For a small community, the White Lake area is committed to embracing the arts and artists through an abundance of galleries, tours, and artistic events held every year.
From the permanently installed Art Walk — 3 miles of paved walkway featuring public art sculptures and installations — to a variety of local galleries, markets, and festivals, White Lake provides a thriving art scene for both residents and visitors alike.
Read on to take a look at some of our favorite art spots in town, plus seasonal events we look forward to every year.
Walk the Art Walk
Bring your best walking shoes and explore White Lake on foot (or bike)!
The White Lake area Art Walk is a joint undertaking of the community and the Arts Council of Lake Lake—Nuveen Center. Through public grants and the gifts of community members and corporate sponsors, the Arts Council has been able to place thirteen special sculptures, each by a different artist, within a 3-mile span in town.
The pieces can be viewed one-by-one in succession by generally following the paved White Lake Pathway through Montague and Whitehall. Or, you can simply take in the sculptures as you come across them, catching glimpses as you ride the Hart-Montague Bike Trail, shop downtown, or visit the local library. Several of the pieces can be seen just a few steps from The Weathervane Inn. Each one has information about the artist nearby.
For a printable guide to the sculptures and their artists on the Art Walk, check out this handy walking map provided by the Nuveen Center.
Visit Local Artisan Markets and Festivals
If you plan to arrange your visit around art, there’s no better way to do it than to schedule your trip during a unique artistic event. Here are several to put on your calendar.
Monthly White Lake Artisan Market
On the second Saturday of each month (May – September) in the Artisan Market Village (8660 Water Street), artists take to the street to share crafts and wares of all kinds. This monthly market is open from 9am to noon on each of these Saturdays and fun for all ages. It features a range of extremely talented local artists and vendors.
Stop by the market just to peruse and shop, or participate in some artistic endeavors of your own! Visitors can purchase take-home art kits for themselves or family members or take part in crafts on-site. This is naturally a favorite event for curious and artistic kids, but adults love it as well!
42nd Annual Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday, June 19th 2021 (10am – 5pm)
Sunday, June 20th 2021 (11am – 4pm)
The White Lake area is thrilled to host the 42nd Annual White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival at the picturesque Goodrich Park in Whitehall. This year’s festival will feature the work of more than 70 artists and craftspeople from a variety of backgrounds. Visit the festival to take in the ambience of creativity all around and be inspired by the eclectic variety of artwork on display!
Handmade arts and crafts will be available for purchase, and there’s plenty more to enjoy as well. In addition to a variety of specialty food trucks and vendors that will be on-site, there will also be live performances by several talented musicians. For the kids, they’ll love the inflatable obstacle course, jump house, and other activities planned just for them.
One note: If you’re interested in visiting the area during the White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival, be sure to book your stay far in advance — rooms go quick this weekend!
Explore Galleries, Studios, and Shops in Town
With a rich history of art and many talented local artists, you’ll find handmade items nearly everywhere you look in White Lake. Take a walk and explore the downtown areas of Whitehall and Montague for a glimpse at current gallery and studio exhibitions as well as purchasable arts and crafts that you can take home with you.
The Arts Council of White Lake—Nuveen Center hosts regular exhibits throughout the year. Their 2021 Exhibitions are already scheduled for the spring, summer, and fall, so be sure to book your stay to coincide with an upcoming show!
If it’s handmade keepsakes and gifts you’re after, simply take a walk in downtown Whitehall or Montague. This list of local artists & artwork is a helpful directory to get you started.