Preserved!
October 2 @ 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
$30 – $50Event Navigation
ABOUT THE EVENT
With 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.
This 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.
Throughout the year, 16 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.
Join us on Friday, October 2, 2026
5:30pm – Friends of Nature Reception & Gallery Access
6:30pm – Presentation
7:00pm – General Admission Gallery Access
The 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.
Learn more about the event below.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please reach out directly to han@naturenearby.org.
EVENT SCHEDULE
- 5:30pm-7:00pm: Friend of Nature gallery access (short program at 6:30pm)
- 7:00pm-9:00pm: Friend of Nature & General Admission gallery access
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
- Friend 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.
- Friends of Nature (Group): Attend the opening reception with a group! Group pricing is available for groups of 4, 6, and 8.
- General Admission: Access the gallery exhibition and artwork available for purchase from 7-9 p.m. Enjoy the bar, music, and mingling.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
- The Land Conservancy of West Michigan worked with 15 talented, local artists on this gallery, including:
PARKING & ARRIVAL
- There are two free, City of Grand Rapids Creston lots near the gallery:
- Creston Business District West Lot is located west of Plainfield, and is accessible from Caledonia or Quimby Streets.
- Creston Heights East Lot is located south of Quimby Street, and is accessible from Buffalo Ave NE.
- Street 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.
- LaFontsee 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.
EVENT HISTORY
- For 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.
FAQ’s
- What 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.
- What is the dress code? Celebrate with us in business casual or cocktail casual attire.
- Can 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.
- Can 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.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
