If you're searching for local art in Traverse City or hoping to bring home something more meaningful than a typical souvenir, you'll find plenty to love at Laughing Fish Gallery. Located inside the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons, our mother-and-daughter gallery is filled with colorful, handcrafted artwork inspired by the beauty of Northern Michigan. Every piece is designed and created right here in Michigan, making it a special keepsake from your visit.

Our Art Café is designed specifically for smaller gatherings, making it perfect for bachelorette parties, girls’ weekends, birthdays, and bridal celebrations. We can accommodate groups of up to eight people, allowing everyone to relax, talk, laugh, and enjoy spending time together without the noise and crowds often found at larger venues.

Summer is here and the porch fish are BACK! Our new location in Traverse City has allowed us to make time for more commissions so if you’ve been considering a porch fish for your home - now is the time. Take a browse through Our Fish page and see if any of our previous creations stand out to you. Then, shoot us a message and we will work out the details.

If you’re planning a trip to Traverse City, be sure to add The Grand Traverse Commons to your list. I recommend starting your day at the Historic Barns Park, where you can explore beautifully landscaped grounds, walking trails, and the brand-new Children’s Sensory Garden. If you really wanna make a morning of it, grab a pastry and a coffee from Commons Grounds on 14th Street on your way over to The Commons.

Meet Shelly Drews, the artist behind our whimsical wooden fish. Since 2014, Shelly has been carving each fish using a bandsaw, transforming simple pieces of wood into colorful works of art. Every fish is carved, sanded, primed, painted, and finished by hand, making each one truly unique. Her playful designs and love of color have become a signature part of our gallery and continue to bring smiles to homes across the country.

If you're visiting Traverse City and searching for locally made gifts or Michigan souvenirs, our gallery offers something a little different from the typical gift shop experience.

Summer has arrived in Northern Michigan - the days are a getting longer, the sun is out and the beach begins calling my name. There is nothing more quintessentially summer than watching the sunset over beautiful Lake Michigan. I think Sleeping Bear Point is one of my favorite spots to watch from. This month's newest collection of sunset weavings was inspired by summer evenings and watching those magical sunsets in this place we call home.

If you've followed our work for any length of time, you've probably noticed that I have a soft spot for floral fish - and no one paints these patterns better than Shelly Drews! Bright flowers, cheerful colors, and whimsical patterns never seem to go out of style around here. They bring a little bit of summer indoors and add a colorful focal point to any room. I’ve always been passionate about gardening too so I think this is another reason why I love the floral patterns so much!

It's hard to believe, but this June marks 7 years of Laughing Fish Gallery! What started as a dream and leaf of faith has turned into many years of painting and carving, thousands of wonderful customers, and now our new home in Traverse City. We are so grateful for every person who has supported our small family business along the way.

Looking for something fun to do in Traverse City? Stop by our Art Cafe and paint one of our unique wooden cut-outs. Each hands on art project is designed and carved by Shelly Drews - right here in Traverse City. Our projects begin at around $20 and we provide all of the paints, brushes and supplies that you’ll.