From photographers to painters, these Red Hot Best winning Northern Michigan artists and makers bring the beauty of our region alive through fiber, paint and photo.

A record-breaking 16,000 people voted in MyNorth’s 2021 Red Hot Best Awards, recognizing winners from across seven regions and 46 different categories in Northern Michigan. The categories include everything from healthcare and frontline workers to takeout and hiking trails. This is how we celebrate Northern Michigan!

Searching for the full winner’s list? Here are the Red Hot Best Winners 2021: The Best of Northern Michigan.

Above the Bridge

Kate Dupre of Watercolor Cafe

Located at 6939 Main St. on Mackinac Island, Watercolor Cafe is a community art space and beanery that offers daily meals, classes and creative space for all. Artist Kate Dupre of Kate Creates is the business owner and leads classes and community collaboration. 

View the full list of Above the Bridge Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.​

Benzie & Leelanau Winner

Ken Scott Photography

Leelanau County photographer Ken Scott is a pro at capturing pictures all around Leelanau in spots like the Sleeping Bear Dunes. He sells his images as prints, calendars and books and has a very active YouTube account of his adventures.

View the full list of Benzie and Leelanau Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.

Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington

Sally Manke, Fiber Artist

Located in Arcadia, award-winning Fiber Artist Sally Manke’s mission is to delight others with textile art that exemplifies her passion for joyful, creative expression through color and texture. You can find her artwork online or experience her expertise firsthand through trunk shows, classes and workshops at local quilt shops and guilds.

View the full list of Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington Red Hot Best winners.

Charlevoix & The Chain of Lakes

Christine Leader, Michigan Metalsmith

Located in Charlevoix, Christine Leader Michigan Metalsmith has more than 10 years of experience handcrafting jewelry that captures our state. From Great Lakes stones to recycled precious metals, you can find her pieces on the official Michigan Metalsmith website. 

View the full list of Charlevoix & Chain of Lakes region Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.

Kalkaska, Gaylord & Grayling

Brianna Nelson of Shoot Me Photography

Located in Kalkaska, Brianna Nelson specializes in taking photos for weddings, engagements, seniors and families. Her five-star reviews, professionalism and ability to impress everyone she works with are what earned her a spot on the 2021 Red Hot Best list.

View the full list of Gaylord, Kalkaska and Grayling Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.

Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits

Trisha Witty Fine Art

With a seasonal gallery located at 200 N. State Street in Harbor Springs, Trisha Witty specializes in oil paintings, canvas paintings, limited edition fine art prints and commission projects. She has traveled the world and brings her experiences of Northern Michigan and beyond to the canvas.

View the full list of Petoskey, Harbor Springs and The Straits Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.

Traverse City Winner

Glenn Wolff of Glenn Wolff Studio

Located at 1126 Barlow St. in Traverse City, Glenn Wolff specializes in fine art, book illustration, printmaking, music, and is a faculty member of Northwestern Michigan College. His acrylic and mixed-medium pieces feature everything from Michigan scenery to wild animals.

View the full Traverse City Red Hot Best winners list to find the best breweries, events and more.

Photo(s) by Sally Manke