Soak up history and art, part 3

Gain a richer appreciation for our lakeshore communities at these 10 museum and galleries. These places tell the stories of yesterday while also exhibiting the beauty of today and the promise of tomorrow. 

Muskegon Museum of Art
296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon

The Muskegon Museum of Art, founded in 1912, is renowned for its fine permanent collection of American and European paintings, sculpture, prints and drawings. An important strength of the collection is the emphasis on leading American artists of the 19th and early 20th century. On display from March 11 to May 23, “OUR VOICE: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Book Awards” features original artworks by past award winners, celebrates the important award and explores the ways in which artists can educate. Also on display is “ANSEL ADAMS: The Photographs of Yosemite Suite” through May 9, and FRIENDS OF ART: 100 YEARS” through May 2. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

muskegonartmuseum.org

USS Silversides Submarine Museum
1346 Bluff St., Muskegon

The USS Silversides Submarine Museum honors the men and women of the military, preserves military history, and provides experiences that educate the public about past and present military history and technology. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits and gift shop as well as tour two historic vessels berthed outside: the WWII submarine USS Silversides and Prohibition-era U.S. Coast Guard Cutter McLane. Guests can even stay overnight in the historic vessels. The museum is open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

silversidesmuseum.org

Art on Center
Center Street, Douglas 

Art on Center is made up of six fine art galleries all located on Center Street in Douglas. The galleries collectively host events and gallery strolls throughout the year, which can include special exhibits, demonstrations and refreshments. Explore Button Gallery, LebenArt Gallery, Mixed Media Gallery, Mr. Miller’s Art Emporium, Water Street Gallery and Krista Reuter Studio to discover one-of-a-kind paintings, digital art collages, ceramics, glass, sculpture and unique mixed media paper creations. This year’s Art on Center dates/time are as follows: 

May 22: Noon–5 p.m.
July 17: Noon–5 p.m. 
Sept. 11: Noon–5 p.m. 
Oct. 9–10: Saugatuck & Douglas Fall Gallery Stroll, Noon–5 p.m. each day

For more information, contact any of the participating galleries via their websites or Facebook pages. Events are free and open to the public. Can’t make it to an event? No problem – visit the galleries during normal business hours.

facebook.com/ArtonCenterDouglasMI

Saugatuck Douglas History Center 
Museum: 735 Park St., Saugatuck 
Old School House: 130 Center St., Douglas 

The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center preserves local history and inspires learning to inform and improve the community through two public venues. The Saugatuck-Douglas History Museum is located in the historic Saugatuck Pump House and is one of Michigan’s most-visited small town museums. The museum’s main gallery features changing exhibitions that have included topics such as shipwrecks, the history of summer fun, artists, gangsters and more. The Old School House in Douglas is located in the Civil War-era Douglas Union School and its grounds. Patrons can explore the campus to experience the area’s rich history and culture through all the senses. The Old School House attractions include signature permanent exhibits, rotating themed exhibits, archives and a local art collection, among others. Visit the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center website for updated exhibition information and days/times of operation.

sdhistoricalsociety.org