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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Land Conservancy of West Michigan
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261002T173000
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DTSTAMP:20260911T144611Z
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UID:21589-1790962200-1790974800@naturenearby.org
SUMMARY:Preserved!
DESCRIPTION:ABOUT THE EVENT\n\n\nWith the sweep of a brush or the click of a camera\, a moment and place in time is preserved. It is through art that we understand the past and inspire the future\, and it is through conservation that the natural areas around us are preserved for future generations to visit and enjoy in perpetuity.    \nThis year\, to celebrate 50 years of conservation in West Michigan\, the Land Conservancy is collaborating with local artists to capture the places we have protected together and support continued conservation for the next 50 years and beyond. Join us this fall for Preserved! Capturing West Michigan’s Enduring Places.  \nThroughout the year\, 15 artists have been visiting and creating art en plein air at Land Conservancy-protected natural lands. On October 2\, 2026\, their works will be displayed in a gallery exhibition and fundraiser and made available to purchase. Proceeds from artwork sales and donations made at the event will benefit the continued protection of West Michigan’s ecologically critical land.  \nJoin us on Friday\, October 2\, 2026  \n           5:30pm – Friends of Nature Reception & Gallery Access  \n           6:30pm – Presentation   \n           7:00pm – General Admission/Afterparty Gallery Access   \nThe Preserved! exhibition is an opportunity for artists\, nature lovers\, and the greater community to celebrate the scenic land that surrounds us in West Michigan\, while coming together in community to support land protection into the future.   \n Learn more about the event below.   \n\n\nRegister to Attend \nIf you are interested in sponsoring this event\, please reach out directly to marie@naturenearby.org.  \n\nEVENT SCHEDULE\n\n5:30pm-7:00pm: Friend of Nature gallery access (short program at 6:30pm)\n7:00pm-9:00pm: Friend of Nature & General Admission Afterparty gallery access\n\n\nWHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET\n\nFriend of Nature: Join us for the opening reception of the gallery beginning at 5:30 p.m. A “Friend of Nature” ticket affords early access to the exhibition\, a first look at the artwork available to purchase\, an open bar\, hors d’oeuvres\, and a short program at 6:30 p.m. celebrating LCWM’s 50th Anniversary and looking ahead to the next 50 years of conservation. Friend of Nature guests are also welcome to stay for the Afterparty\, which begins at 7:00 p.m.\nFriends of Nature (Group): Attend the opening reception with a group! Group pricing is available for groups of 4\, 6\, and 8.\nAfterparty General Admission: Access the gallery exhibition and artwork during the Afterparty\, which runs from 7-9 p.m. Enjoy the bar\, music\, and mingling.\n\nPARTICIPATING ARTISTS\nThe Land Conservancy of West Michigan worked with 15 talented\, local artists on this gallery\, including:\n\nBetsy ONeill\nCarolyn Damstra\nCloe Hadley\nEllie Iorio\nJean Allemeier Boot\nJustin Kellner\nKathleen Kalinowski\nKathy Mohl\nKatie Edmiston\nLori McElrath Eslick\nLynn Anderson\nMichael Pfleghaar\nSally Jenks\nSpencer High\nYolanda Gonzalez\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPARKING & ARRIVAL\n\nThere are two free\, City of Grand Rapids Creston lots near the gallery:\n\nCreston Business District West Lot is located west of Plainfield\, and is accessible from Caledonia or Quimby Streets.\nCreston Heights East Lot is located south of Quimby Street\, and is accessible from Buffalo Ave NE.\n\n\nStreet parking is also available\, and is free after 7pm. If you are in need of a closer\, accessible parking space\, please reach out directly to kendra@naturenearby.org or indicate on your registration.\nLaFontsee Galleries & Framing closes to the public at 5:30pm. Please enter through the front door (off Plainfield) and check in with Land Conservancy of West Michigan staff when you arrive before proceeding to the gallery.\n\nEVENT HISTORY\n\nFor 50 years\, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan has worked to conserve West Michigan’s ecologically critical land\, and Preserved! is one way the Land Conservancy has invited artists to help tell that story. Hosted in 2015\, 2017\, and 2019 under the guidance of late artist Susan M. Rose\, Preserved! celebrates the beauty of our local landscapes and the importance of protecting them forever. This year\, we are bringing the event back to celebrate the last half century of conservation and look ahead to the next 50 years and beyond.\n\nFAQ’s\n\nWhat time should I arrive? This is a drop-in event\, so feel free to come by any time the gallery is open! If you have purchased a “Friend of Nature” ticket\, we recommend arriving no later than 6:10pm so you don’t miss the program at 6:30pm. General Admission ticket holders can arrive any time after 7:00pm.\nWhat is the dress code? Celebrate with us in business casual or cocktail casual attire.\nCan I purchase a ticket day-of? Yes\, you are welcome to purchase a ticket day-of. Online ticket sales will close on Thursday\, October 1st at 12:00 a.m. Any purchases made after the 1st must be done day-of in-person.\nCan I purchase the art? Yes! All art created as part of the 2026 Preserved! gallery will be for sale during the exhibition. Proceeds from art sales will be split between the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and the artist\, supporting the continued protection of West Michigan’s ecologically critical land.\n\nRegister to Attend \n\nTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
URL:https://naturenearby.org/events/preserved-2026/
LOCATION:LaFontsee Galleries & Framing\, 1504 Plainfield Ave NE\, Grand rapids\, 49505\, United States
CATEGORIES:50th Anniversary
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