'Arts & Greens' Holiday Artist Market

Huron Valley Council for the Arts invites you to the sixth annual Arts & Greens Holiday Artist Market.

Meet featured Michigan arts, authors and musicians while purchasing one-of-a-kind artwork, fine crafts, seasonal plants and fresh greens at the Nov. 18-20 Arts & Greens Holiday Art Market at Bogie Lake Greenhouses in White Lake.

Presented in partnership with Bogie Lake Greenhouse owners Patty and Mark Watkins, this annual event occurs inside the extraordinary 28,000-square-foot facility located at 1525 Bogie Lake Road in White Lake and features natural lighting, plants, flowers and lovely holiday greens. Admission and parking are free. In addition, friendly HVCA volunteers are available to assist customers.

“Arts & Greens is in its sixth year of celebration of the arts in our community, with over 30 artists selling unique affordable Michigan-made gifts, music and author appearances throughout the weekend and demonstrations on greens building, basket weaving and felting there is something for everyone to enjoy,” explained Leah Ohmer, HVCA executive director. If you have not experienced this market set inside the Bogie Lake Greenhouses, you have been missing one of the area’s most enchanting events of the holiday season.

“Special attention will be given throughout the weekend to creating a festive mood to encourage holiday shopping,” added Ohmer. “The Friday evening opening will feature a luminary stroll through the greenhouse and artisan booths, along with music and light refreshments.”

Throughout the weekend, music, children’s activities, book signings and unique concurrent events are scheduled. Hours for Arts & Greens are from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.

The “Empty Bowls” soup fundraiser for Community Sharing takes place during the opening Nov. 18; for a $10 donation, you can enjoy a light soup and bread supper and get a handmade bowl; the proceeds benefit Community Sharing. 

Some of the featured authors for the weekend include Wayne Billhart autographing his book, The Mystery at the Birdfeeder, from 5-8 p.m. Friday.

Author Diane Dunn and illustrator Donna Pellegata will sign The Harp Mouse Adventures Book 2 from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday. Also from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, fine art photographer Monte Nagler will sign copies of Monte Nagler’s Michigan. Appearances from other premiere Michigan authors and illustrators also will take place throughout the weekend.

In addition to providing a beautiful event space, Patty Watkins will offer holiday greens building workshops at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Historically, music has been a large part of the event and this year is no exception.

Back by popular demand is the HVCA TUBACHRISTMAS concert, scheduled for 2 p.m. Nov. 20, featuring a jam session comprised of as many tuba and euphonium players as possible; Nick Palise, former director of the Lakeland High School bands who leads both the Sovereign Blues Band and The Sovereign Saxes sax quartet, is the conductor. Palise plays professionally with a number of bands in the Metro Detroit area. In addition, other talented musicians will perform throughout the weekend.

For a full list of the weekend’s activities, visit the HVCA website at www.huronvalleyarts.org or contact the HVCA office at 248-889-8660.