IRON MOUNTAIN — Members of the community are invited to attend a dedication/ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday for the “Free Little Art Gallery” at the Dickinson County Library in Iron Mountain. Light refreshments will be served in the library courtyard.

A Free Little Art Gallery is a community-driven, public art initiative inspired by the concept of Little Free Libraries.

“It’s a small, accessible space where people can display and exchange art — usually located in public areas like neighborhoods, parks or busy streets. The idea is to offer free art to anyone who wants to take and, in return, encourage people to leave their own art for others to enjoy,” Sarah Rice said in a news release.

These galleries are often housed in small structures such as boxes, where the artwork is displayed for all to see and pick up. The goal is to make art accessible, promote creativity, and foster a sense of community. The artwork can be anything from painting, drawings and prints to sculptures or mixed-media pieces. The concept is about sharing creativity without the constraints of traditional galleries.

There’s no theme, no rules — just an open invitation to connect, create and uplift. Whether leaving a piece or taking one, it is part of an ever-growing exchange of inspiration and joy. It’s art for the sake of wonder, a reminder that even the smallest creations can spark the biggest smiles.

Early this year, Rice, founder of the Iron Mountain Public Arts Advisory, was approached the library board to pitch the Free Little Art Gallery idea and it was unanimously approved.

“I am truly grateful to the Dickinson County Library, board members and Emily Cummings for approving this opportunity and always supporting the creativity of the community,” Rice said. “This Free Little Art Gallery, or FLAG, will be dedicated in remembrance of my mother-n-law, Muriel Rice, who was a teacher in southeast Michigan and a part-time resident of Iron Mountain for years until her passing in January of this year. The new Free Little Art Gallery is a magical space where tiny masterpieces find new homes and creativity flows freely. I look forward to this being the beginning of free little art galleries throughout the city.”