I love the lake and the small-town feel here. This community’s warmth and accessibility to nature and nearby cities are special. Knowing customers by name and hearing visitors’ appreciation for the town reminds me of how great it is.

— Christine Grimm, SilverFire Gallery & Gifts

“SilverFire Gallery & Gifts features about 38 Michigan artists—mostly local—as well as products from Michigan companies, women-owned businesses, and fair trade.

I’ve been an artist and teacher for over 20 years, but in this location, about a year and a half. Previously, I had a small gallery in Harbor Front Place for about five years before moving here.

My journey started as a performing artist, aiming to enter arts administration. After roles in nonprofits and small businesses, I ended up selling art and teaching. That led to opening a small shop at Harbor Front because I had available space and always dreamed of owning a store. It became popular, so when this location opened, I moved here. My goal has always been to support the arts, making them accessible and affordable, and highlighting emerging artists, women artists, and those who don’t normally sell their work. Watching them grow is incredibly rewarding.”

“What I enjoy most is talking with the people who visit. We have fantastic conversations. They might be here for expensive art or for something beautiful that is not very expensive. That’s the other passion I have: affordable art. We’re all artists to begin with. When you go to school as a kindergartener, first grader, third grader—we’re not afraid of art. But we grow to a point where we say, “Oh, I’m not good,” or, “I don’t know how to choose.” But it’s really about what people love, what makes them happy. That’s the best part of the store. I have customers that come in just to look around because they feel good. I have customers that come to see what’s new. There are fabulous conversations here. You just never know what’s going to happen. And that’s the part that I like.

I love the lake and the small-town feel here. Although I’ve lived elsewhere, this community’s warmth and accessibility to nature and nearby cities are special. Knowing customers by name and hearing visitors’ appreciation for the town reminds me of how great it is.

Downtown is wonderful, with a diverse mix of stores and unique items. Now is a perfect time to support local businesses. Despite myths about downtown being expensive, it’s affordable and welcoming—an ideal place to shop and connect.”