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



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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 Heritage Museum and Cultural Center

The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center



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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

Lake Effect
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1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Lake Effect Jazz Band at the Box Factory

7:00pm - 9:00pm
Sep 21

Led Zeppelin 2
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Led Zeppelin 2 at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sep 21

Young Frankenstein
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600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Sep 21

Fiber Art Class
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Sunset 2D Fiber Art

12:00pm - 1:30pm
Sep 21

Sadie
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Open Mic Night featuring Sadie Gustafson-Zook at The Acorn

7:00pm - 10:00pm
Sep 22

Young Frankenstein
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600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Sep 22

ParTEA
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Royal ParTEA Fundrasier

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Sep 22

candle class
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Candle Magic Class

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Sep 26

Flamingo Painting Class
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Flamingo Gouache Painting Class

6:00pm - 8:30pm
Sep 26

09 27 2024
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91 Hinkley Street
Benton Harbor

TORP Improv Comedy Night - September 27th

7:00pm - 9:00pm
Sep 27

Terrapin Flyer
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Terrapin Flyer at The Acorn: A Tribute to Grateful Dead

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sep 27

Duke
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sep 28

Yin Yoga
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Yin Yoga & DIY Craft or Plant Bar

10:00am - 12:00pm
Sep 28

September Abstract Workshop
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Abstract Workshop

3:00pm - 6:00pm
Sep 29

Mary Kay
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Treat Yourself - Relax and Renew

4:00pm - 6:00pm
Sep 29

tarot
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Tarot and Terrariums

5:00pm - 8:00pm
Oct 03

fall
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Fun Fall DIY Projects

11:30am - 3:30pm
Oct 05 - Oct 06

candle
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Candle Magic Class 10.8.24

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Oct 08

New Fall Tree Painting
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

New Fall Tree Painting

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Oct 10

dried flower
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Dried Flower Magnet Class

12:00pm - 2:00pm
Oct 12

skull
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Skull Macrame Hanger

12:00pm - 2:00pm
Oct 13

Red Wine Painting Class
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Red Wine Painting Class

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Oct 15

peek a boo
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Peek-a-Boo cookie decorating class

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Oct 17

sound bath
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Yin Yoga and Singing Bowls

5:30pm - 8:00pm
Oct 21

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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