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.

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how to play

the game

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creative connections

destinations

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upcoming

events

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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



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Box Factory for the Arts

Box Factory for the Arts



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Brush + Bloom DIY Studio

Brush + Bloom DIY Studio



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Chartreuse

Chartreuse



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Citadel Dance & Music Center

Citadel Dance & Music Center



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CPR Dance: Inhale Movement

CPR Dance: Inhale Movement



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Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve

Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve



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Filkins Vineyards

Filkins Vineyards



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Fusion Gallery and Studio

Fusion Gallery and Studio



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Golden Muse Winery

Golden Muse Winery



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Inn at Harbor Shores

Inn at Harbor Shores



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JLN Studio

JLN Studio



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Krasl Art Center

Krasl Art Center



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Morton House Museum

Morton House Museum



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Niles History Center

Niles History Center



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North Berrien Historical Museum

North Berrien Historical Museum



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O & Co.

O & Co.



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Rebecca's Ceramics

Rebecca's Ceramics



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Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan

Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan



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Silver Beach Carousel

Silver Beach Carousel



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Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra



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The Acorn

The Acorn



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The Culinary Cottage

The Culinary Cottage



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The GhostLight Theatre

The GhostLight Theatre



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The Lilac Loft

The Lilac Loft



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Twin City Players

Twin City Players



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Water Street Glassworks

Water Street Glassworks



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creative connections

events

Hannah
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Acorn Open Mic Night Featuring Hannah Baird

7:00pm - 10:00pm
Fri, Nov 22

Holiday Magic flyer
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508 E. Main Street
Niles

Holiday Magic at the Niles History Center

10:00am - 2:00pm
Sat, Nov 23

suncatcher
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

DIY Suncatcher Ornaments or Keychains

11:30am - 2:00pm
Sat, Nov 23

Echoes
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Echoes of Pompeii at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sat, Nov 23

Holiday Candle
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Holiday Candle Magic Class

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Sun, Nov 24

Billy Elton
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Billy Elton at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Fri, Nov 29

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
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13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Fri, Nov 29

Joel P
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Joel Paterson's Hi-Fi Christmas Guitar at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sat, Nov 30

SBS image
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508 E. Main Street
Niles

Small Business Saturday Open House

12:00pm - 2:00pm
Sat, Nov 30

Sean Magic
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

The Acorn Tree House presents Sean Masterson Magic

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sat, Nov 30

JLN Studio Open House
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2642 West John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Small Business Saturday Open House

11:00am - 3:00pm
Sat, Nov 30

Box Factory for the Arts social
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1101 Broad Street
Saint Joseph

Makers Market at the Box Factory

9:00am - 5:00pm
Sat, Nov 30

Makers Market at the Box Factory 2024
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1101 Broad St
St. Joseph

Makers Market at the Box Factory

9:00am - 5:00pm
Sat, Nov 30

Grinch Gnome Painting Class
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2642 West John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Grinch Gnome painting Class

6:00pm - 7:30pm
Tue, Dec 03

It
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600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Thu, Dec 05 - Fri, Dec 20

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
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13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Fri, Dec 06

It
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600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Fri, Dec 06 - Sat, Dec 21

It
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600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Sat, Dec 07 - Sun, Dec 22

It
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600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Sun, Dec 08 - Mon, Dec 23

Southwest Michigan Symphony Concert
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Howard Performing Arts Center
Berrien Springs

Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra's 2024 Winter Concert

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Sun, Dec 08

Textured Sailboat Class
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Textured Sailboat Painting Class

6:00pm - 8:30pm
Tue, Dec 10

Chill Hill Winery Grinch Painting Class
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8986 1st St
Baroda

Chill Hill Winery Grinch Painting Class

6:00pm - 7:45pm
Thu, Dec 12

It
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600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Thu, Dec 12 - Fri, Dec 27

The Citadel Spectacular 2024
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1100 Yore Ave
Benton Harbor

The Magic of Christmas Comes Alive at The Citadel Spectacular

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fri, Dec 13

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.

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