Village Artisans

In 1983, a group of people interested in promoting arts and crafts in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan purchased a 100-year-old building to serve as a center for meeting and to display artwork created by those living in and around the village of Garden. In 1985, Village Artisans of Garden opened the Garden Gallery.  

The Village Artisans, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 1983 in Garden, Michigan, to bring together artists and art enthusiasts in our community. Throughout its history the organization has sponsored art classes, workshops, music and drama productions, lectures, demonstrations, and adult enrichment programs. The Village Artisans hold a yearly raffle -- and in recent years a salad luncheon and tours -- a Holiday Silent Auction-- to raise funds to provide classes for the community's children and adults and to maintain their building. 

The Village Artisans is located between Escanaba and Manistique, eight miles south of US2. Turn south at Garden Corners on highway M183. Tax deductible contributions can be sent to the Village Artisans, Inc., P.O. Box 81, Garden, MI 49835.

In 1985 the Village Artisans created the Garden Gallery to display the works of the many artists in the area. In the Gallery, the public may appreciate and purchase art and craft pieces. Fine examples of painting, photography, jewelry, pottery, weaving, metal work, candle making, wood turning, fabric creations, woodcarving, glass blowing, stained glass, and basketry are on display. 

In 1991, the 100-year-old building which had served the Village Artisans since its inception was demolished and a replica was constructed in its place. 

The Garden Gallery is open Memorial Day weekend through mid October, Mondays through Saturdays 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Sundays noon to 5:00pm. New consignors in the region are welcome.  Contact the Gallery at 906-644-2025.

The Village Artisans, Inc. in 1991 incorporated as a non-profit corporation operating exclusively for charitable  and educational puroses.  The Village Artisans is organized upon a directorship basis.  The current  volunteer directors on the Board are: Sara Bagley,  Ruth Craig, Janet Feenstra-Daasch, Mary Kennedy, Marlene Winter-Johnson, Annette Mantas, Linda Ranguette, Ginny Smith, Lael Thelander, Lois Willet, Jean Harvey,Pat Yaeger, Lisa Pichette, Mary Gollakner, Jan Desfosses.  Pat Rasmussen is an honorary Board Member with years of service to the organization.