Our mission, vitalizing our community through the arts and humanities, takes lots of shapes. It can mean exposing people to new perspectives through exhibitions, or new skills though any of our classes.
But it can also mean giving an artist a place to hone and share their talents, or a student a springboard to pursue a career in the arts. It can even mean reaching beyond our community to bring arts education to our neighbors.
That’s what Artworks’ Scholarships & Outreach programs are all about. At the heart of each is a mission to open doors for people of all ages, both inside and outside our community.
Here are a few ways Artworks meets people where they are and helps them take their next steps.
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
Artworks’ artist-in-residence program gives a jumpstart to Michigan undergraduate and graduate students studying the arts.
Over eight weeks, artists immerse themselves in many facets of working as an artist, from the business of retail art to gallery stewardship and outreach.
At the end of the program, the artist is honored with a gallery exhibition of their work.
With a stipend, dedicated studio space, and freedom to pursue a medium of choice, the program offers each artist room to explore while sharing their perspective with our community.
Gemma Kailing became Artworks’ first artist-in-residence in 2022 while pursuing a BFA at Aquinas College.
The time in residence added a new dimension to Gemma’s studies. “It was very different from art school,” Gemma remarked.
“Most classes have a curriculum, set expectations; but I could go wherever my mind was leading me… I felt really supported to just go all in and see what I could do as an artist.”
Beyond the freedom to explore her craft, the experience helped Gemma build a professional network that continues to support her work today.
Reflecting on her residency, Gemma recalled:
“[The artist-in-residence program] left me with a really good impression of the Big Rapids community: how much they want to see artists succeed, want to support them, and want to be there for them. There was a good turnout to my final show, and I was so surprised – I felt like Big Rapids wants to see artists succeed.”
INTERNSHIPS
Artworks offers opportunities beyond the studio by opening our doors to all kinds of aspiring professionals.
Like our artist-in-residence program, internships are designed to complement academic study, allowing students to build professional skills through experience, mentorship, and meaningful contributions to our organization.
Along the way, interns contribute to and become a part of our regional arts and humanities community.
There are as many possibilities as interests to explore. An intern may learn how to engage a community, teach a class, raise funds to support the arts and humanities, or represent Artworks through marketing and communications.
Meet Kelly Huis, Artworks’ 2026 fall intern.
Currently pursuing her BS in Technical Writing at Ferris State University, Kelly hopes to use her degree to become involved with museum work.
Her experience as an Artworks intern reflects that goal.
Kelly has helped with curatorial work in the Artworks Museum, writing statements for exhibitions, editing artist bios on the Artworks website, and keeping our social media fresh and exciting.
For future interns, Kelly has this to say:
“It’s a really great environment, and I would encourage anyone to do it. No matter what kind of degree you’re going toward when you’re here, Artworks is flexible and great for learning. I feel like I’ve been completely supported in doing what I want to do and learning what I need to learn. Everyone is super kind, and that’s what makes any environment I’m going to be working in: the people.”
ARTWORKS ROADTRIPS
In 2025, Artworks packed our bags, started our engines, and piloted our first Artworks Road Trips program thanks to a grant from the Rotary Club of Big Rapids and the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners.
Road Trips bring our Children’s Programs into communities where access to creative arts may be limited.
The program gives young participants the chance to explore their own artistic skills. Participants assemble an art project and share a meal, making memories that foster an appreciation for the arts later in life.
While Artworks brings an arts experience to these communities, our friends at Angels of Action provide meals so children can focus on the simple joy of making art comfortably and fully.
MANY SEASONS, MANY OPPORTUNITIES
Young artists finding their footing, students discovering possible careers, and children experiencing the joy of art for the first time: each represents a step in someone’s creative journey, and a door that the generosity our community of supporters helped open.
We’re glad to share these stories with you, and we look forward to creating many more in the seasons to come.
This fall, we hope you’ll help us continue to build pathways for tomorrow’s professionals and ensure everyone has access to the arts and humanities.
