by Heather Harrington. Creating Happy - Art Inspired by Northern Michigan

Happiness isn’t something to chase.

Inspired by Traverse City’s beauty, I create vibrant art, host workshops, and offer colorful goods to bring joy to your everyday moments. The more we chase it, the farther away it seems. Happiness isn’t reaching the peak of the mountain, it’s enjoying the climb. It’s the day-to-day, moment-by-moment experience of pursuing an intentional, purposeful, fulfilling life. At Life and Whim, our mission is to help you create more happiness in your life. For us, and hopefully for you too, we believe the best moments in life are the simple ones spent in the outdoors, being active and expressing creativity. That’s what we’re about, and our means of communicating what inspires us is painting, writing, and creating goods and events that bring more happiness into the world.

09/10/2026

A little Squeegee Painting Magic!

Who knew a simple squeegee could create such beautiful art? 💕

Join me next Thursday at the Old Art Building in Leland for a fun, playful workshop exploring color, pattern and the unexpected magic of squeegee painting!

We'll experiment with this easy and expressive technique to create our own collection of 6 beautiful, art cards and a 8 x 10" painting.

No experience needed, just come ready to play, create and have fun!

Thursday, October 15th from 6 to 8 pm
Old Art Building | Leland, MI

I'd love to see you there! 💙

REGISTER:
https://www.oldartbuilding.com/events/squeegee-abstract-art-with-heather-harrington/

08/10/2026

A little paint, a little play and a whole lot of creativity!

Come play with color and create your own beautiful set of 6 cards and an original 8 x 10 painting with me next Thursday.

October 15th
6 to 8 pm
Old Art Building, Leland

No experience needed, just come ready to have create!

REGISTER
https://www.oldartbuilding.com/events/squeegee-abstract-art-with-heather-harrington/

02/10/2026

NEW WORKSHOP ✨ Inspiration from Dolly: “Shine Where You Are”

• Tuesday, October 20 | 6–8 PM
• Tuesday, October 27 | 6–8 PM

Dolly Parton has inspired so many of us through her creativity, joyful spirit and incredible generosity. To celebrate her and the light she brings into the world, I created a workshop inspired by her golden spirit and meaningful words: “Shine Where You Are” a sweet reminder to bring your own light, joy and creativity wherever you are. 💛 $5 from every workshop registration will be donated to a local organization supporting children's literacy in our community.

You’ll learn the art of metal tooling and how to wrap a mat in beautiful fabric to create a meaningful framed keepsake for yourself or someone else! Choose from several Dolly quotes, select from three fabric options (or bring ½ yard of your own cotton fabric!), and make the piece uniquely yours.

REGISTER HERE:
https://www.lifeandwhim.com/shop/workshop-inspired-by-dolly

01/10/2026

Treasures of Summer ☀️
11 x 14" acrylic and mixed media
framed in a gold metal frame

I love mixing unexpected materials and found objects into my paintings. My latest painting, Treasures of Summer, brings together hand-painted raw canvas, painted paper, colored pencil, oil pastels, sequins and little pieces of found driftwood — layered together to add texture and dimension.

A little collection of the colors, textures and treasures of a vibrant Northern Michigan summer.

Treasures of Summer is currently on view in the Old Art Building Member Show in Leland through this weekend.

27/08/2026

🐾 Happy National Dog Day to all the dog lovers!

Meet sweet Gypsy Pearl! 💕

I had the honor of painting Gypsy Pearl earlier this year for Kim in Bryan, Texas, and had so much fun capturing those adorable ears, sweet eyes, and all that cuteness on canvas. For this 20 x 16" portrait, I chose a horizontal format specifically to celebrate those fabulous ears.

One of my favorite parts of the process is hearing from clients when their finished painting arrives:

"I love it! So so precious! Thank you very much!" — Kim

In honor of National Dog Day, it seems like the perfect time to share that I'm opening a limited number of pet portrait commissions for this fall. I love creating colorful, expressive paintings that celebrate the pets who bring so much joy into our lives!

If you've been thinking about having your favorite furry face painted, I'd love to create one for you!

https://www.lifeandwhim.com/pet-portrait-commissions-open

15/08/2026

A little something new from my studio! 🌊

I’ve been painting, stitching, and playing with this idea for a while, and I’m so happy to finally share my first little collection of Beach Mini Trucker Hats.

Each one starts as a tiny original painting on raw canvas, inspired by the colors and carefree feeling of time spent along Lake Michigan. Then I fray the edges, stitch each one by hand, and add it to a trucker hat.

I’ve always loved the idea of taking art off the wall and bringing it into everyday life. Each trucker hat is a mini original piece of art you can wear!

I made just 10 for this first collection, Days by the Lake, and each one is completely different.

I hope you love them! 💙

https://www.lifeandwhim.com/beach-minis

24/07/2026

Celebrating Creativity in Leelanau

One of the things that makes Northern Michigan so special is the way our communities continue to support art and creativity. The Old Art Building in Leland is one of those special places.

I'm grateful to have two paintings, Finding Light and Where Joy Grows, included in this year's Art Leelanau Exhibition & Fundraiser alongside so many talented regional artists.

If you're looking for a wonderful evening out, tonight's Benefit & Preview Party is a beautiful way to support the Old Art Building and celebrate the arts. The exhibition then continues daily through August 2, with free admission.

Thank you for supporting local artists and the organizations that help creativity flourish in Northern Michigan. 💙

21/07/2026

🌸 The Promise of Spring

I'm grateful to share that my painting, The Promise of Spring, has been selected for the Cherry State of Mind show at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Traverse City.

Created in celebration of our Northern Michigan orchards, this exhibition marks the 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Festival and explores the landscapes, traditions, and memories that make our region so special.

As a Traverse City artist, it feels especially meaningful to have this painting included alongside the work of so many talented Michigan artists.

If you're downtown this summer, be sure to stop by to see the exhibition!

🌸 The show is on view through August 22

15/07/2026

🌊 Last night's beach painting workshop was such a special evening.

One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching people discover that there isn't just one way to create. We all started with the same paints and brushes, yet every painting became a reflection of their own favorite beach memory.

There was laughter and wonderful conversation as everyone slowed down and gave themselves permission to simply create.

I believe creativity helps us notice the world a little differently. Sometimes all we need is a couple of hours away from our to-do lists to reconnect with that sense of wonder.

Thank you to everyone who joined me at the studio. Your beautiful paintings, and the joy that filled the studio, made my heart so full.

I can't wait to paint with you again. 💙

11/07/2026

🧚✨ Winner Spotlight 3 of 4 ✨🧚

Congratulations to our 2026 Fantastical Fairies (Ages 16+) Fairy House Competition Winners!

🥇 1st Place: #25 Cobblestone Knoll
Created by Claire Re'Soullier

🥈 2nd Place: #19 Cobwebs & Gossamer Threads Quilt Shoppe
Created by Michele Mizell

Congratulations to these talented makers for their creativity, artistry, and incredible attention to detail! Their enchanting fairy houses captured the imagination of our visitors and helped make this year's Fun Fairy House Competition The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park such a magical celebration.

Each fairy house tells its own story, and we're so grateful to every maker who shared their time, talents, and imagination to help create this beloved community tradition.

💚 Congratulations to our Fantastical Fairies winners!

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https://www.lifeandwhim.com/

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