The 2019 season is rapidly coming to an end - I can't  believe how fast the seasons seem to go here on Mackinac Island. This was the Artists Market of Mackinac's fifth season in business and it was such a great year! Every year, we have the opportunity to represent over 100 emerging artists from all over the United States and Canada. Some of the artists are one person operations, while other's are made up of small teams.

We had artists make live appearances in the shop throughout the season like Mary Lou Peters, The Barn Social, Mulberry Pines, Genesis One Designs and Red Cabin Studio! Favorite products this season included "Married on Mackinac" ornaments, Iconic Detroit coasters, unique jewelry, block prints, Mackinac inspired mugs, "Been to the Beach" framed artwork and so many other treasures. Each year, it is my pleasure to be able to represent these artists on Mackinac Island. To all the artists that trust us with your artwork, thank you! My staff and I love getting to know your work, being able to share the process of how it's made and tell more about your company to each customer that comes in the door! Thank you for making such wonderful products and for such an amazing 5th season!

To all our customers, thank you! We would not have had such an amazing 5th year without your support! As we do close for the 2019 season, we look forward to a season of rest and preparing to welcome back artists in the spring of 2020! We look forward to bringing back many familiar faces and incorporating a few new ones, as well. If you saw something in the shop that you liked this year, remember to shop directly through the artist this winter! A full list of all the artists in the shop can be found here. 

xoxo,

Nicole

As you know, fall is one of my favorite seasons, yet it goes by so quickly! The weather in northern Michigan has recently seemed to turn colder and rainy. We are hoping for a few sunny, beautiful fall days to enjoy this month. 

Each year, October seems to be a whirlwind month. Our fall sale keeps our staff busy, tourists flood the streets on weekends, our fall shopping event takes place, and we close out the season celebrating Halloween October 25-27. With restaurants and shops closing up the end of the month, our family tries to go out to dinner a little more. With kids, we love the Yankee Rebel, Gate House (where Andrew and I first met), Millies and Mary's Bistro. They all have great options for kids and mom and dad too!

Now, the most important event of the month and season really, is the Women's Wellness Weekend. Seven years ago a group of like-minded business owners got together to create a refreshing, women's weekend focused on health, friendships and a little bit of wine! My close friend and vendor, Jenna Kator has a huge love for Mackinac Island. When she learned about the event, she thought, "I want to bring a group of women to this great weekend getaway." We carry Jenna's beautiful handbags in Little Luxuries. To tie her handbags into this event, Little Luxuries' hosts a private trunk show for her group of women. This year's group is her largest - 120 women! Since we can't fit all 120 women inside of Little Luxuries at one time, the trunk show shopping event will also take place inside The Artists Market and Canvas and Paddle. We are very excited to host this special event and have so many women in our stores at one time! Best of all, the Women's Wellness Weekend supports the Mackinac Island Community Cancer Fund. In these short seven years, we have raised over 170,000! Last week, there was an end of the season women's dinner at Grand Hotel supporting the Cancer Fund. Over 100 women attended and it was such a great time! What a special way to close out the 2019 season. 

As I mentioned before, fall is my favorite season and now you can see why! There are too many great events taking place this time of year before the island hibernates. 

If you have never visited Mackinac Island in the fall, add it to your bucket list! 

Nicole

xo.

Today’s Monday Maker is Iconic Detroit Art. Their tag line is “Art that honors the past - Art that helps forge the future.” 

Their artwork is meant for you to enjoy, while also supporting a community of artists that value Detroit’s and Greater Michigan’s culture. We sell a variety of their coasters that all pay tribute to Mackinac Island, Northern Michigan and the entire state Michigan! We love the ones that specialize in showcasing Mackinac Island: including Greetings from Mackinac Island, M-185 and so many other fun local ones. 

Proceeds from each purchase benefit the region’s artistic endeavors. We love being part of Iconic Detroit’s efforts to bring more art to the region! Stop in while we are still open to grab one of their coasters. 

I can’t believe that it’s already the end of the second week of October! It has been a beautiful fall, with sunshine and the leaves changing. October on Mackinac Island is one of my favorite times! The island slows down and there is an air of expectation, as we know there are only a few weeks left in the season.

Stores start to have their end of the year sale and we are no exception! Currently, our items are on sale from 20-30% OFF at all three of the shops: Little Luxuries, The Artists Market and Canvas and Paddle.

This coming week, we have our annual Witches Brew Shopping Event, on Tuesday, October 15th from 5-8 PM. The stores will be marked down to 40% OFF, there will be giveaways, pumpkin treats and our favorite fall wine, Witches Brew. We hope to see you at the shops for this fun event, to help us clear out our 2019 inventory and make way for exciting new products in 2020!

As always, as we start to come to a close for 2019, I am thankful for your love and support of Mackinac Island and especially my three shops

Xoxo, 

Nicole