Have you ever been inside an industrial building that has been revamped and turned into an art gallery and the admission is free? Located at 1101 Broad Street in St. Joseph, MI, the Box Factory for the Arts is a hidden gem, home to over forty artists living in the Southwest Michigan Community. The building has three floors consisting of art studios, office space, performance space, galleries, and local artisan shops. It offers a safe and quality space to express, educate, and entertain local art.
The building was originally a paper box factory that was renovated to fit the needs of the resident artists. The Berrien Artist Guild, Inc., which was founded in 1962, purchased the historic Williams Bros. Paper Box Manufacturing building in 1995 and transformed it into what is known today as the Box Factory for the Arts, where art in all its forms are loved and celebrated. Keeping the original structure and essence of the old box factory adds to the artistic and creative spirit of the resident artists.
I visited the Box Factory with my family a couple weeks ago and the building is so striking you can’t miss it. I highly recommend you go with a group of friends. The building itself has a box-like exterior while the interior showcases the craftsmanship and metal work of the original box factory as a form of homage to its past industrial space, but at the same time, it displays vibrant colors and designs reflecting the playful personalities of the artists. A walk through the galleries best illustrates the feeling of endless possibility of creativity expressed within the walls of the building.
The mission of the Box Factory for the Arts is to “support established and emerging artists and to enrich the surrounding community through a multidisciplinary, collaborative and vibrant gathering place that nurtures, celebrates and promotes all creative arts.”
The Box Factory’s four galleries include the Robert R. Williams Gallery and the Heartha Whitlow Gallery located on the Street Level; the Riverwalk Gallery located on the River Level; and the Skyview Gallery located on the Third Level. The four galleries are free to the public, with a different exhibit every six weeks that is selected by the Gallery Committee of the Box Factory for the Arts. Several art workshops and events are offered, and the Art Market gift shops sell the artworks and handcrafted products of the resident artists.
Portrait Drawing & Painting is a workshop class that takes place on Mondays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and on Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for a fee of $10 per class.
The Biennial Sculpture Invitational is happening right now and will go on until mid-September, 2023. Five sculptures, selected by guest curators Foster and Guy Willey, have been installed across the street from the Box Factory in partnership with the Krasl Art Center.
The Art Market sells a variety of art and handcrafted products that include books, cards, ceramics, glass, home decor, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, prints, puzzle, sculpture, and soaps. The Art Market is open on Thursdays from noon to 6:00 pm; and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from noon to 4:00 pm. Mark your calendars for Makers Market 2022 which takes place on November 26 (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and November 27 (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). Makers Market is a two-day modern artisan fair with unique and authentic artworks from local studios and workshops, gallery exhibits, artists in studio, and food and drinks.
Out of the Box: Open Mic is an event that takes place on the first Wednesday of every month from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. There is a $5 fee to attend, but it’s free to perform. If you or your band feels inspired or is interested in performing, feel free to fill in the sign up form.
It is important to venture out and explore what is available locally, supporting local artists and businesses. Take advantage of free art opportunities and celebrate art in all its forms. Art is something that is universal and transcends barriers such as language and emotions. It is able to bring people together and is an integral part of society. Art beautifies our communities, helps express our feelings, and preserves our histories —all of which connect us to each other. I have had the opportunity to grow up surrounded by the arts. I am currently taking two art classes (Drawing I and Ceramics). No, I am not an Art major. No, I do not need it for credit. I took it just because. You don’t have to be artistic to do art. Art is for everyone, no matter what age.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.