Creative Connections | Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council
Creative Connections hero image showing a member organization.

Creative Connections

earn prizes while enjoying the arts and culture of Southwest Michigan

The beauty and vibrancy of Lake Michigan, the serenity of our countryside and the rich stories of our past inspire us. Now you can connect with the artists, actors, musicians and dreamers that call this area home.

abstract blue rectangle

how to play

the game

abstract blue rectangle

creative connections

destinations

abstract blue rectangle

upcoming

events

abstract blue rectangle

creative connections

faqs

how to take the

Creative Connections challenge

1

get your
brochure

Visit any of the Creative Connections destinations or the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council to get a game brochure. Use the Creative Connections brochure to keep track of where you have traveled and collect destination stamps from May 1, 2024-April 30, 2025. (You must be 18 years or older to play.)

2

collect
stamps

Whenever you visit a participating destination, make sure to get your brochure stamped by an employee. Each destination has a unique stamp. The more stamps you collect, the more prizes you can earn. (Duplicate stamps are not allowed.)

3

complete
levels

Level 1: Collect 3 different destination stamps to complete.
Level 2: Collect 3 more different destination stamps to complete.
Hotel Level: Stay in one of our hotels after completing Level 1 or 2. Ask for a receipt to include as proof of your stay. The name on the receipt must match the name on the creative license.
Complete ALL the levels for entry into the Grand Prize drawing.

4

earn
prizes

To redeem your prizes, fill out the creative license form in the brochure and mail your entire brochure to the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council for validation by May 6, 2025. (This offer is good while prize supplies last.)

prizes you can earn

$15 gift card to a Creative Connections destination of your choice.

level 1

$15 gift card to a Creative Connections destination of your choice

$30 gift card to a Creative Connections destination of your choice.

level 2

$30 gift certificate to a Creative Connections destination of your choice

$75 Love Local SWMI Gift Card (redeemable at participating St. Joe Today member locations)

hotel prize

$75 Love Local SWMI Gift Card (redeemable at participating St. Joe Today member locations)

Creative Connections

destinations

ARS Gallery, Arts and Culture Center

ARS Gallery, Arts and Culture Center



More Info
Berrien County Historical Association

Berrien County Historical Association



More Info
Box Factory for the Arts

Box Factory for the Arts



More Info
Brush + Bloom DIY Studio

Brush + Bloom DIY Studio



More Info
Chartreuse

Chartreuse



More Info
Citadel Dance & Music Center

Citadel Dance & Music Center



More Info
CPR Dance: Inhale Movement

CPR Dance: Inhale Movement



More Info
Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve

Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve



More Info
Filkins Vineyards

Filkins Vineyards



More Info
Fusion Gallery and Studio

Fusion Gallery and Studio



More Info
Golden Muse Winery

Golden Muse Winery



More Info
Inn at Harbor Shores

Inn at Harbor Shores



More Info
JLN Studio

JLN Studio



More Info
Krasl Art Center

Krasl Art Center



More Info
Morton House Museum

Morton House Museum



More Info
Niles History Center

Niles History Center



More Info
North Berrien Historical Museum

North Berrien Historical Museum



More Info
O & Co.

O & Co.



More Info
Rebecca's Ceramics

Rebecca's Ceramics



More Info
Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan

Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan



More Info
Silver Beach Carousel

Silver Beach Carousel



More Info
Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra



More Info
The Acorn

The Acorn



More Info
The Culinary Cottage

The Culinary Cottage



More Info
The GhostLight Theatre

The GhostLight Theatre



More Info
The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center

The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center



More Info
The Lilac Loft

The Lilac Loft



More Info
Twin City Players

Twin City Players



More Info
Water Street Glassworks

Water Street Glassworks



More Info

creative connections

events

Miniatures
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

2025 Gallery Series Kick-off

1:30pm - 3:00pm
Fri, Feb 14 - Sun, Mar 23

Miniatures
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

2025 Gallery Series Kick-off

1:30pm - 3:00pm
Fri, Feb 21 - Sun, Mar 30

CCFF
Map Icon

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

The Daughter of Dawn Film Screening at The Acorn

4:00pm - 6:00pm
Sun, Mar 23

Out of the Box Open Mic Night
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Out of the Box Open Mic Night

6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wed, Mar 26

Morning Sky Painting
Map Icon

2642 W Jhn Beers Rd
Stevensville

Morning Sky Painting Class

6:00pm - 8:30pm
Thu, Mar 27

Roses
Map Icon

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

ROSES for THE ROCHES at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Fri, Mar 28

Will Hoge
Map Icon

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Will Hoge at The Acorn w/ Scott Terry of Red Wanting Blue

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sat, Mar 29

Flag Day
Map Icon

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

2025 Three Oaks Flag Day Prince and Princess Pageant

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sun, Mar 30

Out of the Box Open Mic Night
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Out of the Box Open Mic Night

6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wed, Apr 02

Kids Spring Break Art Camp
Map Icon

2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Kids Spring Break Art Camp

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Wed, Apr 02 - Fri, Apr 04

Fortunate
Map Icon

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Fortunate Sons: A Tribute To Creedence Clearwater Revival at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Fri, Apr 04

Kids Bunny Painting
Map Icon

2642 W JOhn Beers Rd
Stevesville

Kids Bunny Painting Class

10:00am - 11:30am
Sat, Apr 05

Billy Elton
Map Icon

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Billy Elton - A Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sat, Apr 05

Out of the Box Open Mic Night
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Out of the Box Open Mic Night

6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wed, Apr 09

Flower Painting
Map Icon

2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Boho Inspired Flower Painting Class

6:00pm - 10:00pm
Thu, Apr 10

Donna The Buffalo
Map Icon

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Donna The Buffalo at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Fri, Apr 11

Brit Pack
Map Icon

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

The Brit Pack at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sat, Apr 12

September Abstract Workshop
Map Icon

2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

April Abstract Workshop

3:00pm - 6:00pm
Sun, Apr 13

Women Empowering Cuisine event logo
Map Icon

ARS Gallery, 147 Fifth St.
Benton Harbor

Women Empowering Cuisine

5:30pm - 7:30pm
Wed, Apr 16

Out of the Box Open Mic Night
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Out of the Box Open Mic Night

6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wed, Apr 16

Mushroom Gnome Class
Map Icon

2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Mushroom Gnome Painting Class

6:00pm - 8:30pm
Thu, Apr 17

Ghostlight
Map Icon

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Ghostlight Theatre presents The Last Five Years at The Acorn

7:00pm - 10:00pm
Fri, Apr 18

Pat
Map Icon

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

A Night of Comedy featuring Pat Tomasulo at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sat, Apr 19

Out of the Box Open Mic Night
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Out of the Box Open Mic Night

6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wed, Apr 23

creative connections

faqs

What dates does Creative Connections run this year?

From May 1, 2024-April 30, 2025.

Where can I pick up a Creative Connections brochure?

Pick up a brochure at any Creative Connections destination or the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council (2300 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor). You can also request a brochure online.

I forgot to get a stamp when I visited a destination. Can I still count it?

You cannot request a stamp retroactively. In order to earn a stamp, you must ask for one when you visit the Creative Connections destination.

I've only finished the first level. Can I still get my prize?

While we encourage you to complete all levels and explore the creative destinations in Southwest Michigan, you don't have to complete every level. If you only finish the first level, follow the directions and send in your brochure to get a prize!

How do I earn the hotel prize?

Stay in any hotel listed here. The name on this receipt must match the name on your creative license. Include the hotel receipt when you turn in your brochure for validation.

What prizes can I win?

Depending on which levels you complete, you have the ability to win the following: a $15 or $30 gift card to a Creative Connections destination of your choice, a $75 Love Local SWMI gift card, and our Grand Prize, a two-night, all-inclusive hotel package for two people.

How do I receive my prizes?

In order to redeem your prizes, fill out the creative license form and mail your entire brochure to the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council for validation by May 6, 2025. (This offer is good while prize supplies last).

If you still have questions about Creative Connections, Please reach out.

Contact Us

Explore our
Creators & Makers
Itinerary

The words Check Out Our The words Makers Trail

Unlock a world of potential customers

Showcase your business to thousands of potential customers searching for what you offer. IT'S FREE!

List Your Business

Read more in our Visitors Guide

Bellhop Icon: Book A Room