The Twisted Fish
STORY
Recognized as one of the best art galleries in the state and a destination location, Twisted Fish Gallery offers a spectrum of fine art for the serious collector or the more casual art lover.
Twisted Fish Owners, Bob & Charlotte Streit with Art Prize winners Anni Crouter (2nd from right) and Anne Lovelace.
Bob and Charlotte Streit are celebrating their eighteenth anniversary as the owners and operators of Twisted Fish Gallery and Sculpture Garden in Elk Rapids.
"Before opening Twisted Fish, we agreed to focus on fine artists who produce truly superior work," says Bob, who is a retired partner with Ernst & Young. "So we decided to build a reputation by offering original art from the best artists of northern Michigan and beyond."
That insistence for quality artwork can be seen in every corner of Twisted Fish Gallery, and has helped grow the Streit’s reputations as fine art purveyors.
"We have many of the same artists represented today as we did when we first opened," says Charlotte, who was immersed in the arts at an early age by her mother, a noted visual artist. "Every week, we are approached by artists who would like us to take them on. And we often do – if they meet our criteria of creating quality work that’s distinctive. We know and appreciate our artists – they are like family."
The Streits are ably assisted by daughter, Lynn Streit, the Gallery Manager.
EXPLORE OUR GALLERY
AWARD-WINNING GALLERIES
Our galleries feature original art for home, office and garden.
In the Main Gallery, many of the pieces are from northern Michigan artists, ranging from realistic to abstract and contemporary works. Artists are regularly changing their offerings with their latest works, making regular stops at the Main Gallery a necessity to see what’s new.
Visitors will find varied collections, from fine oil paintings and dazzling watercolors to whimsical pottery, driftwood carvings, hand-blown glass and exquisite jewelry.
The Cottage Gallery is nestled next to the Main Gallery, as it has existed for the past 150 years.
The renovated farmhouse is the venue for art exhibits, talks, demonstrations and classes during the year.
Complete with kitchen facilities, original wood flooring, gallery lighting and a charm all its own, the Cottage Gallery is available for rent for meetings, events and small gatherings.
The gallery summer hours are May 1 - October 31, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winter hours are Nov 1 - Apr 30, Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter on our website or call us to learn about our current art exhibit, show, demonstrations or new artists.
Like us on Facebook too, to find our latest information and news and follow us on Instagram.
THE SCULPTURE GARDEN
Not to be missed is a stroll through the Twisted Fish Sculpture Garden, on the grounds next to the galleries.
A garden lover's delight, walk the paths between April and October and enjoy the beautifully tended gardens. You'll see peonies, daffodils, tulips, summer's Lenten roses, lupin, three kinds of iris, Black-eyed Susan, hollyhocks, butterfly bushes, wild geranium, phlox, Sweet William, clematis, astilbe, Japanese Anemone, ginko, and so much more! Fall's beauty glows with chrysanthemums and fire bushes. The colorful variety is a feast for the senses, all accented with original sculpture.
Our gardens are a destination location for many, and should be visited several times throughout the year. Take the time to meander through the garden paths, enjoying the dappled effect of sunlight on the grounds. Consider this area as a tranquil getaway for the thoughtful contemplation of art and nature.
Many artists have their large to small format outdoor art featured in the garden, including abstract and animal pieces to kinetic, wind-powered artwork. Dancing bears, stainless steel fish, butterflies and a towering eagle are just a few of the pieces that accent nature's glorious artwork. Also look for the actual twisted fish sculpture, which helped inspire the gallery's name.