Grand Marais Art Colony | Grand Marais

Grand Marais Art Colony – In Detail

Overview and Historical Background

Founded in 1947 by Birney Quick, a professor from the Minneapolis School of Art, the Grand Marais Art Colony (GMAC) was originally established as a summer plein air painting school. Located in the remote and inspiring setting of Grand Marais on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior, it quickly became a haven for artists seeking solitude, community, and natural beauty.

What began as a seasonal program slowly expanded into a year-round institution. In 1963, the Colony found its permanent home in the former St. John’s Catholic Church, a historic stone building now known as Founders Hall. The installation of a furnace in 1991 enabled winter programming and continuous operations, transitioning GMAC into a full-fledged nonprofit cultural institution. Over the years, it has evolved from a single-discipline art school into a multidisciplinary art center serving both established artists and curious beginners.

Mission and Artistic Philosophy

The Grand Marais Art Colony exists to support the process of artistic exploration and to cultivate an environment where experimentation, inquiry, and risk-taking are encouraged. The organization’s ethos centers around the belief that creativity is fundamental to individual and community well-being. The Colony fosters an inclusive space where art is not only taught and created, but also shared and questioned-bridging professional artists with local residents, tourists, and emerging creatives.

The Colony places a strong emphasis on the relationship between art and place, recognizing the powerful influence of Lake Superior’s rugged shorelines, dramatic light, and ever-changing weather on the creative process.

Facilities and Studio Spaces

The Art Colony operates out of several distinct spaces in Grand Marais:

Founders Hall: The original church building now functions as the central hub. It includes flexible classroom spaces and galleries for exhibitions, workshops, and public events.

Studio 21: Acquired to accommodate larger groups and more expansive creative practices. This space includes a printmaking studio and gathering areas.

The Pill Box: A compact, focused studio for writing and interdisciplinary projects.

Cube Classroom: A contemporary space that supports classes for youth and newcomers to the arts.

These spaces are located within walking distance of the Grand Marais Harbor, making the Colony both accessible and embedded in the town’s cultural landscape.

Programs and Classes

Each year, the Art Colony offers over 200 workshops and classes, ranging from a few hours to multi-day intensives. These are taught by regional, national, and international artists and cover a wide range of disciplines, including:

Painting (acrylic, oil, watercolor)

Printmaking (monotype, relief, etching)

Ceramics and clay

Sculpture and mixed media

Fiber arts and book arts

Creative writing and poetry

Youth art education and family workshops

Classes cater to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Many participants come for weekend or week-long art retreats, often pairing their classes with a stay along the North Shore.

Artist Residencies

The Grand Marais Art Colony also offers juried artist residencies that provide artists with dedicated time and space to work without distraction. These typically last between one and four weeks and are available in various media disciplines. Artists are given access to studio space and optional accommodations. Some residencies include opportunities to engage with the public through open studios, lectures, or exhibitions.

This program is highly regarded for its tranquil, nature-focused setting-making it ideal for deep reflection and artistic development.

Events and Community Engagement

GMAC hosts several major public events that attract both locals and tourists:

Grand Marais Arts Festival (July): A juried outdoor festival that features over 70 artists from across the Midwest, live demonstrations, hands-on art activities, food vendors, and live music along the Lake Superior waterfront.

North Shore Readers and Writers Festival (November): A literary event with workshops, readings, and panel discussions led by accomplished authors and poets.

Empty Bowls (Fall): A community fundraiser where attendees purchase hand-crafted ceramic bowls filled with soup, supporting local food security efforts.

Holiday Art Market (December): Showcasing local handmade gifts, artwork, and seasonal crafts.

Throughout the year, the Colony also hosts artist talks, exhibitions, open studios, and youth-focused art camps. Its outreach work includes scholarships, accessibility support, and partnerships with local schools.

Community and Impact

GMAC plays a vital role in the cultural life of Grand Marais and greater Cook County. It has served as a launching pad for notable Minnesota artists such as George Morrison and Betsy Bowen. Its community-centric model makes art approachable and participatory, not just an exclusive or elite practice.

Its programs attract artists and visitors from across the country, helping to bolster the local economy while maintaining strong community roots. The Colony partners with local organizations, nature reserves, and educational institutions to deliver programs that are both artistically rigorous and socially meaningful.

In recent years, the Colony has expanded its facilities and offerings. Plans for an outdoor classroom and native pollinator garden further reflect its commitment to sustainability and connection with the natural world.

Visiting Experience

Visitors are welcome to tour Founders Hall, explore current exhibitions, take part in drop-in classes, or attend scheduled events. The Colony's location-within steps of the Grand Marais Harbor and downtown-makes it easy to include in any North Shore itinerary. The atmosphere is creative, relaxed, and deeply tied to the rhythms of the surrounding lake and forest.

The Colony is open year-round, typically Monday through Saturday, and is especially lively during the summer and early fall months.

Why It Matters

The Grand Marais Art Colony stands out not only for its history and artistic excellence, but also for its ability to weave art into everyday life. It isn’t just a place where art is taught-it’s a place where art is lived. Whether you're a seasoned artist, a curious traveler, or a local looking to explore your creativity, the Colony offers a deeply rooted and inspiring experience shaped by the power of landscape, community, and imagination.