Showing posts with label muskegon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label muskegon. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

🏢 When a Town Changes, What Stays With Us? 🏢

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


This drawing holds a chapter of Muskegon history that many people remember in their bones. The Russell Block and the Century Club stood through the 1970s transformation when Western Avenue was roofed over to become the Muskegon Mall and surrounding blocks were cleared for parking. What had once been an open street of storefronts and daily movement turned inward and dimmer. When the mall eventually closed in the 2000s, the city began the slow work of uncovering the street again, restoring light, walkability, housing, and the older rhythm of downtown life. These buildings endured all of it, quietly waiting for the street to breathe again.

Drawing this scene was a way to honor that patience and resilience. It is not just nostalgia for how things used to look, but respect for how places adapt and survive while holding memory. For those who grew up here, passed through on a Great Lakes cruise, or moved away and still feel a tug toward Muskegon, these facades carry stories of loss, renewal, and return. 

When you think about this street, which version of it lives most clearly in your memory?

🏢 Western Avenue In Muskegon, Michigan 🏢
Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To keep a special place with you, please visit:
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Tuesday, May 27, 2025

⛪ St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church In Muskegon, Michigan ⛪

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


⛪ Saint Jean Baptiste Catholic Church In Muskegon, Michigan ⛪
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202505021
Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

They were just putting on the finishing touches to Saint Jean Baptiste Church when my great-great grandparents emmigrated from Quebec to Michigan in 1882.  It was the heart of the French-Canadian neighborhood that embraced them.  Five of their children were baptized there starting a multi-generational tradition.  There are countless photographs of brides and grooms posed on the alter as it changed over the decades.  And all the funerals where we said goodbye to our loved ones for the last time.  When it was torn down in September 2024 after 142 years, our family and community lost a lot of history that made us who we are.

This piece would look best in a space that is red, orange, green, blue, purple, black, white, or wood.

HEY ROCHESTER, NEW YORK!
You're invited to:
a WILD, WEIRD, and WOOLY art show
with Lorraine Staunch, Lori Mulligan, and myself!

NOW OPEN AT:
24 N Main St
Fairport, NY 14450

My Story
I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an “adult…” The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Wednesday, May 7, 2025

👰🤵 Lisa and Ryan's Wedding 🤵👰

CONGRATULATIONS
LISA & RYAN
ON YOUR MARRIAGE!

On Friday May 2nd, 2025 Ryan Cummins & Lisa Kraus (my sister) had their wedding at Hackley Park in Muskegon, Michigan.

Rehearsal dinner at Teddy Spaghettis (an' a pizza pie!) (https://www.facebook.com/eatteddyspaghettis/)

Megan LOVED it!  We'll eat there every time we're in town now.  Teddy and the staff were wonderful.  Good live music while we ate.  And so many leftovers that we couldn't finish them after two days.  Ryan's grandma even found a roll in her purse the next day in the salon.

more SPAGHETTI less UPSETTI!

Lisa getting ready at Evolve Hair Salon (https://www.facebook.com/p/Evolve-Hair-Salon-100063443067183/)

My mom having her makeup put on.

Getting ready in the bridal suite at the Shoreline Inn (https://www.choicehotels.com/michigan/muskegon/ascend-hotels/mi322?mc=llgoxxpx)






The marriage was blessed by the mastodon at the Muskegon Museum of History & Science of the Lakeshore Museum Center (https://lakeshoremuseum.org/)

Photos at the Monet Garden Pocket Park (https://muskegon-mi.gov/parks/monet-gardens/)







Photos at Pere Marquette Beach (https://muskegon-mi.gov/parks/pere-marquette/)


When Ryan mentioned we looked like lucky grooms to passing traffic while waiting to set up, I decided that we should not let our audience down.

And no wedding is complete without visiting the Rotary Club (https://www.muskegonrotary.org/).  For extra bonus points, it was a fundraiser at Wonderland Distilling (https://wonderlanddistilling.com/)




Lisa and Jenny finishing off the cake from Ryke's Bakery (https://rykes.com/) at the reception.


THANK YOU SO MUCH to Jenny, Scott, and Maya for all your hard work pulling this wedding together.  It takes so much to make sure that the ceremony is on time, everything is set up, managing the florist, coordinating the food, cleaning up, and so much more.  It was because of you that our families had so much fun celebrating.  And we appreciate it more than you can imagine.

Lisa, you made a beautiful bride.  Ryan, we're so happy that we're now family.  All of us are so excited that you found each other and to many years of happiness!

Enjoy your Italian honeymoon!
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Friday, August 11, 2023

Brushstrokes & Transformation: An Interview With Mike Kraus


In this interview with Mike Kraus, we delve into the captivating journey of an artist whose work serves as both a canvas of color and a canvas of values — honesty, kindness, and fairness. From his formative years in Muskegon, Michigan, Mike’s artistic voyage has been a dynamic exploration of the intricate interplay between the external world and his inner creativity.  Continue Reading at: https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/mike-krause-9dd86995d76c


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Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Monday, February 21, 2022

Sun Setting On Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sun Setting On Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201707074
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/205652659/sun-setting-on-lake-michigan-original

My feet sink into the fine beach sand as I make my way toward the bonfire. A case of beer in one hand and a bundle of wood under the other arm. The heat of the sun begins to give way to the cool breeze blowing off the lake. The scent of the shoreline pairs perfectly with the changing colors of the sky. The waves gently crashing on the shoreline of another perfect summer night.

We all have places that feel like home. Reminders of a carefree childhood. Experiences that made us who we are. We have a connection to them as they gave us our sense of the world. How different would our lives be without these spaces?

This painting would great in a space that is light red, orange, dark yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, gray, beige, or wood.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Darrel the Barrel

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Darrel the Barrel
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201912117
© copyright Mike Kraus
or
https://society6.com/product/darrel-the-barrel-by-mike-kraus-art-milwaukee-wisconsin-muskegon-michigan-great-lakes-traffic-cone_sticker?sku=s6-18579538p65a211v751a212v753

Most epic journeys are unexpected.  An anonymous traffic barrel in Milwaukee accidentally fell into Lake Michigan and became a celebrity 120 miles (194 km) away in Muskegon, Michigan.  This unexpected Wisconsin ambassador has been highlighting the craft breweries, festivals, museums, and beaches easily in reach by the Lake Express fast ferry.  More of Darrel the Barrel's adventures at:  https://www.mlive.com/news/g66l-2019/10/a90f3970e43847/darrel-the-barrel-washed-up-on-beach-becomes-instant-muskegon-celebrity.html 

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Thursday, December 27, 2018

Max Ryznar 1981 - 2018

Max Ryznar 1981 - 2018
https://www.sytsemafh.com/obituaries/Max-Ryznar/#!/Obituary
Max (left) in Rapper's Guild at Palmer Hall in the late 1990s (photo credit: Eleanor Canter)

A unique and bright star in a vast universe has left making our world a much darker place.  Words fail to capture Max's creativity, kindness, and friendship.  But, Max was supportive of any creative project and a willing participant in mischief.  In 1997, I had just sat down in the Mona Shores High School cafe-torium when Max took the seat across from me.  He slid a piece of paper toward me and said, "Hey, I may have something for that little 'zine of yours.  Did it in my last class."  It was the beginning of a series of comic strips called "Sexual Secrets."  He was a wonderful collaborator and the best way for me to honor him is to share his creations.

Schism #7 August 1997

Schism #8 September 1997

Schism #10 November 1997

Schism #12 January 1998

 Schism #17 June 1998
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Tuesday, October 3, 2017

How Do You Feel About Coffee In the Autumn?

Inline image 1

Autumn is the perfect time for a hot cup of coffee. And once again, I'm proud to announce I'll be a part of the Coffee Art Project at the New York Coffee Festival, a program that has raised more than $690,000 and delivered clean water to over 20,000 people in Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Nicaragua. So, as the trees start to change color and the air begins to chill, I grab a cup of joe. With every sip I take, I realize how fortunate I am.

See my work online at:

See my work in person at these locations:
The Coffee Art Project at The New York Coffee Festival
October 13-15, 2017
Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W 18th St, NYC

Havana Night Gala
October 20th, 2017
Baden Street Settlement
Holiday Inn Rochester, NY-Downtown
70 State St, Rochester, NY 14614

Whitman Works Company
1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526

Art Cats Gallery
1845 Lakeshore Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441


About Mike Kraus
Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog. 

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Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Keep It Simple. These Pieces Make It Easy.


​
Do you have a space at your home or office that just isn't right?  Simply 
add a touch of luxe interior design with original artwork.  The Lavender 
Farm is a highly coveted piece that is endlessly versatile - perfect for a 
large space or above a fireplace, compliments a wide range of colors, and 
provides bold colors while still being calming.
Shop Now:


​
Remember traveling through the Finger Lakes region in upstate New 
York?  Stopping by the winery on the gentle slope of Seneca Lake.  A 
memory that works in just about any space with it's medium size and 
neutral colors.
Shop Now:
Whitman Works Co.​
1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526


​
Attitude and refinement - this piece will add "pop" to any space that 
needs it.  You can turn a drab wall into something inspiring.  It's just that 
simple.  
Shop Now:
Art Cats Gallery
1845 Lakeshore Dr. Muskegon, Michigan


About Michael Kraus
Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning 
his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand 
Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences 
from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For 
Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial 
Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways 
to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Michael 
Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every 
state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his 
beautiful wife and goofy dog. 
-- 
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