Community Canvas: The Downtown TC Community Mural Unveiling

Saturday, January 17

A “Creative Crawl” Celebrating Art, Connection & Downtown TC

Join the DTCA in unveiling the Downtown TC Community Mural, a radiant reflection of creativity sparked and shaped by our community. Designed and facilitated by Look Wonder Discover, the mural is the culmination of 400+ individual art contributions created by community members of all ages. What began at September’s Downtown Art Fair continued through pop-up art experiences produced by Look Wonder Discover, in collaboration with Crooked Tree Arts Center, and ultimately came together as a lasting piece of public art.

Community Canvas invites you to explore the mural, discover other public art, and enjoy interactive activations and specials throughout downtown, all guided by a handy map of public art and participating locations. Community Canvas is an invitation to experience downtown as a place where art, culture, and community intersect – and to support the local businesses that are part of that story every day.

Connect with Area Artists at the Dedication

On the day of Community Canvas, we’ll celebrate the mural alongside Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Winter Exhibits Opening Reception on January 17, 3-5 pm, featuring over 250 artists. This free public reception offers another chance to connect with art and your community. Mural art prints will also be available for sale.

At about 3:30 pm, project partners will gather to share brief remarks about the mural, including the dedication. After the reception, around 5 pm, guests are invited to take a short walk together to the mural on Front Street.

What You’ll Experience

  • The Downtown TC Community Mural and the collective stories behind it – scan the QR code at the mural to discover.
  • A walkable creative crawl with a map of public art and activations. Printed maps will also be available at participating businesses as indicated below.
  • Art- and culture-inspired moments throughout downtown
  • Opportunities to connect with downtown merchants and gathering places
  • Celebration at CTAC’s Winter Exhibits Opening Reception
Community Canvas Map

Make a Day of It

While you’re downtown, enjoy shopping local, grabbing a bite to eat, and connecting with neighbors. Community Canvas is a great reason to slow down, explore, and experience downtown in a new way.

Explore the Art. Experience Downtown.

Check out these art-inspired experiences, activities, or specials at downtown businesses:

  • Art on Union: 525 St Union St.
    • A “take with you or create here” custom bracelet
    • We have local artists from around Michigan and the regional area featured here at our gallery!
    • Come learn a “craft” and see our local amazing talent!
    • Open 10am-5pm. Bracelets can be made here 10am-4:00pm or take to go all day
  • Captain’s Quarters: 151 E Front St.
    • Captain’s Quarters will be highlighting creativity and hands-on fun with a special promotion featuring Pinewood Derby® car kits. As a licensed Boy Scouts of America distributor, they’ll be offering a complimentary template, pencil, and ruler with the purchase of a Pinewood Derby® Car Kit—perfect for makers of all ages.
    • Open 9:30 AM–6:00 PM
  • Crooked Tree Arts Center: 322 W Sixth St.
    • Winter Exhibits Opening Reception from 3-5 pm, featuring over 250 artists.
    • Mural dedication at 3:30 pm, followed by a group walk to the mural after the reception concludes.
    • Downtown TC Community Mural art prints will be available for sale.
  • Espresso Bay: 202 E Front St
    • Espresso painting! Create your own watercolor-esque paintings with the three natural colors of espresso, blue spirulina, and matcha. Just $5 for all 3 shots of colors and you are welcome to share and make as many art pieces as you would like. Paintbrushes, pens, and pencils will be available for use.
    • Open 7 AM–7 PM
  • Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars: 141 E Front St.
    • Fustini’s invites guests to “Taste the Palette”—a playful, art-inspired sampling experience where oils and vinegars are presented like colors on a painter’s palette. Dip bread, explore flavors, and discover your favorites.
    • Plus, enjoy Raspberry Balsamic–infused hot cocoa, Olive Oil Cake samples, and a Spend $75, get 15% off in-store promotion.
    • Open 10 AM–6 PM
  • Horizon Books: 243 E Front St.
    • Horizon Books will feature a Community Canvas–inspired book display and share Look Wonder Discover’s curated booklist, designed to spark creativity and curiosity.
    • As part of the Creative Crawl, guests can enjoy a bonus giveaway while supplies last: a 10” x 10” limited-edition Oliver Jeffers print or a Wings canvas tote, because Art Gives You Wings.
    • Open 7 AM–10 PM
  • I’m Planty AF: 122 Cass St.
    • Create living art at I’m Planty AF during Community Canvas. Choose from open or closed terrariums and bowls, and work with their team to design a one-of-a-kind plant display for your home. Enjoy 20% off your terrarium build during the event.
    • Open 10 AM–6 PM
  • Overland Sheepskin Co: 140 Front St.
    • Overland Sheepskin Co is excited to be featuring Michigan Wildlife Photography by Diane Drogowski of By The Bay Photography
    • Open 10 AM–8 PM
  • Surfaces: 309 W Front St., Suite A
    • Get hands-on at Surfaces Art Supplies with free button-making during Community Canvas. Customize your own button and show off your creative style—perfect for artists of all ages. While supplies last.
    • Button making available 12–4 PM
  • The Little Fleet: 448 E Front St.
    • Surrounded by indoor and outdoor murals, The Little Fleet is celebrating Community Canvas with an art-forward experience and a fun giveaway. Purchase a drink, snap a photo with one of the murals, and share it to automatically be entered to win a $50 gift card, plus a locally designed T-shirt and canvas bag.
    • Open 12 PM –11 PM
  • The Open Aura: 340 E. State St. 1C
    • Participate in an ongoing interactive art project at The Open Aura: submit a confession to our anonymous Secrets box, receive a custom designed sticker in return, and follow the project as one secret is chosen and illustrated weekly through spring. Also offering 10% off aura portrait sessions during the event.
    • Open 11 AM-4 PM, or by appointment 5:30-8:30 PM
  • Yana Dee: 157 E Front St.
    • Fabric scrap crafting and exclusive discounts on DIY supplies.
    • Open 10 AM-6 PM

Community Canvas Partners: “Creative Crawl” Map Pick-up Locations

  • Crooked Tree Arts Center: 322 W Sixth St.
    • Winter Exhibits Opening Reception from 3-5 pm, featuring over 250 artists.
    • Mural dedication at 3:30 pm, followed by a group walk to the mural after the reception concludes.
    • Downtown TC Community Mural art prints will be available for sale.
  • Higher Art Gallery: 219 E Front St.
    • Stop in, explore the gallery, and immerse yourself in local art. Visitors can enter an art raffle for a chance to win a $40 gift certificate, making this a perfect creative pause along the crawl.
    • Open 11 AM–5 PM
  • Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabe Cultural Marker Project
    • Visit all three markers! These are part of the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabe Cultural Marker Project, installed in July 2025. Located along remembered Anishinaabe trails and near water, the three in-town markers share teachings of Zaagidowin (Love) and Aakide’ewin (Bravery), as well as a brief Anishinaabe history of the Grand Traverse Bay region. Together, they offer moments to pause, listen, and engage with the deeper layers of place and connection woven into the city. Learn more.
  • Oryana: 260 E Tenth St
    • A great place to pause, look around, and explore. Enjoy the art on and around the Co-op, pick up a map, and start wandering. With gratitude to Oryana as a project sponsor, and to the 50+ people who helped create the mural at the Oryana pop-up. 
    • Open 8 AM–8 PM
  • Outpost: 108 E Front St.
    • Warm up at Outpost with a seasonal, wellness-inspired stop during Community Canvas. Try their new Honey Ginger house syrup, perfect in coffee or tea, and enjoy $2 off glasses of wine from 4–7 PM. A great place to pause, refuel, and grab a map before continuing your crawl.
    • Open 8 AM–7 PM
  • Up North Pride: 314 E Eighth St.
    • Check out Up North Pride’s calendar of events while pausing to pick up a map. Big gratitude to the UNP community for hosting a mural pop-up!  
    • Hours vary

Mural Acknowledgments

Presented by the Downtown Traverse City Association

Produced by Look Wonder Discover

In partnership with Crooked Tree Arts Center

With support from Oryana, Pam Laird, and other LWD supporters who wish to remain anonymous

Download the Map Here