Saturday Sessions: You Don’t Have to be a Pro—Just Curious
Sponsor updates, our official poster, updated press release, artist news, and more!
GIG 2026 Official Poster Is Here
We shared a teaser of our GIG 2026 poster a while back. Now enjoy the real deal. The artwork was created by Jonathan Doyle.
There is also a dandy flyer design, so be on the lookout for these when you are out and about.
Saturday Sessions
We’ve got some great sessions lined up for you this year at GIG 2026. They take place on Saturday, July 25th, at Ugly Dog Distillery, which is next door to the Social Commons at Sounds & Sights in Chelsea. All of these sessions are open to anyone and are totally free. You don’t have to be a pro—just curious.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
1:00p - 1:50p
Presented by Kate Hardy (Founder and Executive Director of Six Feet Over, a Michigan-based suicide prevention and postvention nonprofit)
This talk takes a fresh, honest look at mental health and suicide by mixing myth-busting, practical tools, and a bit of humor along the way. It focuses on how each of us has the power to support ourselves and show up for others in meaningful ways.
Expect a conversation that is real, engaging, and surprisingly uplifting for a topic that is often anything but.
To Hell with Algorithms: Why Every Artist Needs a Website
2:00p - 2:50p
Moderated by Chuck Marshall (GIG, Life In Michigan)
Tired of shouting into the social media void? Escape the social media rat race and build a digital home you actually own. Join local experts Chris Simpson (Catch and Play Songs), Annie Capps (Swamp Street Design), and Jen Prouty (Jen Prouty Photography) for a jam-packed session on why you need an artist website.
Learn how to stop chasing algorithms, start owning your audience data, and market your art on your own terms.
Graphic Artist Panel
3:00p - 3:50p
Moderated by Chuck Marshall (GIG, Life In Michigan)
Meet three of our graphic artists and engage with them about their work. We will have a conversation with each artist about one of their works of art to gain insight and perspective. We invite you to join us with your questions and comments. This panel features:
Jacob Rosenburg - A brilliant multidisciplinary artist and illustrator known for his bold, expressive poster art.
Caitlin Muncy - A fabulous visual artist who creates compelling, inventive, and unexpected imagery.
Jonathan Doyle - Creator of our GIG poster this year and a gifted artist who reveals the hidden essence of a concert or event through his work.
Photography Panel
4:00p - 4:50p
Moderated by Chuck Marshall (GIG, Life In Michigan)
Join us in a discussion with three amazing visual storytellers:
Brandon Nagy - An outstanding photographer and graphic artist whose photographs are both inspiring and captivating.
Terry Jones - A phenomenal visual artist whose passion for the story in the scene brings every image depth and life.
Derek Ketchum - A photographer and writer with a deep connection to Michigan’s vibrant music and arts community.
We’ll talk with the artists about their work and view some of their images. Become part of the conversation by asking your questions and sharing your thoughts. Whether you are a music enthusiast, beginning photographer, or seasoned pro, there will be something to take home from this discussion.
Sponsor Update!
Big thanks to Nexion Commercial/Industrial HVACR Specialists for becoming a Rockstar sponsor for GIG 2026!! Nexion specializes in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for commercial spaces of all sizes. We are so very grateful for their support.
These fantastic businesses care deeply about their communities and the arts. Their sponsorship provides the much-needed funding to host GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Visual Art Experience 2026. Please give them your support!
Press Release
For a full rundown of all the information on GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Visual Experience 2026 happening in the Social Commons at the Sounds & Sights Festival in downtown Chelsea on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, 2026, you can download our press release here.
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
Doug Coombe
Awesome photos by our buddy Doug of Aaron Dilloway from a recent show at the Tangent Gallery in Detroit.
Joe Orlando
Check out the coverage by Joe Orlando of Yungblud for the Oakland Press and Full Access Detroit.
Caitlin Muncy
Awesome poster art by Caitlin Muncy for La Dispute show in Grand Rapids.
Jen Prouty
Ginkgo Records in Detroit held a live Women in Jazz event, and Jen Prouty was there to capture the action.
Jacob Rosenburg
Marvelous poster for Band Of Horses gig in Detroit by Jacob Rosenburg.
Kodama Psyokami
Kodama offers you a frog for troubled times.
Andrew Johnson
Dazzling art by Andrew Johnson for Puscifer.
Jena Hovey
Excellent photos and review of They Might Be Giants in Detroit on Loud Hailer by Jena Hovey.
Cidney Bundon
The always amazing band Cherry Drop is headed out on tour with Cullossus, and they’ve got an epic image by Cidney Bundon to share the news.
Terry Jones
Terry Jones was on hand to witness the madness at the Guttural Tour at Papa Pete’s in Kalamazoo.
Brandon Nagy
The magic of live music, captured beautifully by Brandon Nagy during the Trey Songz show in Detroit.
Brian Sheehan (Legerdemain Art)
CAGLIOSTRO FOREVER in Detroit is coming up QUICK on May 15 and 16th. Experience the art of Brian Sheehan and many others at this incredible show.
Riley Schmidt
Riley Schmidt in the pit for a hardcore show at Rake Beer Project in Muskegon.
JA Dunbar
Outstanding photos and a review of Puscifer in Detroit by JA Dunbar.
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.