GIG 2025 is coming up on November 8th at Art 634 in Jackson!
Update on students, vendors, Mitten Music, GIG in the news, and more
Jackson College Students
We want to welcome the Jackson College graphic design students: Lana Kay. Jaylen Westbrook, Azaria Johnson to GIG. They will be showing off gig posters and other artwork as part of our visual art experience this year. Many thanks to associate professor Chrissy Hughes for partnering with us this year to showcase emerging artists.
Market Vendors
In addition to our fantastic exhibit of gig posters, album covers, and music photography/videography at GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Visual Art Experience 2025, we also feature a music market! Here is the list of vendors at this year’s event:
Craig Horky (visual arts)
Jacob Rosenburg (visual arts)
Brian Durco (visual arts)
Fret Rescue (instrument service, merchandise)
Derek Ketchum (photography)
Dennis Preston (visual arts)
Jackson College Graphic Design (visual arts)
Brian Sheehan / LGRDMN (visual arts)
Peter Larson (visual arts)
Nathan Purchase (visual arts)
Jonathan Doyle (visual arts)
Akuro Productions (videography services)
Carl Lundgren (visual arts)
Matthew Jacobson (visual arts)
Logan Belz (visual arts)
Jen Prouty (visual arts)
Ari Simeone (visual arts)
Strum Rock School (music instruction)
CameraMall (photography equipment and services)
Current Magazine (media)
Yesterdream Studio (vinyl records and collectibles)
Life In Michigan (media, merchandise)
Manchester Underground Music and Art (music, merchandise)
Mitten Music Podcast
Joining us this year to provide coverage of GIG 2025 with artist and band interviews is Mitten Music Podcast!! We’ll have them in the Foreman’s Office just inside the main event space. The interviews will be part of season 5 of their podcast called On The Road.
Ari Franklin Paints
We’ve got a special treat lined up for you during the live music portion of GIG, as Ari Franklin will be doing a live painting. Be sure to stay for the music and see what Ari creates.
GIG In The News
Current Magazine
In Current Magazine, Donna Iadipaolo interviewed Chuck for a story on GIG!
Manchester Mirror
Sara Swanson from the Manchester Mirror talked with poster artist Jonathan Doyle about the amazing posters he creates for Manchester Underground and his involvement with GIG.
517Rocks!!
Chuck was recently on 517Rocks talking to Jerry about all things GIG. This classic rock station was born in 2024 after its local rock station in Hudson, MI, called it quits. They play a lot of great Michigan rock as well as the classics. Be sure to check them out. You can listen online or via their app (Apple / Android). They are also available on Live365 and Stream 419. Stay up to date on what they are up to via their social media. Turn them on and turn it up!!
Upcoming Interviews
Be sure to keep an eye out for an upcoming print story by Natalia Holtzman on Concentrate Media about GIG. On Oct 27, listen in to Sonic Coast as Chuck will be chatting with Brian Maloney. On Monday, November 3rd, at 7:30 am, Chuck will be on Ann Arbor’s 107One with Scott Vertical, sharing all the good stuff coming up with GIG. Finally, we don’t have the showtime yet, but keep your eyes on JTV as Chuck will be on the Bart Hawley Show!!
Meet The Artists
Take a minute and meet our artists. Get ready to see their work on November 8th!
Workshops
We have some great educational and networking opportunities at GIG 2025. Make a plan to spend the afternoon soaking up these sessions featuring working professionals sharing their insights.
Music
We wrap up GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Visual Experience 2025 with live music from Paper Lanterns, Mazinga, and Carbon Decoy. Tickets are just $15 to help us pay the bands a decent wage for their superb music.
Food
Don’t worry about food this year at GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Visual Art Experience 2025, we’ve got you covered!!.
Fila’s Fantastic Food is back!! Specializing in delicious Americanized egg rolls; it’s like your favorite sandwich inside an egg roll! They also have the best loaded fries and homemade nachos in town. It may be a tiny truck, but they are HUGE on flavor.
Thank You Sponsors
Life In Michigan shared a huge shout-out to all of our fantastic sponsors. Be sure to give these businesses and organizations your love: Life In Michigan, Swamp Street Design, Rocket Printing, Manchester Underground, Guitar Hi-Fi, The Stratton Setlist, Art 634, Jeff “Dirty Deeds and Angie Day, American 1 Credit Union, CameraMall, Experience Jackson, Ogma Brewing, Current Magazine, Chelsea State Bank, McShane Photography, Ironbark Brewing, and Jackson College.
VOLUNTEER AT GIG!
We could use some help with setup, selling merch and tickets, and tear-down. If you’d like to be part of this year’s team, consider volunteering!
Don’t Miss This!
At GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Foundation, we want to amplify the visual art of Michigan music. Here is some news, events, and happenings that you might find interesting. If you are a Michigan visual artist involved in the music community, shoot us your events and news to share - email us at info@gigartmich.org
Business In The Key of D on Saturday, Oct 18th at Wayne State in Detroit - The Michigan Music Alliance is hosting a day of learning and networking on the music industry in Michigan. While geared toward musicians, there is plenty that can apply to the visual arts. Besides, it is a great opportunity to meet with other creative folks.
PRESS RELEASE - VISUAL ART EXPERIENCE 2025
Our latest press release is available on our website. Please share with everyone you know!
THRIVE IN 25 - Get Your GIG Merch
We still have merchandise to unload. Prices have been slashed!
Support GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Foundation
Our Mission
GIG—The Art of Michigan Music Foundation celebrates and amplifies Michigan’s rich music culture by highlighting the visual artists who shape its creative identity. Through exhibitions, workshops, and live events, we provide a platform for photographers, graphic designers, and videographers who craft concert posters, album art, band t-shirts, logos, and music videos—essential visual elements that elevate and support Michigan’s vibrant music community.
GIG—The Art of Michigan Music Foundation is committed to preserving and enriching Michigan’s rich musical heritage while nurturing current and future generations of visual artists.
Our Vision
We envision a future where Michigan-based visual artists who contribute to the music community are celebrated and supported. Our long-term goal is to raise funds to provide stipends for artists participating in our annual showcase, GIG - The Art of Michigan Music. By alleviating the financial barriers of art show participation, we aim to create a platform that not only highlights their work but also offers meaningful opportunities for them to connect with the public and sell their creations.
