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

147 5th St.
Benton Harbor
269-363-4740

More Info
Berrien County Historical Association

Berrien County Historical Association

313 N Cass St
Berrien Springs
269-471-1202

More Info
Box Factory for the Arts

Box Factory for the Arts

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph
269-983-3688

More Info
Brush + Bloom DIY Studio

Brush + Bloom DIY Studio

807 Lester Avenue
St. Joseph
269-588-0056

More Info
Chartreuse

Chartreuse

304 State Street
St. Joseph
269-983-0931

More Info
Citadel Dance & Music Center

Citadel Dance & Music Center

204 Water Street
Benton Harbor
269-925-1099

More Info
CPR Dance: Inhale Movement

CPR Dance: Inhale Movement

4184 N. Roosevelt Road
Stevensville
269-287-8959

More Info
Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve

Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve

13988 Range Line Road
Niles
269-695-6491

More Info
Filkins Vineyards

Filkins Vineyards

6991 Ryno Rd
Coloma
269-468-WINE

More Info
Fusion Gallery and Studio

Fusion Gallery and Studio

9723 Red Arrow Hwy
Bridgman
773-882-9407

More Info
Golden Muse Winery

Golden Muse Winery

8903 Stevensville - Baroda Rd
Baroda
269-422-5336

More Info
Inn at Harbor Shores

Inn at Harbor Shores

800 Whitwam Drive
St. Joseph
269-983-1111

More Info
JLN Studio

JLN Studio

2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville
269-598-2464

More Info
Krasl Art Center

Krasl Art Center

707 Lake Boulevard
St. Joseph
269-983-0271

More Info
Morton House Museum

Morton House Museum

501 Territorial Road
Benton Harbor
269-313-2106

More Info
Niles History Center

Niles History Center

508 E. Main Street
Niles
269-845-4054

More Info
North Berrien Historical Museum

North Berrien Historical Museum

300 Coloma Ave
Coloma
269-468-3330

More Info
O & Co.

O & Co.

4209 Lake Street
Bridgman
269-369-2038

More Info
Rebecca's Ceramics

Rebecca's Ceramics

4383 Lake St.
Bridgman
269-612-7492

More Info
Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan

Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan

117 W. Front Street
Buchanan
269-697-4005

More Info
Silver Beach Carousel

Silver Beach Carousel

333 Broad Street
St. Joseph
269-982-8500

More Info
Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra

513 Ship Street
St. Joseph
269-982-4030

More Info
The Acorn

The Acorn

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks
269-756-3879

More Info
The Culinary Cottage

The Culinary Cottage

301 Main St.
St. Joseph
269-449-0867

More Info
The GhostLight Theatre

The GhostLight Theatre

101 Hinkley Street
Benton Harbor
269-252-5222

More Info
The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center

The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center

601 Main Street
St. Joseph
269-983-1191

More Info
The Lilac Loft

The Lilac Loft

418 State Street
St. Joseph

More Info
Twin City Players

Twin City Players

600 W. Glenlord Road
St. Joseph
269-429-0400

More Info
Water Street Glassworks

Water Street Glassworks

140 Water Street
Benton Harbor
269-925-5555

More Info

creative connections

events

PlayHouse
Map Icon

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

PlayHouse at The Acorn - Midwest Made

7:00pm - 10:00pm
Jul 28

Ice Cream Gnome
Map Icon

2642 West John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Ice Cream Gnome Class

6:00pm - 8:30pm
Jul 30

Axolotl Painting Class
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Kids Axolotl Painting Class

10:00am - 11:30am
Jul 31

Hammock Painting Class
Map Icon

2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Hammock Painting Class

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Aug 01

Box Factory for the Arts logo
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1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Box Factory Series 4 Exhibition

Starts 10:00am
Aug 02

Night Sky Painting
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12857 Red Arrow Hwy.
Sawyer

Night Sky Painting Class at Local Pour

Starts 2:00pm
Aug 04

Poppy Painting Class
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Poppy Painting Class

6:00pm - 8:30pm
Aug 08

Box Factory for the Arts logo
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Box Factory Series 4 Exhibition

Starts 10:00am
Aug 09

Barn Painting
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2642 W John Beers Rd.
Stevensville

Barn painting class

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Aug 13

Box Factory for the Arts logo
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Box Factory Series 4 Exhibition

Starts 10:00am
Aug 16

Bikes parked near the beach.
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501 Territorial
Benton Harbor

Benton Harbor Historic Bicycle Tour

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Aug 18

Box Factory for the Arts logo
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Box Factory Series 4 Exhibition

Starts 10:00am
Aug 23

Abstract Workshop
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2642 West John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Abstract Abstract Workshop

3:00pm - 6:00pm
Aug 25

Lake Effect
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Lake Effect Jazz Big Band at The Acorn - Midwest Made

7:00pm - 10:00pm
Aug 25

roti roti piano extravaganza
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117 W Front Street
Buchanan

Classical Music Piano Extravaganza

2:00pm - 3:00pm
Aug 25

Flower Gnome Class
Map Icon

2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Flower Gnome Class

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Aug 27

Box Factory for the Arts logo
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Box Factory Series 4 Exhibition

Starts 10:00am
Aug 30

Deep Fried Pickles
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

The Acorn Tree House presents Deep Fried Pickle Project

12:00pm - 2:00pm
Aug 31

New Flower Painting
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

New Flower Painting in Vase, September 5th

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Sep 05

Box Factory for the Arts logo
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Box Factory Series 4 Exhibition

Starts 10:00am
Sep 06

Gouache Bird Painting
Map Icon

2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Gouache Bird Painting

6:00pm - 8:30pm
Sep 12

Mushroom Gnome Class
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Gnome Mushroom Painting Class

6:00pm - 8:30pm
Sep 19

Gouache Flamingo Painting
Map Icon

2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Gouache Flamingo Painting Class

6:00pm - 8:30pm
Sep 26

Box Factory for the Arts social
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
Saint Joseph

Makers Market at the Box Factory

9:00am - 5:00pm
Nov 30

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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