Buckham hosts some of the more unique art shows in town. You know, the type of art with a little…read moremore "flavor" to it. To put it mildly, it's not your Grandma's quilting exhibition. The crowd at Buckham is filled with eccentric, free-spirited, creative types. I've seen the most unusual art shows here, but most have actually been very entertaining. Lots of upcycled "dumpster" art along with more mainstream photography and paintings. It's always surprising. The art is thought-provoking and gets people talking and that's what art is supposed to do- get people discussing it and looking at things in a different light. It's always fun to see everyone crowding around talking about the fusing of art, politics and commerce during art walk with a glass of wine in hand. Admission is free. Patrons may rent the space out for private events, too.

(AKA Buckham Gallery). A pretty interesting art gallery. The space is nice and is located a little…read moreoff the beaten path. Buckham regularly hosts Second Friday Art Walk receptions, along with the other local galleries downtown, like GFAC. Sometimes they host spoken word or poetry readings or, on rare occasion, an interpretive dance recital. It's really a great space for showcasing local art talent and, as one of the city's non-profits, they manage to do a lot with a little- no small feat in this day and age, and particularly in this city. It's a testament to the changing times in Flint and our city's dedication to both promoting and preserving the arts downtown. Whenever I attend one of their Art Walk receptions, I always run into a number of Flint-town regulars that I know from around our colorful downtown landscape. They serve appetizers and beer and wine at their receptions, so donations are always welcome to help defray costs, but it is not something that is pushed. Great art, great scene, great people. Some of the art exhibitions here will often be a bit quirkier than those at GFAC, but it's the ingenuity and independent spirit that drives this gallery. Once, my husband and I saw a Twinkie-themed art installation project here. Now that's entertaining!

Walter (and Megan!) at Flint Trading Co hosted a private event with permanent jewelry for my best…read morefriend's birthday party. I cannot say enough good things about what a lovely event it was! The wine and charcuterie were beautiful and delicious. The chain selection for bracelets was varied and everyone found more than one that they loved! We had a fabulous time just hanging out and we all left loving our new bracelets. We started as patrons and left as friends!

I worked with Walter extensively on a jewelry remake - turning a dated necklace into a beautiful…read moreand timeless ring. He did an amazing job with the communication and design. I would recommend him to anyone, and will absolutely come back (virtually as I'm in Texas) for future projects!

Very nice, newer art gallery in Flint…read more This gallery is focused more on African American history and art and other ethnic minorities, displaying some powerful and eclectic pieces, including some very well known artwork by some of the country's most well known artists, plus lesser known or up and coming artists. They run a new art installation every several weeks and have a video display, too, featuring a short film or a video art piece. As with other galleries in the area, they are now part of the city's monthly art walk and they have a reception and usually jazz music or some other instrumental music during the festivities. I've been to this gallery several times and signed up for the E newsletter, too. It's one of the nicer, more intriguing galleries around and it's never the same dull art twice. They have everything, including paintings, multi media, videos, clay, installation art, and more. I try to make sure my family drops by at least once every month or two.

What a great addition to the downtown arts scene…read more This museum/art gallery is the new permanent home to the Mott Warsh art collection. It displays artwork crafted in a variety of mediums (paintings, fabric, charcoal, photography, mixed media, sculpture, pen & ink drawings, etc) primarily by artists of the African diaspora, showcasing the history and culture of African American artists and their legacy upon the art world today. Some of the work is infused with political statements, historical narratives, etc. It's all pretty interesting stuff and most of the pieces give one pause when thinking about how they came to be. I'm glad there is a newer voice in the local fine art scene and MW Gallery seems to be evoking necessary conversations about art, history and multiculturalism, opening a new dialogue about racial issues, too. The gallery, which opened in 2016, is a regular participant in the city's Second Friday Art Walk now, along with other galleries, shops, street artisans, and "pop up" galleries located along the Saginaw Street corridor. I try to hit the MW Gallery every month during Art Walk because it's a refreshing change of pace from some of the "watered down" art forms at some of the other galleries, yet is more serious and often significant than some of the installation art exhibitions found elsewhere. Overall, the museum is a great addition to the Second Friday Art Walk scene, filling a huge void that desperately needed satisfying. It's too bad it took so long to do so, but now there is a gallery more reflective of the city's urban roots. The collection comprises work by more than 125 different artists, most of which dating from after 1940. Some pieces in the collection are temporarily on loan at other locations, including Applewood Estate, Flint Public Library, Genesys and many more. The gallery, located in the Phoenix Building on Saginaw Street in downtown Flint, is not a large museum per se, but it does include some truly significant works of art, carefully straddling the lines between entertainment, culture and education remarkably well. I've been here several times now and I feel that the artwork shown is usually highly significant and seems to have been curated to pack the most visual and emotional punch. The gallery's small "black box" theater offers a new short film regarding art/history of the African diaspora every month as well. In short, this gallery definitely is pulsating with beautiful, thought-provoking art. Is some of it "controversial?" Perhaps to some people, but not really. I've been pretty impressed with the collection ever since I first toured the gallery last year. Now, I made a point to stop in every time the city-wide art walk is on, at the very least, just to see the latest exhibition, occasionally popping in other times as well. If you're interested in something other than "cookie cutter" style art and crave something more thought-provoking, then you might want to check out the MW Gallery. If I wanted to look at a pretty, nineteenth century watercolor, I'd go somewhere else. If I want to look at something more thought-provoking, then this is the place.

This little gem is in a quiet, small town and is lovely. The owners are so kind, they have unique…read moregifts and some very great pieces. The prices of their pieces are definitely fair. They do have chalk paint for those DIY folks. It's just a nice little space tucked away in a cute town. Check them out!

Elixir is one of Downtown Lake Orion's gems. Every time I go into the store, which is a family…read morebusiness, the owner Paul is welcoming and helpful. I have a habit of waiting to clothes shop for events until the last minute... and when I do, I go Elixir. I have yet to be let down! Most recently I got a long, black sequenced slip dress and shoes for Valentine's Day dinner. It was a hit with the husband, but more importantly, it fit well, had very unique details, made me feel great, and the dress was comfortable. In short, Elixir has a variety of unique and traditional clothing and accessories at competitive prices, especially competitive when you consider the nice quality of the clothing.

This is the best kept secret , sweet little style with big city pazaaz. Nice to see hometown…read morepersonal shopper giving attention & making suggestions, all the while keeping safe COVID precautions, all the ladies kind & caring. Seems the owners hand select the items with years of experience, keeps everyone even out of towners returning , worth the drive! Great prices, sizes. It was a very positive find!

This place is a gem. I'm so thankful 2 of the vendors at recent spring market at Flint Farmers…read moremarket told of this place. Today was a special little outdoor market but they are open 6 days a week and this place is gorgeous....flowers, plants, veggies, herbs. My daughter is regretting not grabbing a cute pair of vintage overalls. The chickens are freaking hilarious. I can't wait to go back

Le Fleur Decor in Hadley, MI is well worth visiting; especially if you like flowers, antiques, or…read morequirky arrangements. They also host creative events, parties, and weddings. This is a fun eclectic out of this world space to purchase gifts, flowers, and antiques. Whether you come to purchase or just get ideas, your imagination will soar. You'll definitely go home with out of the box ideas in everything you look at. I didn't purchase on my first visit, but left with soaring ideas. I came back later in the same week and purchased a hanging basket, multiple plants, and many more ideas. I loved their pump & wheel barrow fountain flowing into a gold fish pond. Their kitchen sink plant stations were really cool too. Oh how my DIY project list is growing!

So good! Do many great artists and things to look at! Love…read moregoing with my mom every year!

For a single weekend each June for as long as I can recall, Flint residents are treated to the…read moreFlint Art Fair, sponsored by Flint Institute of Arts and Friends of Modern Art, on the grounds of the cultural center. This two day (occasionally three days, but that's rare) festival of art & crafts is always a special treat for a beleaguered city often plagued by negativity. For that one weekend, the city comes out to enjoy art, music and activities for the kids. It's an eclectic blend of people coming together to support the arts. As a "juried" art festival, every vendor must be approved beforehand by a panel comprised of the FIA/FOMA. In other words, quality arts/crafts, not kitsch, is what the Flint Art Fair is all about. Essentially, everything from oil & acrylic paintings, pen & ink drawings, prints, mixed media, photography, sculpture, pottery/ceramics and blown glass to handmade jewelry, stained glass, clothing, handbags/wallets, leather goods, hammered metal objects, "upcycled" DIY lawn ornaments and everything in between can be found here during any given year. The selection always runs the gamut from traditional to whimsical. This year's event was no exception. I felt that most artistic mediums were well-represented from what I saw at this most recent fair, along the lines of previous years, even if there was perhaps a slight decrease in the number of participating vendors than what I'm used to seeing. In retrospect, I think there were probably 3-5 more booths last year, but it didn't seem to affect the quality of the festival at all. The FAF always has a great turnout in terms of the number and high quality of its vendors each year. The only damper on this year's event was the scorching temperature- the heat index rose to 100 degrees both days, so it was pretty difficult to walk around in such oppressive heat. Sometimes the weather is great and sometimes it isn't, but you can't control Mother Nature. Once again, the cost of admission was $5 per adult. Kids (under 12, I think) get in for free and members of FOMA also receive free admission, but not members of the FIA. I think that isn't fair to strictly FIA members, but the fee goes toward defraying costs of the event, so who cares? Seriously, they haven't raised the price of admission in several years, so who am I to complain? For that mere $5, you get to sample (and have the opportunity to purchase) an array of unique, handmade wares. Literally, a world of art is at your fingertips. Just don't break anything. I'm kidding- sort of. It's always a blast to just trek around the art fair, even if I'm not in a buying mood (who am I kidding, I'm always in a mood to shop and I can't remember the last time I attended and left empty-handed). Alas, I usually buy something, whether it be pottery, photography or jewelry. I just can't help myself. There's just always so much to see and buy. I regret not picking up some Game of Thrones style jewelry I saw. Sigh. It was gorgeous. I think it's a good way to pick up DIY tips or grab a gift that I know I'll use down the line for someone else. A few years ago, I picked up a lawn object d' arte for the garden welded from different metals for my mom''s birthday. She loved it. At this point, I have a house full of artsy finds I've managed to acquire over the years from the FAF alone. Are the prices rock bottom cheap? Not a chance, but they aren't over-the-top exorbitant, either, especially when taking into consideration the fact that you're supporting artisans from around the state (and even a few from out of state) who make their living plying their trade traveling from festival to festival. I personally like the idea of owning some one-of-a-kind, handmade home decor. In my opinion, there's something to suit just about everyone's budget- from $15 hand-crafted bottle stoppers to $800 paintings. It all depends on what you're looking for. Last year, my haul included jewelry, a glass dish and two prints. Every year is a bit different. This year, I picked up a serving tray hammered from recycled aluminum soda cans for $25. That's probably the least I've ever spent at one of these outings. I would have looked around and spent more, but the heat was unbearable. Each year, live musical entertainment is featured all weekend, including decidedly family-friendly acts during the day. However, after the sun goes down and the arts/crafts booths close, it switches to more adult fare, with the beer & food tents still active for a few more hours. Face & chalk painting are always popular activities for the kids and are of nominal cost. There's even a silent auction every single year featuring pieces donated by local artisans, but I've never managed to win anything, despite my few attempts. The items up for grabs are quite nice, particularly the blown glass and jewelry. Proceeds benefit FIA/FOMA programming. All vendors accept credit cards, sans the food/beer tent.

This shop is full of wonderful things to check out, and Brenda, the owner, offers several items…read moremade by local artists. Raggs-N-Relics is an enjoyable way to spend some time. Additionally, the customer service is wonderful. Brenda is lovely as is her friendly and helpful staff. Raggs-N-Relics will hold items for you; they will special order something in a different size or color; they are warm and kind; they do layaway; there are terrific sales. It is a delightful experience to visit this shop: worth a trip to Holly. Plus you can go to Battle Alley Brewing Company after for some delicious eats and beer! Highly recommend!!!

Service and really unique selection. What's nice is that there's something for all ages. Really…read morestylish items and accessories at affordable prices. Great stop!!