I paid a visit to this place on my first stop during the 2018 Wine and Harvest Festival, and I have…read moreto say, I was really intrigued with what I found there! The Southwest Michigan Artists' Association is a group of wonderful people who not only all love what they do, but they also make it possible for the artistically-inclined to have a place where thier creations cannot only be displayed for all to see, but also a place where anyone willing can come to learn how to make their own art. As I wandered on up, I noticed a number of people were clustered around someone who was throwing clay on a wheel. It was practically spellbinding- I mean, we all remember the smell of clay and paint and the like from our days in elementary school, but I never really developed the skills beyond 'mash clay and mold it until it looked vaguely humanoid, add three holes and it's a little ghost figure' bit. But just watching the artist make those pots, well... it makes me wonder if I could do the same thing. I also saw some very nice berry bowls (the clay bowls with holes in the bottom), and they seem like they'd be good either to use or just to put up on a shelf and use as a conversation piece! A little closer to the entrance, I found someone doing something I remember doing for fun waaaay back when I was a kid- placing a piece of paper in a machine that would spin it around rapidly, and then dripping paint on it from a height and letting gravity and centrifugal force do their thing. I still don't remember what the machines were called, only that we had one and it apparently got tossed because nobody carried the paints for it. But seeing that kind of thing made me think a lot of fun thoughts- but I kind of doubt the ones on display were as inexpensive as the toy one I had! After that, I stepped inside to take a look around. There were a few people inside- as well as plenty of art already on the walls to glance at, as well as some wonderful jewelry inside a case that was hand-made and looked really pretty! They were a bit out of my price range, though... Everybody looked to be having a lot of fun, though- there were a few painters in there, and someone else making what I thought was some kind of flower-arrangement (I could be wrong on that, but it looked really nice)! Maybe I'll drop in again and take some classes here- I'd like to think not all of my artistic talents lie with the written word! If you see something you like, there's also a display of business cards with contact information that you can use to contact the artist you're looking for! They're also looking to expand- but I urge you to stop on in and take a look around, and maybe give some classes a shot- or if you fancy yourself an artist, come on in and take a look around and do some networking to get your things shown!

Hidden gem in Vicksburg. Took a 8 week throwing class. It was fantastic! The owner and the helpers…read moreare patient and caring. I had to miss a class & was able to make up the class and get extra practice during open studio hours on Saturday. They own a kiln, so the turn around on pieces isn't long. I'm looking forward to returning with friends

Loving my pottery lessons there! Started off doing the one-time handbuilding class, made some fun…read morestuff, then signed up for beginning wheel-throwing class. I am officially obsessed! All supplies included, plenty of studio time to practice, and expert instruction from the mother-daughter team who owns the studio.

My first visit to this little gem of a shop just west of downtown Paw Paw. I wasn't sure what to…read moreexpect, as I thought they only sold coffee. The Shop actually shares space with Van Buren Coffee Company, and offers plethora handcrafted items from around the world.....all are fair trade!!! Theres a little bit of everything, from wall decor to jewelry to chocolate to clothing to purses. Courtney was very friendly and helpful! There's a little cafe set up, as well, to enjoy a coffee or tea. A must-see!!

Lots to see! We were…read moredriving down the highway and saw the rock shop sign. My son is into rocks now so we decided to make a stop. The store had lots to offer. We only had about a half hour to look but could have easily spent a lot longer. They have a variety of rocks and related items.

Absolutely love the selection and prices! I've been wanting to come here since I bought a bunch of…read morestuff from their rock show table. I don't wanna say some of the things that they have in case somebody reads this and buys before I get a chance. I didn't appreciate being followed around half the time I was there. I take a while to look. It also felt like I was a burden to the cashier when I asked to take stuff off of my order after leaving it at the cash register to be held. I never asked her to pre-calculate or wrap and pack my order- just to hold it because there's no option for baskets (or at least no one let me know of them). I was carrying selenite and I'm clumsy. I've been a retail worker myself and dealt with really cruel customers so I didn't say anything cause I don't know how to navigate that without becoming my mortal enemy, but I still didn't deserve that. Regardless I'm definitely coming back. I still had a blast and got a good haul.

I went in person, and only to the yarn shop. The man was very nice, and had recommendations when…read moreasked. We were confused by one of the yarns, and he even opened it up so we could make a swatch. I plan to go again.

Good selection of high-quality garment fabrics, patterns, and buttons. Owner was very nice,…read moreknowledgeable, and helpful.

This little shop is a hidden gem for antique Lovers!! Very…read moreunique stuff goes back to a century ago or more! From Jewelry, toys, home stuff to pictures and coins. Give it a visit on your next walk at Kalamazoo downtown. This store open only 4 hours from 12 to 4. The owner, who is a nice old man, has this shop since 33 years ago!

JP coins and silver is an awesome little shop in Kalamazoo on the Kalamazoo Mall the selection is…read morevery unique and the service is excellent and the value is tremendous he is very knowledgeable he is very helpful and his shop is filled with collectibles and trinkets and knick knacks and if you want to find something or you're looking for something it's worth the stop to take a look around in there.

One of my favorite Park Trades Center artists, Medullary Studios Gerard Hess is one of the most…read moreversatile artists around. He's equally skilled at making stone water fountains as intricate art deco wooden frames, trays and furniture. If you like Frank Lloyd Wright-esque woodwork -- he's your guy!

One of my must-stop spots when touring the Park Trades Center at the monthly Art Hops, Kalamazoo…read moreBook Arts Center hosts some really interesting events periodically ranging from accordion book festivals (all entries are constructed like an accordion in lieu of a traditional book binding) and the yearly Edible Book Contest at April's Art Hop. This is such a fun event and a great opportunity for both kids and adults to think creatively and construct art pieces designed to be eaten. I love it when art makes me belly laugh and the punny entries will make you laugh out loud. Still better when art can make your belly full -- like when guests get to consume the edible books after the judging. Upstairs is a shop with home-made papers, books and specialty items and the huge downstairs has machines for typefacing and other book-making work plus a gallery space. You'll spot something different every time.