If you’re planning a trip to Northern Michigan, make sure to include AuSable Artisan Village in your visit to Grayling. This downtown hub is home to galleries, classes, live music, theater, and hands-on workshops. It’s a place where visitors can browse art, enjoy performances, and even create something of their own.
First founded in 2010, AuSable Artisan Village transformed a long-vacant building on Michigan Avenue into a thriving non-profit art center. Almost entirely volunteer-run, it has played a key role in revitalizing downtown Grayling.
AuSable Artisan Village operates across two locations. The Original Art Gallery at 219 Michigan Avenue showcases work from regional artists and rotating exhibits. Just down the street, the Performing Arts Center & Mud Room at 122 Michigan Avenue hosts concerts, improv nights, theater shows, and offers studio space for ceramics and mixed media. Together, the two sites make Grayling a cultural destination.
Inside the gallery, you’ll find paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, and glasswork. Many of the items are for sale, giving you the chance to take home a one-of-a-kind piece created by a local artisan. Exhibits change throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see. The gallery is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., making it an easy stop during any trip downtown.
Events are at the heart of the Village. Visitors can enjoy live concerts, art walks, open gallery nights, and seasonal markets. The Performing Arts Center hosts regular improv performances that bring comedy and audience interaction to the stage. Theater shows, ranging from local productions to regional acts, also draw crowds looking for entertainment in an intimate setting. Quilt exhibitions and special receptions add even more variety to the schedule.
The Village offers a wide range of classes and workshops for all ages. Pottery classes in the Mud Room give beginners and experienced artists alike the chance to work with clay. Other popular options include basic photography, alcohol ink painting, watercolor, and monotype printing. Some workshops also combine art with wellness, such as mindfulness and creativity sessions. All materials are provided, and local artists often teach, so every class feels connected to the community.
What makes AuSable Artisan Village unique in Northern Michigan is that it brings so many different forms of creativity together in one place. While the area is best known for its outdoor recreation, the Village provides a cultural anchor where painters, potters, musicians, writers, and performers can share their work. It’s not only a gallery or performance venue, but also a space where visitors can take part in classes, meet artists, and share their creativity. By offering these opportunities in a central downtown location, the Village builds community while giving travelers a chance to enjoy the artistic side of Grayling.
To learn more about AuSable Artisan Village and explore other unique things to do in the area, browse the Grayling Visitor’s Bureau website. From art galleries and performances to outdoor adventures and seasonal events, the site is your go-to guide for planning a memorable trip. Discover why Grayling is one of Northern Michigan’s best destinations for both creativity and recreation.