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 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 from May 1, 2023-April 30, 2024. (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. Name on receipt must match name on creative license.
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 6, 2024. (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

Blue tote bag.

level 2

Large canvas boat tote with Creative Connections art

Enjoy a cooking class.

hotel prize

Choose Your Creative Connections experience by enjoying a cooking or art class at a member location on us ($75 value)

Creative Connections

destinations

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

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 is a rare and remarkable performing arts venue presenting high-quality, professional live entertainment. The intimate and eclectic non-profit performance space features Rock, Folk, Americana, Indie, Blues, Jazz, Bluegrass, open mics, comedy, films and more! Performers of incomparable talent delight audiences year-round in an acoustically rich and unique space.

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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

ARS Arts & Culture Center is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization with a mission to Encourage, Enlighten & Engage in the Arts! Our purpose is to provide a local community Art Center, which promotes, develops, and implements cultural, visual fine arts, and arts education to the community with a focus on at-risk youth in Benton Harbor and surrounding communities.

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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 center for the arts and features four galleries with rotating exhibits; rental studios for visual artists, writers and musicians; a stage area for theatrical and musical productions; an Art Market; commercial office space; a library; classroom; meeting room; and more. We celebrate and promote all creative arts.

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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

We are a co-operative art gallery featuring the beautiful work of local artists. From creating art to staffing the gallery, you will see the culmination of our art on display year round. Most disciplines are represented including wood working, jewelry, painting, glass, fiber, photography and ceramics.

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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

Take music lessons or dance classes at the Citadel, attend a Citadel performance, attend an Art Hop, arrange a tour of one of our campuses or schedule an appointment to learn more about our programs.

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Stamp Icon for CPR Dance: Inhale Movement

CPR Dance: Inhale Movement

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

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CPR Dance: Inhale Movement

CPR Dance: Inhale Movement is the premiere contemporary dance company in SWMI. We value bringing community access to professional dance, while sharing collaborative and engaging opportunities to connect, view, and participate in movement. Breathing Life. Moving Life. With Attendance Towards One Another.

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Stamp Icon for Fernwood Botanical Garden

Fernwood Botanical Garden

13988 Range Line Rd.
Niles, MI 49120
269-695-6491

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Fernwood Botanical Garden

Fernwood's mission is to enrich people's lives by awakening and deepening their appreciation of nature. Now more than ever, public gardens play an important role in offering a safe place of beauty and healing. We look forward to welcoming you to Fernwood's 105 acres of gardens and natural areas.

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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.

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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 opened in 2019 in the Benton Harbor Arts District, seeking to illuminate the arts and culture of SW Michigan through the Theatre Arts. The GhostLight creates events where people are more than observers, and become active participants in creation and exploration of a variety of performance media. The brainchild of tenor Paul Mow, The GhostLight Theatre is a collaboration of local performing artists, business people, arts supporters, and enthusiastic audience members.

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Stamp Icon for Golden Muse Winery & Gallery

Golden Muse Winery & Gallery

8903 Stevensville-Baroda Rd.
Baroda, MI 49101
269-422-5336

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Golden Muse Winery & Gallery

Golden Muse Winery is a women-owned winery with a Steampunk-style tasting room, outdoor sculpture garden, and 1,200 sq ft gallery featuring the works of 30 International artists. The core of the collection was formed when Golden Muse owners operated an ecological art gallery in Chicago's West Loop in the 1990s.

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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 History Center at Courthouse Square offers visitors a chance to step back in time and follow the paths that have led us to this moment. Coupled with our all-ages programming, lovers of history, heritage, culture, and more have tons to enjoy!

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Stamp Icon for JLN Studio

JLN Studio

2642 W. John Beers Rd.
Stevensville, MI 49127
269-598-2464

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JLN Studio

JLN Studio is a graphic design and art studio located in downtown Stevensville, MI. JLN Studio provides adult and children public and private art classes. JLN Studio is also a graphic design company helping numerous Southwest Michigan businesses enhance their marketing and visual brand with website design, logo creation, packaging, brochures, pamphlets, and SEO services.

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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 is a creative and inclusive place to engage with the arts free & open to the public. Explore sculpture outdoors, experience contemporary exhibitions, purchase artist-made items, learn in our studios, and attend dynamic programs and events year-round.

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Stamp Icon for Morton House Museum

Morton House Museum

501 Territorial Rd.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-313-2106

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Morton House Museum

The Morton House Museum showcases the oldest house in Benton Harbor to fulfill its mission to be "The Home of Benton Harbor History." The Morton House utilizes exhibits, artifacts, period rooms, and books to tell the amazing story of the history of the city of Benton Harbor.

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Stamp Icon for Niles History Center

Niles History Center

508 E. Main St.
Niles, MI 49120
269-845-4054

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Niles History Center

The Niles History Center is the Fort St. Joseph Museum and Chapin Mansion, both located in historic downtown Niles. The Chapin Mansion serves as one of the nation’s finest examples of the American Aesthetic style. Tours are led by trained docents and allow visitors an inside look into this beloved Niles landmark. The Fort St. Joseph Museum is located in the former carriage house of the Chapin Mansion and features exhibits that tell the story of Niles from the prehistoric era through the 1691 founding of Fort St. Joseph to the modern businesses and industrial era.

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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

The mission of the North Berrien Historical Society is to preserve and distribute information regarding the history of North Berrien County. We wish to promote research, encourage learning, and disseminate knowledge of the area's cultural and architectural legacy.

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Stamp Icon for Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan

Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan

117 W. Front St.
Buchanan, MI 49107
269-697-4005

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Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan

The mission of the Buchanan Art Center is to provide a place in our community dedicated to nurturing the arts by providing a quality educational program for all ages, as well as gallery exhibits, sales opportunities, and a gift shop that are supportive of class offerings and local artists, thereby enabling the Center to creatively enlist the power of the arts in promoting positive social change.

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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

Let the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra fill your summer with iconic American melodies: from patriotic to cinematic, all on the shores of Lake Michigan - including a special collaboration with the Ghostlight Theatre.

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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

Located in the Benton Harbor Arts District, Water Street Glassworks is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) art school, public access studio and gallery offering classes in the glass and metal arts, exhibitions and events for all ages. Our qualified instructors will guide you through the exciting process of working in the fire arts. Learn to blow or cast molten glass, form glass beads over a torch, or create a colorful expression of yourself in our fusing, stained glass and mosaic studios. Select from a variety of classes or schedule a private experience for your group. All studios are open year-round. Experience a fiery new side of yourself at Water Street Glassworks!

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creative connections

events

First Date
Map Icon

600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

First Date - Twin City Players

7:30pm - 9:00pm
Jun 09

poster showing details about the maac show
Map Icon

1101 Broad St.
SAINT JOSEPH

Free Gallery Exhibit: Michiana Annual Arts Competition

10:00am - 4:00pm
Jun 09

mike talbot musician
Map Icon

800 Whitwam Drive
St. Joseph

Dockside with Mike Talbot

5:30pm - 8:30pm
Jun 09

A new exhibition opens at Krasl Art Center logo
Map Icon

707 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph

A new exhibition opens at Krasl Art Center

11:00am - 5:00pm
Jun 10

June Family Day - Krasl Art Center logo
Map Icon

707 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph

June Family Day - Krasl Art Center

11:00am - 12:30am
Jun 10

AN AMERICAN PRAYER: THE DOORS TRIBUTE
Map Icon

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

An American Prayer: The Doors Tribute at The Acorn

9:00am
Jun 10

First Date
Map Icon

600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

First Date - Twin City Players

7:30pm - 9:00pm
Jun 10

poster showing details about the maac show
Map Icon

1101 Broad St.
SAINT JOSEPH

Free Gallery Exhibit: Michiana Annual Arts Competition

10:00am - 4:00pm
Jun 10

Chris Burch dockside planks
Map Icon

800 Whitwam Drive
St. Joseph

Dockside with Chris Burch

4:00pm - 7:00pm
Jun 10

poster showing details about the maac show
Map Icon

1101 Broad St.
SAINT JOSEPH

Free Gallery Exhibit: Michiana Annual Arts Competition

10:00am - 4:00pm
Jun 11

Tim Velez - Fingerstyle
Map Icon

800 Whitwam Drive
St. Joseph

Dockside with Tim Velez

4:00pm - 7:00pm
Jun 11

Summer Class Registration Deadline for Krasl Art Center logo
Map Icon

707 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph

Summer Class Registration Deadline for Krasl Art Center

11:00am - 5:00pm
Jun 12

poster showing details about the maac show
Map Icon

1101 Broad St.
SAINT JOSEPH

Free Gallery Exhibit: Michiana Annual Arts Competition

10:00am - 4:00pm
Jun 14

cabaret ghostlight playbill
Map Icon

101 Hinkley Street
Benton Harbor

CABARET - The Musical

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Jun 15

Bridgman Beach Painting Class
Map Icon

2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Weko Beach Painting Class

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Jun 15

Krasl Art Center for Coffee with the Curator
Map Icon

707 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph

Join Krasl Art Center for Coffee with the Curator

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Jun 15

poster showing details about the maac show
Map Icon

1101 Broad St.
SAINT JOSEPH

Free Gallery Exhibit: Michiana Annual Arts Competition

10:00am - 4:00pm
Jun 16

First Date
Map Icon

600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

First Date - Twin City Players

7:30pm - 9:00pm
Jun 16

ed skjordal edward musician
Map Icon

800 Whitwam Drive
St. Joseph

Dockside with Ed Skjordal

4:00pm - 9:00pm
Jun 16

cabaret ghostlight playbill
Map Icon

101 Hinkley Street
Benton Harbor

CABARET - The Musical

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Jun 16

poster showing details about the maac show
Map Icon

1101 Broad St.
SAINT JOSEPH

Free Gallery Exhibit: Michiana Annual Arts Competition

10:00am - 4:00pm
Jun 17

First Date
Map Icon

600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

First Date - Twin City Players

7:30pm - 9:00pm
Jun 17

cabaret ghostlight playbill
Map Icon

101 Hinkley Street
Benton Harbor

CABARET - The Musical

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Jun 17

grayson barton musician
Map Icon

800 Whitwam Drive
St. Joseph

Dockside with Grayson Barton

5:30pm - 8:30pm
Jun 17

creative connections

faqs

What dates does Creative Connections run this year?

From May 1, 2023-April 30, 2024.

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 gift card to a Creative Connections destination of your choice, a large canvas boat tote with Creative Connections art, a Creative Connections cooking or art class experience at a member location ($75 value), 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, 2024. (This offer is good while prize supplies last).

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

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