About

A Short History of the Lansing Art Gallery – representing Michigan Artists since 1965.
 
In a progressive move to provide Michigan’s capital city with a showplace for original art forms, a handful of dedicated artists joined forces in the fall of 1965 and created the Lansing Community Art Gallery (later shortened to the Lansing Art Gallery) incorporated as a nonprofit organization shortly after.
 
The cooperative efforts of these hard working artists/volunteers have given the City of Lansing its first permanent art gallery. Within a year and a half, the number of participating artists had risen from the original six to well over one hundred, and visiting patrons filled the Gallery to capacity at its monthly receptions.
 
In 1975, Lansing Art Gallery moved to the Center for the Arts building on South Grand Avenue.During those first years, an image was being created: that of community cooperation, and of technical assistance (education) in the appreciation of the various art forms.
As membership and artist participation grew, it was clear that Lansing Art Gallery was filling a strong need in the Lansing area, and a larger, more central, downtown location was needed. A move was made to a vibrant new location at 119 N. Washington Square in the heart of downtown Lansing.The Gallery continues it’s spirit of community through many services and cultural programs.
 
Currently the Gallery offers:
 
  • A meeting place for other arts organizations
  • Exhibition facilities for Michigan artists
  • Memberships for individuals, families, small businesses and large corporations
  • Statewide open competitions
  • Education Outreach, “Art Smart” after school classes
  • Art Scholarship Alert, high school competition
  • Summer Art Camp
  • Saturday Workshops
  • Artist demonstrations
  • Lectures
 
In addition, there is a 3000 square foot Lease/Purchase Gallery and Gift Shop where one can find original and interesting hand crafted items; a Lease/Purchase Gallery, where patrons may purchase original artwork on an installment plan; and monthly changing exhibitions of high quality work by Michigan artists.
 
Vision Statement
 
Enhancing the quality of life and cultural well-being of the community, Lansing Art Gallery provides a permanent cultural facility and outreach initiatives to fulfill its mission. We ensure that exhibits, educational programs and opportunities to purchase Michigan art are available to the public.
 
Mission Statement
 
Lansing Art Gallery provides public awareness, education and enjoyment of the visual arts by promoting the works of Michigan artists.
 
Lansing Art Gallery is a nonprofit membership organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code & incorporated in the State of Michigan on September 8, 1965. Founded by a handful of dedicated local artists & art patrons, the Gallery became the first permanent art gallery in Lansing and is Lansing’s oldest nonprofit gallery.