News photo by Kayla Wikaryasz Vendor tents are seen set up at the 48th annual Art on the Bay, on Sunday. This annual event is hosted by the Thunder Bay Arts Council.

ALPENA – The 48th annual Art on the Bay open-air fine art and craft show concluded Sunday at Bay View Park, drawing crowds and generating critical funds for the Thunder Bay Arts Council’s upcoming programming.

President Clint Taratuta-Kendziorski reported robust shopper turnout for this year’s event, which brought together artists and artisans from across the nation for the bayside celebration.

“We have had a really good turnout, we normally have about 3,000 shoppers between Saturday and Sunday. As of noon Sunday, I would say we are pretty close to that, if we have not surpassed it already,” Taratuta-Kendziorski said.

This year’s show featured 111 vendors representing every state in the United States. Attendees explored a rich variety of handcrafted items, including wooden spoons, creations made from Petoskey stones, jewelry, homemade purses, woodworking, and many other artistic offerings displayed throughout the park.

The event serves as the council’s main annual fundraiser.

“This event is a fundraiser for the Thunder Bay Arts Council, and we use the funds raised to help with Ice Fest in February, Shades of Fall in November (in conjunction with the Besser Museum), and concerts throughout the year. It is the main fundraiser for the Thunder Bay Arts Council,” Taratuta-Kendziorski said.

Proceeds from this weekend will support those key initiatives, enabling the council to deliver seasonal festivals, collaborative exhibitions, and musical performances that enrich Northeast Michigan’s cultural landscape.

Running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Art on the Bay aligned with the Michigan Brown Trout Festival, enhancing the weekend’s appeal at the waterfront park location. Shoppers mingled among the booths, discovering one-of-a-kind pieces while taking in views of Lake Huron. Food concessions complemented the artistic offerings, creating a full-day experience for families and visitors.

The national participation highlighted this year’s event, with artists traveling from near and far to share their talents. Items ranging from functional woodworking and stone-inspired designs to jewelry and custom purses provided something for every taste and interest. The council’s commitment to curation helped maintain the show’s reputation for excellence.

As the final visitors departed Sunday afternoon, Taratuta-Kendziorski reflected on the weekend’s success in securing resources for the organization’s year-round efforts. The funds will directly contribute to memorable community events that draw both locals and tourists.

Thunder Bay Arts Council leadership extended thanks to participating vendors, volunteers, and attendees who made this year’s Art on the Bay a vibrant marketplace of creativity. The strong turnout and comprehensive vendor representation from all 50 states underscored the event’s significance as an arts gathering in Northern Michigan.

Looking ahead, the impact of this weekend’s proceeds will be felt through enhanced programming that continues to foster artistic expression and cultural engagement in the Alpena region. Community members interested in future council events can connect through the organization for updates on supported initiatives.

Josh Jambor can be reached at jjambor@thealpenanews.com.