Public Arts Midland

10/15/2026

From murals and performances to art drops and community events, everything we create is grounded in one simple belief: art should be accessible to everyone.

Through this work, Public Arts Midland brings people together, reimagines spaces, and builds a stronger sense of community.

If you’ve ever felt inspired, connected, or uplifted by what we do, we invite you to support it. Your donation helps us continue creating meaningful, accessible art experiences for all.

Every contribution matters. ❤️
https://www.midlandfoundation.org/fund/public-art-endowment-fund-01064/

Public Arts Midland is an initiative of the Midland Area Community Foundation.

10/13/2026

Thank you so much to everyone who was able to join us for the opening of the 2026 Creativity Contest reception last week.

It was a full house and we were so happy to see it! We celebrated works from regional artists exploring the theme ‘Humanity Unites Us All’ in celebration of Global Diversity Month.

While our daily experiences, histories, and identities may differ, we are all connected by our shared humanity. At our core, we are all seeking safety, belonging, and care. This theme encourages you to explore those universal connections—and how recognizing them can foster unity, empathy, and understanding.

Global Diversity Month is a time to celebrate both what makes us unique and what brings us together. Through this contest, we hope to highlight the beauty that emerges when we embrace both.

Thank you to all the artists who shared their work with us, Creative 360 for being wonderful hosts as always, to our planning committee, and for all the community members who came out to show your support. ❤️

10/12/2026

As part of our 2026 theme, art heals, we’re continuing to share the stories of our committee members and the ways art has shaped their lives. Today, we’re spotlighting Annie Stout, a member of Public Arts Midland since 2018!

Annie first became involved with Public Arts Midland as a logo designer, then joined the committee because she believes in the power of public art to building community.

Our 2026 theme, art heals, is something close to Annie’s heart. “The act of creating has always been my default setting. I have to make things. Art has always been a way for me to enjoy good things and process hard things. I just feel better when I’m making things. It helps me feel more grounded and gets me out of my head.”

When asked what she might say to someone who thinks art isn’t for them she gave a reminder that not all art needs to be good.

“Creating is good for everyone. You can call it arts, crafts, doodling, sewing, woodworking, wasting time… whatever title you give it doesn’t change the fact that it is good for your brain and your body to use your hands to create things. Whatever you make can go in the trash, it could hang in your home, it could be a gift, it could hang in a gallery, or be sold to someone else. The end result is much less important than the act of creating, so go make some garbage, or maybe something you love. Keep it or burn it, it’s your call, but art is for all of us.”

Annie has always considered herself an artist since she was a young child and is grateful to make her living doing creative work.

“I’m a graphic designer by day, so I do a lot of digital design work, but I’m also a painter and a sculptor. I love color, and mixed media, and all things analog. My favorite way to create is any way available. Right now, I am especially interested in finding new purpose for old materials.”

Her digital work includes all marketing materials and communications for Public Arts Midland. Thank you, Annie, for sharing your connection to the creative process and for being an active part of this community! ❤️

// art heals

Paper Heart Design Co.

10/06/2026

Here’s a sneak peek into a handful of some of the amazing art submitted to this year’s Creativity Contest!

Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, October 7th from 5:30-7pm at Creative 360 for our Artist Reception, hosted by Public Arts Midland and Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition. Celebrate regional artist of all ages, whose work reflects this year‘s Global Diversity Month theme: “Humanity Unites Us All.”

While our daily experiences, histories, and identities may differ, we are all connected by our shared humanity. At our core, we are all seeking safety, belonging, and care. This theme encourages you to explore those universal connections—and how recognizing them can foster unity, empathy, and understanding.

Global Diversity Month is a time to celebrate both what makes us unique and what brings us together. Through this contest, we hope to highlight the beauty that emerges when we embrace both.

10/05/2026

❤️Public Art Feature❤️

In 2019 Public Arts Midland put out a call for artists to create a sculpture of an origami crane! Why Origami? Our warm connection to Japanese culture throughout Midland’s history, along with the relationship we have with our sister city, Handa, Japan, inspired our choice of an origami crane to represent Public Arts Midland. We love how origami engages both sides of our brains as we create. Our city’s passion for culture, STEM, and the arts is perfectly communicated through this endeavor.

This project was awarded to the talented, Jim Ardis. His sculpture now resides in the east corner Grove Park, in Mid-town Midland, where it has affectionately come to be know as ‘Pointy Flap-Flap.’

10/02/2026

It’s been great fun to see all the art being shared around town for our Neighboring Week Art Drop!! ❤️

Art Drop continues through Saturday, 10/03, so it’s not too late to drop or find things! Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. We hope these small acts of kindness have helped everyone feel more connected to our community.

10/01/2026

In celebration of Global Diversity Month, organized here in Midland County by Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition, we’ve created a Seek + Find sheet to accompany the 2025 Art Seen Festival ‘Color Your World’ mural, at Grace A. Dow Memorial Library!

Copies are now available at the library front desk! Pick one up, or use the digital copy shared here, and see if you can find everything in a visual journey around the world!

To learn more about the artists who created these murals and for more detailed descriptions of the elements included in each portion you can visit midlandfdn.org/artseen25.

09/29/2026

Call for art! Submit your work by October 9th to Creative 360.

Emerging Artists is always a wonderful exhibit.

CALL FOR ART: Emerging Artists Exhibition. Submit your work for consideration in our upcoming exhibition!

📅 Deadline: 10/9 (accepting submissions starting 10/5)
💵 $20 per submission
👤 Ages 16+

This opportunity is meant for those who do not make a living solely from their artistic work. Find more information and submit your pieces at www.becreative360.org

Image: 2025 Best in Show - HOPE - Miguel A. Valdivia Ramos

09/27/2026

🎨Neighboring Week Art Drop is here!

Welcome to the pinned post for this week’s art drop! Artists and neighbors across Midland are hiding small pieces of art for YOU to find — let’s spread creativity and connection all week long.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
1. Create: Any kind of art works — drawings, poems, jewelry, stickers, mini paintings, etc.
2. Drop: Hide your artwork in a public space in Midland between Sept 27–Oct 3. Mark it with (PS - We have special stickers for Art Drop, available for pick up at Creative 360!!)
3. Post: Leave a clue photo in the comments of our pinned post (goes live Sept 28).
4. Hunt: Check the comments, explore town, and see what you can find.
5. Share: Found art? Post a photo in the same pinned post comments to let the artist know it’s been discovered!

We can’t wait to see your clues, your art, and your finds!! Happy Neighboring Week. ❤️

// art heals

09/25/2026

We had a great time painting faces alongside our friends at Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition and Midland Area Youth Action Council last weekend at the 1in6 Support Michigan Celebrate Abilities Parade! ❤️