Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) is the gathering place for community expression through arts and cultural experiences. Since opening in September 2008, LACA has proven to be a valuable asset to the Ludington area.
Throughout the year, the Center hosts exhibitions, performances, and educational programs in music, the visual arts, literature, and more.
The facility includes a 250-seat performance hall; the venue is handicap accessible with a stair climber lift. With the removal of the fixed pews in early 2019 and replacement with movable chairs, the performance hall space has become a much more versatile venue. The gallery and exhibition space which doubles as a banquet hall are located on the main floor. Art studios and classrooms are found on the lower and upper levels of the facility.
Completed in Fall 2018 is the Art Library on the second floor. Named for Bill & Jane Carpenter and John & Marion Riedl, the library features over 1,000 books of art history, artists, and instructional materials. Books are available for sign-out on an honor system.
The Main Gallery of the Ludington Area Center for the Arts is host to several exhibitions throughout the year. In addition, a second Gallery space is located in the Performance Hall Lobby area and a new exhibit area, The Unframed Gallery, has been developed in the Performance Underground Room 101 on the lower level. All exhibitions are free and open to the public.
In addition to the monthly or bi-monthly exhibits, one-night only PopUp Art Shows are periodically scheduled in the Main Gallery space. The PopUp shows are an “exhibit within an exhibit” and offer artists with a smaller inventory a chance to show off their art.
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts manages the West Shore Art Fair held in Ludington’s Rotary Park. The fair is held annually on the first full weekend in July. The fair is a juried fine arts and crafts event which means a more stringent criteria is used and only the highest-quality artists are admitted. Juried artists are chosen to display paintings, photography, jewelry, clay, glass, fiber and wood, and many other varieties of fine art. Each year, there are over 100 artists accepted to participate in the show. In addition to the artists, the fair features live musical performances, food stations, and a children’s area where children can purchase art donated by participating artists for just $5.
Organized and incorporated in February 2004, the Ludington Area Arts Council purchased the former United Methodist Church in downtown Ludington in September 2008. The Gothic-style structure built in 1894 has experienced significant upgrades since the Arts Center took possession and further improvements are planned. The renovation plan for the building is an ambitious project, as the Arts Center wants to maintain the historic integrity of the structure.
107 S. Harrison, Ludington, MI 49431
(231) 845-2787
Just blocks from the beach is the heart of downtown Ludington, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy summertime events.
The Lumber Heritage Trail, highlighting Mason County’s rich lumbering history, is one of four that comprise the Mason County Cultural Trails.
Step back in the past and learn about Ludington’s rich maritime history at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.
The three accessible walkways installed at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington allow everyone to make their way to the water and sand.
The Music Heritage Trail will take you from Idlewild to Baldwin and from Scottville to Ludington as it explores the historic music scene!
Ludington has miles of beautiful beaches, the Ludington State Park, and all the activities that take place in Mother Nature’s playground.
Within the downtown Ludington region, several murals grace the façades of local area businesses, telling stories of the area’s rich history.
There are many places for anglers to try their luck, and Ludington has such a great variety of fish. The area also has great charter captains.
Arrive in Ludington by boat and dock at one of three marinas: Ludington Municipal Marina, Harbor View Marina, & Pere Pointe Village Marina.
West Michigan weather – they say if you don’t like the weather in Ludington, wait a few minutes and it will change.
The Mason County Sculpture Trail was launched in 2012 and includes nine sculptures in Ludington, Scottville, and Fountain.
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