There's 15 Free Little Art Galleries across Michigan. What kind of art will you make?
You've heard of Little Free Libraries — but did you know Michigan is also home to Free Little Art Galleries?
That's right: This summer, you've got access to an art-drop box for others to enjoy your work, and you've got an opportunity to enjoy someone else's creation.
More: Free Little Art Gallery focuses on accessibility in downtown Douglas
The main difference is, of course, the maker. Not often do authors put their own work in Little Free Libraries. But some artists place their own creations in Free Little Art Galleries (also known as FLAGs) as often as they can.
According to a few sources, FLAGs aren't overseen by a specific organization. The concept was started by Seattle-based artist Stacy Milrany in late 2020.
"My appreciation of art, artists, creativity, combined with my love of the Little Free Libraries, combined with the hope to shed a little light, levity and beauty on a heavy world and catastrophic year inspired this Free Little Art Gallery," Milrany wrote on her website.
Similar to Little Free Libraries, FLAGs are mostly built by individuals and placed in front of their homes. Some are located near public libraries, schools and art supply stores, or on the grounds of local museums.
We've compiled a list of the ones we found in Michigan, according to a map created by Tyler Tork and Tork Inner Prizes, among other volunteers. Tork is the author of speculative fiction and children’s books, and an amateur artist.
Personal/Family FLAGS
In Allen Park, FLAG 3.13 is located at 6543 Allen Road. If you wish to mail art, send pieces to Cheryl Alt at 9648 Melbourne in Allen Park. All art must be family-friendly.
In Ann Arbor, a FLAG is located on Pauline Boulevard. Art can be mailed to Marie Parmer at 1511 Pauline Boulevard.
In Port Austin, a FLAG can be found at 3209 Quarry Drive. Mail can be sent to Deborah Maxwell at the same address. Maxwell requests that you query before sending art.
In Plymouth, a FLAG can be found at 865 Penniman Ave. Art can be mailed to the same address.
In Saugatuck, there's a FLAG at Hoffman Street, just past Grand Street.
In Tecumseh, a FLAG can be found on Ottawa Street near a library and small fairy garden. The FLAG is managed by Amara Karapas and accepts in-person art only.
Unique FLAGs
In Canton, The 48188 Exchange is split between a Little Free Library and a FLAG at 43573 Amber Court. Owners encourage visitors to enjoy art, take art, share art and enjoy a book, take a book and share a book.
In Glen Arbor, an LFL and FLAG can be found at the Glen Arbor Arts Center, located at 6031 S. Lake St. You can also mail art to the aforementioned address.
In Saline, a FLAG can be found at 324 N. Ann Arbor St. Art can be mailed to Andrea Worthing at 325 N Lewis St. in Saline.
Organization FLAGs
In Cedarville, a FLAG is located at the Les Cheneaux Community Library, located at 75 E. Hodeck Street.
In Frankfort, you can find FLAGs at the Oliver Art Center, Century 21 Northland and the Benzie Shores District Library.
In Traverse City, a FLAG can be found in front of the Forbes Real Estate Office behind the Traverse City Tourism Building.
In Macon, a FLAG can be found near the Macon Grocery, located at 8160 Clinton Macon Road in Clinton. Art can be mailed to Biff Paepke at 8424 Clinton Macon Road.
Other FLAGs
In Cement City, Gabbie's Gallery, located at 12211 Vicary Road can be found, run by Gabbie.
In DeWitt, a FLAG can be found on North Bridge Street downtown. The FLAG is run by Em Frushour and artist Marissa Tawney Thaler. Art can be mailed to Bridge + Main Market at The Plant Studio, 119 N. Bridge St.
In Grandville, the Artsy on Abel Street FLAG is run by Carly Van Eck, located near southwest Abel Street and southwest Ottawa Avenue.
In Douglas, the Alexander Family created a FLAG at Button Gallery, located at 33 Center St. The FLAG is managed by artist Lucy Kay. Every so often, there'll be Free Little Art Openings where local artists are showcased.
— Contact reporter Patricia Alvord at palvord@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: There's 15 Free Little Art Galleries across Michigan. Here's where
