Shown here is an exterior photo of Artworks in downtown Big Rapids, Michigan.
Artworks and Ferris State University are teaming up to bring a signature event to campus this fall.
A nonprofit organization in historic downtown Big Rapids supporting over 160 independent artists, authors, musicians, and actors, Artworks is excited to bring its Gala 2023 to Ferris’ main campus this fall on Friday, Oct. 13, at the David L. Eisler Center. The theme for this year’s gala is Artworks: A Community Tradition. Artworks’ annual gala celebrates the organization’s commitment to the arts and humanities by recognizing its founders, supporters, community leaders and arts patrons. This year’s gala promises to be spectacular because of the collaboration with Ferris State University.
“Artworks is delighted to partner with Ferris State University this year, both as program partners and location destination,” said Ric Underhile, Artworks’ executive director. “President Pink and university faculty and staff have been wonderfully generous with ideas and solutions. We know that Gala 2023 will be a show-stopping event and fundraiser.”
Ferris President Bill Pink, who officially took the leadership reigns in July 2022, could not be more excited to build stronger ties between campus and community by bringing this signature event to Ferris, a university with 190-plus academic programs and more than 20 locations across the state with its main campus in Big Rapids.
“It is partnerships like this, between Ferris State University and Artworks, that strengthen communities,” Pink said. “This is special because we are privileged to bring passionate people together on our campus around a shared love of arts and humanities. I envision this as one of many future opportunities to bring the Big Rapids community to our campus, and we look forward to partnering with the Artworks leadership to host this event.”
Underhile sees a shared commitment between Artworks and Ferris to further the arts and humanities in Big Rapids. He believes bringing the annual gala to campus is a big step in that direction.
Tickets, which go on sale in August, are $70 per person and will be available in The Painted Turtle Gift Shop, located inside Artworks at 106 North Michigan Avenue in Big Rapids.
The Gala 2023 schedule includes a silent auction, strolling dinner, and a brief program, before closing with a raffle drawing and live auction. Guests are encouraged to dress in 1920s-inspired fashion or in black and white.
For more information, contact Artworks by email at [email protected] or by phone at (231) 796-2420.