Community Calendar

This annual exhibition transforms moments both grand and intimate into works of visual storytelling. Featuring the work of Emberlight’s acclaimed photography team and guest artists, these images form a vivid portrait not only of a region, but of the artists who continue to interpret it through their own unique lenses.

https://emberlight.org/event/emberlight-photographers-2026/

Free event

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park welcomes back acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly. Experience art like never before through CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens Presented by Macatawa Bank. This highly anticipated exhibition transforms both our beautiful outdoor gardens and inviting indoor Sculpture Galleries with the world-renowned artwork of Chihuly. Stroll through the gardens and discover monumental sculptures, vibrant Reeds, and stunning site-specific installations that harmoniously blend art with nature, creating breathtaking moments around every corner.

About Dale Chihuly: Chihuly is an American artist who transforms a space with experiments in color, light, transparency, and form. He is known for his exhibitions and large-scale architectural installations around the world and for revolutionizing the studio glass movement. Chihuly works with a variety of media including glass, paint, charcoal, neon, ice, and Polyvitro, and his work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide.

Sponsored by the Gogebic Community College Foundation, in memory of Alex Marciniak.

From June 27 through August 22, visitors are invited to wander the 1.2-mile Aurora Loop and discover large-scale installations nestled among towering pines, winding trails, and the rugged beauty of the Northwoods. Created by artists from across the region, this year’s exhibition reflects Emberlight’s 2026 theme, New Ways to Dream — exploring imagination, transformation, memory, identity, and the power of collective creativity.

Alongside this year’s juried installations, Emberlight proudly unveils two major community-centered projects through Art For All. A new collaborative installation invites audiences themselves to become part of the artistic process, while a second large-scale work — created in partnership with students from five regional schools — draws inspiration from Ojibwe doodems, reflecting themes of kinship, ancestry, and connection to the natural world through the voices and creativity of the next generation. Supported through funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the project places young artists at the heart of the festival in a powerful new way.

https://emberlight.org/event/art-in-the-park-2026/

Free event

Opening Reception: Friday, July 17th, 2026 5-8pm
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-6pm

Friends: Furry & Fictional celebrates the many ways humans connect with animals—from the comfort of our pets to the wonder of wildlife. Long present in our stories, cultures, and daily lives, animals continue to inspire care, curiosity, and creative expression, reminding us of our shared place in the world.

This annual exhibition transforms moments both grand and intimate into works of visual storytelling. Featuring the work of Emberlight’s acclaimed photography team and guest artists, these images form a vivid portrait not only of a region, but of the artists who continue to interpret it through their own unique lenses.

https://emberlight.org/event/emberlight-photographers-2026/

Free event

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park welcomes back acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly. Experience art like never before through CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens Presented by Macatawa Bank. This highly anticipated exhibition transforms both our beautiful outdoor gardens and inviting indoor Sculpture Galleries with the world-renowned artwork of Chihuly. Stroll through the gardens and discover monumental sculptures, vibrant Reeds, and stunning site-specific installations that harmoniously blend art with nature, creating breathtaking moments around every corner.

About Dale Chihuly: Chihuly is an American artist who transforms a space with experiments in color, light, transparency, and form. He is known for his exhibitions and large-scale architectural installations around the world and for revolutionizing the studio glass movement. Chihuly works with a variety of media including glass, paint, charcoal, neon, ice, and Polyvitro, and his work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide.

Sponsored by the Gogebic Community College Foundation, in memory of Alex Marciniak.

From June 27 through August 22, visitors are invited to wander the 1.2-mile Aurora Loop and discover large-scale installations nestled among towering pines, winding trails, and the rugged beauty of the Northwoods. Created by artists from across the region, this year’s exhibition reflects Emberlight’s 2026 theme, New Ways to Dream — exploring imagination, transformation, memory, identity, and the power of collective creativity.

Alongside this year’s juried installations, Emberlight proudly unveils two major community-centered projects through Art For All. A new collaborative installation invites audiences themselves to become part of the artistic process, while a second large-scale work — created in partnership with students from five regional schools — draws inspiration from Ojibwe doodems, reflecting themes of kinship, ancestry, and connection to the natural world through the voices and creativity of the next generation. Supported through funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the project places young artists at the heart of the festival in a powerful new way.

https://emberlight.org/event/art-in-the-park-2026/

Free event

Opening Reception: Friday, July 17th, 2026 5-8pm
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-6pm

Friends: Furry & Fictional celebrates the many ways humans connect with animals—from the comfort of our pets to the wonder of wildlife. Long present in our stories, cultures, and daily lives, animals continue to inspire care, curiosity, and creative expression, reminding us of our shared place in the world.

This annual exhibition transforms moments both grand and intimate into works of visual storytelling. Featuring the work of Emberlight’s acclaimed photography team and guest artists, these images form a vivid portrait not only of a region, but of the artists who continue to interpret it through their own unique lenses.

https://emberlight.org/event/emberlight-photographers-2026/

Free event

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park welcomes back acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly. Experience art like never before through CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens Presented by Macatawa Bank. This highly anticipated exhibition transforms both our beautiful outdoor gardens and inviting indoor Sculpture Galleries with the world-renowned artwork of Chihuly. Stroll through the gardens and discover monumental sculptures, vibrant Reeds, and stunning site-specific installations that harmoniously blend art with nature, creating breathtaking moments around every corner.

About Dale Chihuly: Chihuly is an American artist who transforms a space with experiments in color, light, transparency, and form. He is known for his exhibitions and large-scale architectural installations around the world and for revolutionizing the studio glass movement. Chihuly works with a variety of media including glass, paint, charcoal, neon, ice, and Polyvitro, and his work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide.