What Is GIG?
GIG is a love letter to the unsung heroes of Michigan’s music scene—the visual artists who photograph the shows, ink the posters, design the tees, and wrap sound in story. This ain’t your average art fair. It’s where the backroom of Michigan music culture kicks open the door and struts into the spotlight.
You won’t find velvet ropes or VIP wristbands. What you will find is vibrant visual evidence of Michigan’s music pulse.
The GIG Gallery
Step behind the curtain into a curated explosion of concert photography, gig posters, album artwork, and wearable art. This is music for your eyes where every artist leaves a mark.
The Music Market
Snag one-of-a-kind prints and art you won’t find in any store or your typical art gallery. This is where fans, collectors, and creators collide.
Workshops
Fuel your fire with artist-led sessions on craft, career, and the chaos in between. No fluff. Just real talk for those who live and breathe art. Open to everyone from the seasoned professional to the casually curious.
GIG doesn’t take a cut from the artists. No entry fees. No commissions. Just an open stage for visual artists to do what they do best—share their vision, sell their work, and connect with a crowd that gets it.
Join us July 24–25, 2025 in downtown Chelsea as part of the Sounds & Sights Festival, and get tangled up in the beautiful, visual madness that is Michigan music.
In case you are wondering if the initials GIG stand for anything—they don’t. It simply is the word GIG.
GIG - The Art of Michigan Foundation
GIG – The Art of Michigan Music Foundation is a corporation whose purposes, structure, and activities are exclusively those that are described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 USC 501, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Our Mission
GIG – The Art of Michigan Music Foundation celebrates and amplifies Michigan’s rich music culture by highlighting the visual artists who shape its creative identity. Through exhibitions, workshops, and live events, we provide a platform for photographers, graphic designers, and videographers who craft concert posters, album art, band t-shirts, logos, and music videos—essential visual elements that elevate and support Michigan’s vibrant music community.
GIG – The Art of Michigan Music Foundation is committed to preserving and enriching Michigan’s rich musical heritage while nurturing its current and future generations of visual artists.
Our Vision
We envision a future where Michigan-based visual artists who contribute to the music community are celebrated and supported. Our long-term goal is to raise funds to provide stipends for artists participating in our annual showcase, GIG – The Art of Michigan Music. By alleviating the financial barriers of art show participation, we aim to create a platform that not only highlights their work but also offers meaningful opportunities for them to connect with the public and sell their creations.
GIG – The Art of Michigan Music Foundation Board Members
- Chuck Marshall – President / Secretary
- Steve Girbach – Vice-President
- Brenda Marshall – Treasurer
- Lori Stratton – Board Member
- Annie Capps – Board Member