We first met our friend Lara Smith at Grand Rapids Comic Con, at Artists Alley. After falling into discussion about her playful, creative art, we KNEW we had to share her work with our wandering educators. 

I feel so lucky to live in Kalamazoo. This town is rife with creativity! Such is the case with our featured artist this month, Bridget Fox. She's just lovely in person, and her art? Well, it brings such joy. I especially love her paintings of water - they call to me, and soothe the soul. 

I love where I live!  

It was the lighthouse, of course, that caught my attention. Those important beacons of light work even through the internet, apparently. I saw one of Gregory Bozik's photos, and was drawn in immediately. A Michigan photographer, he's got an incredible eye for sharing the beauty of our state - and, of course, of our deep love of the Great Lakes. 

There is nothing more intriguing - and beautiful - than a handmade book. Created with care and skill, it invites endless possibilities...poems, stories, musings, sketches, watercolors - things that capture a moment. 

Imagine my pure delight at finding a bookbinding artist, Crystal Shaulis, here in Kalamazoo - through Instagram! I immediately fell in love with her work, vision, and dedication to her art.

Nic Sagodic has been running his own landscaping business for about 5 years now. In his free time, Nic likes to skateboard, hike, hammock, and anything that has to do with the outdoors. Photography has given Nic many opportunities to meet new people, explore our beautiful country, and to make a living, too. 

This month at the Travel Blog Mob, the theme is Stupid Questions (although we all KNOW that there are no stupid questions, right?). It's all a matter of perspective.

So, our Stupid Question to answer this month: What is there to do in Michigan during the long cold winter months?