We’ve been linking places like craft breweries, distilleries and wineries across Michigan’s Great Southwest for several years now thanks to the grand variety of options along the Makers Trail, now from the same minds that brought us the Makers Trail Passport comes a new game called Creative Connections.
We all know that the arts, music and theater scene is thriving in Southwest Michigan, but the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council is ratcheting things up a notch making it more fun than ever to discover the region’s creative side by playing their new Creative Connections game. From now through next April 30, 2022, prepare to laugh, be awed, meet the artists and send your spirits soaring while earning cool, artsy prizes along the way.
Mike Nadolski, Executive Director of The Mendel Center, one of the 16 game destinations, says, “Our Southwest Michigan region is very fortunate to have a vibrant and comprehensive arts scene,” and adds, “The arts add significantly to the quality of life for all by entertaining, educating and inspiring us. Creative Connections is a fun and easy way to learn more about some of the many varied arts organizations our region has to offer.”
Here’s how the game works:
- Pick up a Creative Connections brochure. You’ll be able to request one online or at any of the 16 Creative Connections destinations.
- Visit the Creative Connections destinations (listed below). Each business will have a door decal or a flag signifying their role in the game.
- Show your brochure and collect a stamp at each location you visit. Each destination has a personalized stamp.
- Collect stamps to earn prizes starting at just three Creative Connections stops.
- Return your brochure to the Tourist Council to be validated for prizes. Your prizes and brochure will be mailed back to you so you can continue playing.
- All brochures must be sent for validation by May 9, 2022. You must be 18 years or older to play.
Nadolski says, “It’s not always the case that you can play a game, be enriched and win prizes, too,” adding, “You already win just by dabbling or fully immersing yourself in an art museum, dance studio, performance, concert or gallery. Plus, you never know — you might find a piece of art or an experience that awakens a creative impulse and sends you into a new and exciting direction. That’s the transformative power of art.”
Creative Connections destinations include:
- The Acorn
- ARS Gallery, Arts & Culture Center
- Box Factory for the Arts
- Buchanan Arts Center
- Citadel Dance & Music Center
- Chartreuse Art Gallery
- The Gallery at Harbor Shores
- The GhostLight Theatre
- The History Center at Courthouse Square (Berrien County Historical Association)
- JLN Studio
- Krasl Art Center
- The Mendel Center of Lake Michigan College
- Silver Beach Carousel
- Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra
- Twin City Players
- Water Street Glassworks
You can learn more about each destination and the prizes you can earn at this link: https://swmichigan.org/creative. You’ll also find helpful FAQs, game instructions, the online brochure request and more.
Nadolski encourages everyone’s participation, saying, “I would love to see arts enthusiasts flock to our area and spend a night or more in one of our local hotels so they can experience the arts scene while also touring the countryside, visiting our wineries, shops, restaurants, shorelines and golf courses,” and adds, “When you package it all up, we really have a spectacular and highly accessible arts scene with the quality and diversity you might expect to find in a region much larger than ours.”
The Southwest Michigan Tourist Council connects visitors and locals alike with things to do in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties. You can view their curated itineraries, Makers Trail destinations, blogs, trail guides, newsletters and more online. For more information, visit https://swmichigan.org or https://www.facebook.com/swmtc/, or call 269-925-6301.
