Workshops, Food Trucks, Upcoming Fundraisers, and Visual Art news and events!!
Who says you can’t have fun learning something new
Workshops
Part of what makes our annual GIG - The Art of Michigan Music visual artist showcase unique is that we turn the exhibition into a space to learn. Our GIG 2025 Workshops bring together some of Michigan’s most talented and respected creative professionals for an afternoon of inspiration, connection, and hands-on learning. Whether you’re an established artist, just getting started, or just plain curious, these sessions offer fresh ideas, real-world tools, and a welcoming community. You’ll definitely find something you can use while meeting some awesome folks in the process.
Building Your Networking Skills
1p - 1:50p
Presented by Jen Prouty (Visual Artist & Creative Marketing Coach)
A visual artist and marketing expert who helps others build confidence and connections, Jen Prouty leads this interactive session designed to elevate your professional presence. You’ll learn how to:
Craft a clear, compelling elevator pitch
Rebrand yourself or your work when it’s time for a change
Use classic, in-person networking skills to make meaningful connections in the creative world
Expect to participate and leave with tools you can use right away.
Social Media & Advertising
2p - 2:50p
Presented by Dave Ciccotte (Digital Creator & Marketing Strategist - Owner: No Quarter Media Co.)
Digital creator and marketing strategist Dave Ciccotte shares his no-nonsense approach to building your brand and reaching your audience. With experience helping artists, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits, he’ll guide you through:
Developing a creative brand identity
Making the most of social media platforms
Advertising your work without burning out or breaking the bank
This session is packed with real-world advice you can apply immediately.
Graphic Artist Panel
3p - 3:50p
Moderated by Chrissy Hughes (Jackson College, Associate Professor)
Chrissy Hughes, a designer, educator, and creative force at Jackson College, brings her experience in branding and communications to this panel exploring the world of graphic design. She’ll guide a conversation with:
Craig Horky – An illustrator and designer whose work spans screen prints, comics, and gig posters with a distinct and often humorous style
Jacob Rosenburg – A multidisciplinary artist and illustrator known for his bold, expressive poster art. Creator of this year’s GIG - The Art of Michigan Music poster
Dennis Preston – A legendary figure in Michigan’s art and music scenes with decades of vibrant, hand-drawn album and poster art
They’ll share their paths, process, and how they’ve built lasting creative relationships in the music world.
Photography Panel
4p - 4:50p
Moderated by Chuck Marshall (Founder of GIG, Life In Michigan)
Chuck Marshall, concert photographer and co-founder of GIG and Life In Michigan, leads a discussion with three outstanding visual storytellers:
Jena Hovey – Known for capturing high-energy, live performances and intimate portraits of musicians
Doug Coombe – A veteran photojournalist published in Rolling Stone, Spin, and Hour Detroit, capturing the heart of Michigan’s music scene
Derek Ketchum – A photographer and writer documenting Michigan’s vibrant music and arts community
They’ll dive into how to capture compelling images, build trust with artists, and sustain a creative career behind the lens.
Who’s Hungry?
This year at GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Visual Art Experience 2025 we’ve got a couple of stellar food trucks ready to feed you.
Fila’s Fantastic Food is back!! Specializing in delicious Americanized egg rolls; it’s like your favorite sandwich inside an eggroll! They also have the best loaded fries, and homemade nachos in town. It may be a tiny truck, but they are HUGE on flavor
Burnt Honey is a family-owned food trailer serving up the best BBQ. Their slow cooked meats are sure to satisfy!
Fundraisers Recap
Our Bingo fundraiser at Hear.Say Brewing was a smash! Everyone had a great time, even though our bingo caller was a little unseasoned. Thanks to all who came out and to Hear.Say Brewing for their support.
Did you get your favorite books at Schuler Books as part of GIG’s book week (July 20-26)? Thanks to all of you who bought books and to Schuler Books for their support. If you purchased a book, give us a shout and let us know what you bought. Chuck picked up some books by Midwestern author Leif Enger.
Upcoming Fundraisers
Detroit Music Scene Mixer On Sunday, August 17 (12-4p) at Guitar HiFi (607 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, 48067)
Fans, Friends, Allies, Musicians in the Regional Music Scene! Join all the movers, shakers, and game changers for the summer music scene mixer, 12- 4 pm at Guitar Hi-fi in Royal Oa,k Michigan!
This open house style event will feature opportunities to network and enjoy the company of peers, refreshments, snacks, music, door prizes, and more.
Unplugged performances from Night Sky Alumni, Nick Pivot, and Mike Ward.
ECLIPSE YOGA at WOLVERINE PICKLEBALL On Sunday, September 14 (3-5p p.m.), our friend Roo from Eclipse Yoga is offering a yoga class at Wolverine Pickleball in Ann Arbor (235 Metty Dr., Ann Arbor, 48103)
All levels welcome
All proceeds will go toward the GIG annual event!
Afterward, we can relax at Wolverine Pickleball and enjoy a beverage from their wall of beer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails.
Thank you, Roo from Eclipse Yoga and the awesome folks at Wolverine Pickleball!!
Sponsor Update!
Our most excellent friend, Jeff Deeds (aka Dirty Deeds), has kicked in a huge donation toward this year’s exhibition. We can’t thank him enough for believing in what we are doing and helping us showcase the amazing visual artists in the Michigan Music Scene.
While we are at it, please join me in thanking our sponsors for this year’s event:
These fantastic businesses are about supporting their communities and the arts. Their support helps us with the much needed funding to put on GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Visual Art Experience 2025. Please give them your support!
WANT TO HELP OUT THE CAUSE?
Help us showcase the amazing visual artists in Michigan Music by becoming a sponsor of our Visual Arts Experience 2025. If you have a lead on a sponsor, get in touch with me at (info@gigartmich.org). Any amount of help is greatly appreciated.
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
Check out the August edition of Jackson Magazine for our full-page ad (created by Jacob Rosenburg). Many thanks to Jackson Magazine for their support!
Art Pop at Ogma Brewing is happening this Saturday (Aug 9). Tons of great local art and music. Thank you, Ogma Brewing, for your support!
Mark your calendar for Sept 22-28 when Sounds of the Zoo hits Kalamazoo. A bounty of beautiful music at venues across town, with a weekend of fun at Bronson Park.
Check out the new Carbon Decoy album with cover art by drummer Casey Rowe and inner sleeve photos by Cidney Bundon.
Check out this phenomenal work by Brian Sheehan (LGRDMN).
The amazing work by Tony Fero for the upcoming Fuzz Fest 10!!
Love the art and vibrant colors on this Fishbone poster by Jacob Rosenburg
The distinctive stylings of Robert Nix Nixon for Dead Sled
Dig the retro vibe of Jonathan Doyle for the recent Carpenter Ants gig at Manchester Underground.
You want a fun poster, check out this one by Craig Horky for Morgan Wallen.
Velvet Snake’s guitarist and artist extraordinaire Logan Belz has a new album out!
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 have a lot of merchandise to unload. Prices have been slashed. Help us unload this inventory.
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.
Are you going to stream the workshops? Might be a good way to get some more views and collect some cool video snippets to use is later marketing.