You won’t believe the hidden gem we stumbled upon in the Thumb. We were in Grindstone, Michigan, visiting the White Church Gallery, an artist’s oasis created by Michael and Carrie Zaitz in an old Methodist church. We were blown away by this unique visitor experience set in the heart of a long-abandoned 1800’s grindstone quarry operation.
Opening in 2015, the White Church Gallery was the only art gallery in the Thumb. It’s a truly special place, with its restored church setting and remote location. The owner, Connie Zaitz, told me they had to completely renovate the church, which had been overtaken by nature. They’ve been working on it for over three and a half years now.
We came across the gallery while checking out Grindstone City’s popular ice cream shops, the Grindstone General Store and Rybak’s Ice Cream Store. The gallery is right across the street from Rybak’s. Little did we know, but the gallery opened on July 7, 2015.
A Yelp search showed that in 2016, the White Church Gallery was actually the first dedicated art gallery in the Thumb. Carrie shared that they had to completely renovate the church, which had been claimed by Mother Nature. They’ve been working on the gallery for over three and a half years now. The focal point of the renovated church is a beautifully restored quatrefoil stained glass window at the front of the gallery, crafted by Tom Newton.
The gallery showcases works by various local and Michigan artists and craftspeople. In 2016, the gallery displayed works by fifteen artists in various mediums. The first time you walk into the gallery, it feels like stepping into a different world. There’s no other place like it in the Upper Thumb. The unique colors and subtle lighting show off the artwork beautifully. Everywhere you look, there’s something to explore. The gallery is only five minutes east of Port Austin at 8686 Rouse Road.
In 2016, the gallery expanded to include a woodworking shop and a large-scale studio for Mike Zaitz’s larger-than-life paintings found in the main gallery. It’s now the starting point for the annual Thumb Artists Studio Tour each June. Despite the challenges brought on by the 2020 pandemic, the gallery looks set to be back in full swing for the summer of 2021.
We couldn’t believe our luck in finding this artistic oasis in Grindstone City. The White Church Gallery offers an unparalleled visitor experience, packed full of stunning artwork, beautiful architecture, and a unique sense of peace and tranquility. It’s a must-visit for art lovers and those seeking a unique and memorable experience in Michigan’s Upper Thumb. #Art #MichiganBeauty
Check out more about this unique art sanctuary by [Exploring the port austin art scene: the white church gallery](https%3A%2F%2Fthumbwind.com%2F2021%2F06%2F18%2Fport-austin-art-white-church-gallery%2F).
