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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.

how to play the

Creative Connections game

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. (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 6 different destination stamps to complete.
Hotel Level: Stay in one of our hotels after completing Level 1 or 2.
Complete ALL the levels for entry into the Grand Prize drawing.

4

earn
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 5, 2023. (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

Prints of Joshua Nowicki photos and Creative Connections tee.

level 2

Autographed Joshua Nowicki Photo Print & Creative Connections tee

14 oz Creative Connections Mug and $50 gift certificate to The Market.

hotel prize

14 oz Creative Connections Mug & $50 gift certificate to The Market

Creative Connections

destinations

ARS Gallery - Arts & Culture Center

147 5th St.,
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-363-4740

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ARS Gallery - Arts & Culture Center

147 5th St.,
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-363-4740

Learn More

ARS Gallery - Arts & Culture Center

147 5th St.,
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-363-4740

Learn More
Stamp Icon for The Acorn (ACT)

The Acorn

107 Generations Dr.
Three Oaks, MI 49128
269-756-3979

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The Acorn

The Acorn, located approximately 70 miles from Chicago and 60 miles from Kalamazoo, is an intimate performance space featuring rock, folk, indie, jazz, opera, open mics, drama, and comedy. Housed in a turn-of-the-century former corset stay factory, this beautiful building is now a venue for performers of incomparable talent who delight patrons with audience proximity and outstanding acoustics. A funky-industrial-chic atmosphere complete with a full bar, The Acorn is within walking distance to Three Oaks eateries and boutiques.

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Stamp Icon for ARS Gallery - Arts & Culture Center (ARS)

ARS Gallery - Arts & Culture Center

147 5th St.,
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-363-4740

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ARS Gallery - Arts & Culture Center

Anna Russo-Sieber (ARS) Gallery Arts & Culture Center is a community art center offering cultural arts, applied arts, fine arts, and extensive outreach programming. The IATG program embraces our whole community and fosters personal growth through positive interaction and social development. Founder/executive director, Anna states, “You can say more through art than words alone!”

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Stamp Icon for Box Factory For the Arts (BFA)

Box Factory For the Arts

1101 Broad St.,
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269-983-3688

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Box Factory For the Arts

The Box Factory for the Arts is a regionally significant multi-use center for the arts. The historic 55,000 square foot building houses artist studios, office space, galleries, a performance stage, classrooms, ArtMarket, meeting space and more. It is a welcoming hub for creativity, learning, sharing, socialization and fun for our members and the community at large.

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Stamp Icon for Chartreuse Art Gallery (CRT)

Chartreuse Art Gallery

304 State St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269-983-0931

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Chartreuse Art Gallery

Chartreuse Art Gallery is an artist-owned and operated art gallery located in downtown St Joseph. We offer handmade art by artists who call this area home. Come check out our locally-made gifts and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. We have something new every day!

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Stamp Icon for Citadel Dance & Music Center (CDM)

Citadel Dance & Music Center

Music: 204 Water St. | Dance: 91 Hinkley St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-925-1099

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Citadel Dance & Music Center

Citadel provides year-round dance & music instruction for infants to adults. Private music lessons, KIndermusik, Music Therapy, Ukulele, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Pointe, Creative Movement & more. Performances include "A Steamed Nutcracker" & Fly Me to the Moon. Take a class, lessons, attend a performance or stop in for a tour.

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Stamp Icon for CPR Dance: Inhale Movement

CPR Dance: Inhale Movement

4184 N. Roosevelt Road
Stevensville, MI 49127
269-287-8958

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CPR Dance: Inhale Movement

CPR Dance: Inhale Movement believes movement is as fundamental to existence as breath. This premiere Southwest Michigan dance company — owned by Carolyn Pampalone Rabbers — brings access to dance and movement, sharing collaborative and engaging opportunities to connect, view and participate in movement.

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Stamp Icon for The History Center at Courthouse Square (CHSQ)

The History Center at Courthouse Square

313 N. Cass St.
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
269-471-1202

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The History Center at Courthouse Square

The Berrien County Historical Association invites you to explore the history of the cornerstone of Michigan at the History Center at Courthouse Square. Here, guests of all ages can dive deep into the past thanks to our exhibits, programs, and more!

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Stamp Icon for The Gallery at Harbor Shores (GHS)

The Gallery at Harbor Shores

800 Whitwam Dr.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269-983-1111

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The Gallery at Harbor Shores

The Gallery at Harbor Shores features a rotation of select Michigan Artists. Located on the mezzanine level of the resort, as well as select public spaces throughout The Inn. The Gallery is a thoughtful curation dedicated not only to supporting local artists but to enhancing your overall experience at The Inn. Art has been a large focus at The Inn from the very beginning. In addition to ditching the standard hotel prints and supporting the regional art community, we have also incorporated some of the local history of this area.

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Stamp Icon for The GhostLight Theatre (GLT)

The GhostLight Theatre

101 Hinkley St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-252-5222

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The GhostLight Theatre

The GhostLight Theatre, in the Benton Harbor Arts District, opened in June 2019. Our innovative playhouse has a diverse, creative, and socially conscious culture, with engaging and passionate performers. We provide storytelling education to audiences and performers of all ages and backgrounds to enlighten, inspire, and illuminate our region.

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Stamp Icon for Krasl Art Center (KAC)

Krasl Art Center

707 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269-983-0271

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Krasl Art Center

Krasl Art Center provides southwest Michigan residents and visitors the opportunity to experience high-quality art exhibitions, installations and programs at no cost. Find one-of-a-kind gifts in The Shop at KAC, or give the gift of education through one of KAC's studio classes, camps, or workshops all year long. Learn more at krasl.org.

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Stamp Icon for The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College (TMC)

The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College

1100 Yore Ave.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-927-8700

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The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College

World Class Entertainment

  • The Mendel Center Mainstage season
  • Nationally and internationally recognized speakers
  • Living Room Concert Series
  • LMC Performing Arts concerts and productions
  • Special engagements

Our location is also welcoming and accessible for your guests. Removed from the crowds and tourist centers, the quiet setting of The Mendel Center is easy to find.

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Stamp Icon for North Berrien Historical Museum (NBH)

North Berrien Historical Museum

300 Coloma Ave.
Coloma, MI 49038
269-932-3330

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North Berrien Historical Museum

Exhibits at the North Berrien Historical Museum cover 10,000 years of human history, from archaeology to modern technology. Educational Programs compliment exhibits with engaging and interactive lessons about history. We are handicap accessible and there is no cost to tour — donations are welcome.

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Stamp Icon for Silver Beach Carousel (SBC)

Silver Beach Carousel

333 Broad St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269-932-1141

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Silver Beach Carousel

You can't help but smile when you enter the Silver Beach Carousel house in St. Joseph, Mich. The band organ music lifts your spirit as 48 hand-carved and brilliantly painted figures, plus two chariots (a rocking peacock and a sea serpent that welcomes wheelchairs), whirl merrily around. What fun to choose which ones to ride!

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Stamp Icon for Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra (SMSO)

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra

513 Ship St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269-982-4030

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Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra

The SMSO has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of our community since 1951. We strive to cultivate and inspire a diverse audience through professional musical experiences. We offer innovative programming by harnessing live music's transformational power to foster creativity, promote joy and unite our community.

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Stamp Icon for Twin City Players (TCP)

Twin City Players

600 Glenlord Rd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269-429-0400

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Twin City Players

Formed in 1932, Twin City Players is a volunteer based nonprofit organization that strives to engage the community in quality theatre that changes lives and to be recognized for organizational excellence producing quality performances in southwest Michigan.

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Stamp Icon for Water Street Glassworks (WSG)

Water Street Glassworks

140 Water St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-925-5555

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Water Street Glassworks

Water Street Glassworks is a public access studio, school and gallery dedicated to the ‘fire arts' media of glass and metal. WSG's mission offers community members opportunities to experience the fascinating, transformational mediums of glass and metal, with an emphasis on community renewal through the arts and reaching vulnerable and at-risk teen populations.

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creative connections

events

creative connections

faqs

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!

Where can I go to get the hotel stamp?

Stay in any hotel listed here. When you check out, make sure to ask the front desk for a stamp to put on your brochure.

What prizes can I win?

Depending on which levels you complete, you have the ability to win the following: a gift card to a Creative Connections destination of your choice, an autographed Joshua Nowicki Photo Print & & Creative Connections tee, a 14 oz Creative Connections Mug & $50 gift certificate to The Market, 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 5, 2023. (This offer is good while prize supplies last).

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

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