Making Herstory: Celebrating the Women of the Art Coast®
The story of Saugatuck/Douglas has always included remarkable women—not in the margins, but at the very center. Their influence spans generations, defining not only where this community has been, but where it’s headed next.
Nearly a century ago, Florence “Dannie” Hunn stepped into a male-dominated design world and quietly reshaped the shoreline through her work as a designer and aspiring architect. At a time when women weren’t welcomed into architecture schools, she created beauty and structure on her own terms. Instead of waiting for doors to open, she boldly built her own.
Dannie wasn’t the exception. She was the beginning.
Today, that legacy continues—in the women who lead our nonprofit organizations, serve as mayors in both Saugatuck and Douglas, champion the arts, and run the shops, studios, inns, and restaurants that define daily life along the lakeshore. From the leadership at the Saugatuck/Douglas Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Interurban transportation system to the stewardship of the historic Felt Estate and the creative legacy nurtured at Ox-Bow School of Art and the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, women are guiding the institutions that help this community thrive.
Women in the Arts
Art has always been the heartbeat of Saugatuck/Douglas, and women have long been instrumental in amplifying that creative spirit.
At Khnemu Studio on Fernwood Farm, Dawn Soltysiak works in a solar-powered pottery studio where she creates functional and sculptural ceramics while also teaching classes and workshops. Cynthia McKean of cMc Designs transforms steel into bold, colorful sculptures, both abstract and representational, that command attention at any scale.
Marcia Perry shapes trees and stone into compelling fine art in her Saugatuck studio, while Ruth Crowe builds richly layered works through photography, image transfer, and encaustic techniques. Her The Journal Project earned the Juried Visibility Award at ArtPrize 2024, drawing national attention to work created here along the lakeshore.
Rae Lang of Woosah channels her love of the outdoors into woodblock prints and art-forward apparel, while Katie Doucette of Polka Dot Mitten brings imagination and joy to life through expressive illustration. Dawn Stafford’s original oil paintings fill Peachbelt Studio & Gallery, housed in a beautifully preserved 1867 one-room schoolhouse. At Laffing Glass, Leslie Fitzell crafts whimsical, handmade glass art defined by bright colors and intricate detail.
Across parks, pathways, and gathering spaces, women artists have also left a lasting imprint on the Art Coast through public art that invites visitors to pause and reflect. From Karla Wyss-Tye’s Almost Eagles and Patricia Daggett-Sinclair’s Girl with Puppet to Babette Bloch’s striking stainless steel Pioneers in Fennville and Cynthia McKean’s iconic Family of Man IV in Coghlin Park, these installations are just a few examples of the public art created by women across the area.
Women also play a vital role in bringing art to the public through the galleries they lead and curate.
At Dune in Saugatuck, vintage and contemporary works of art from around the world sit alongside one-of-a-kind objects, while Fernwood 1891 in Fennville features pottery, paintings, jewelry, eco-art, and more from regional and national talent. And at J. Petter Galleries—the longest-running fine art gallery on the Art Coast of Michigan—visitors can explore a carefully curated collection of paintings, sculpture, glassworks, jewelry, and functional art, then linger at their Wine Gallery Shop & Bar for conversation and connection.
Women-Owned Businesses
The entrepreneurial spirit of Saugatuck/Douglas has long been fueled by women who saw possibility and pursued it. Behind restaurant doors, in lodging establishments, and in storefronts across Saugatuck/Douglas, women continue to build meaningful experiences that keep visitors coming back.
Stay & Settle In
Hospitality has always been central to life along the lakeshore, and these women-owned lodging businesses continue that tradition. Guests will find character and comfort at The Maplewood Hotel, Twin Oaks Inn, Luckystone Inn, Park House Inn, Bayside Inn, and BeachWay Resort & Hotel. Beyond boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, women-owned vacation rental companies, including Stow Vacations and Mill Pond Realty, expand the ways guests can experience Saugatuck/Douglas, from cozy cottages to full-home escapes. And for those seeking something a bit different, The Woods offers elevated glamping immersed in natural surroundings.
Gather & Dine
The dining scene along the Art Coast reflects the vision and energy of women who bring passion and culinary artistry to the table. Coffee culture thrives at Biggby Coffee, Brew Sisters, and Respite Cappuccino Court, each offering its own take on the daily ritual.
Classic favorites are staples at Vicki’s Diner, What Not Inn, and Dairy Dayz, while creative flavor combinations are the focus at happystance, Farmhouse Deli & Pantry, and Root Café. At Wicks Bar & Grille, thoughtful fare meets a welcoming neighborhood feel, and just steps away, The Cottage at Wicks Park serves craft cocktails and small plates in a charming setting.
Wellness & Self-Care
Caring for yourself is part of the culture here, and women-owned wellness businesses create spaces where restoration feels personal and unhurried. At Bella Vita Spa + Suites, traditional spa services, from massages to body treatments, offer a chance to truly unwind. Skincare takes center stage at SPAlia and Alámar Integrative Medical Spa, where facials and advanced treatments focus on renewal and confidence. Movement, balance, and strength are encouraged at Encompass Wellness and Satya Yoga. And at L Salon, beauty rituals, from manicures and pedicures to hair services, make self-care feel easy and elevated.
Shop & Discover
Throughout Saugatuck/Douglas, women-owned shops bring personality, perspective, and discovery to every corner. For those drawn to style and self-expression, clothing and accessory boutiques offer everything from everyday staples to standout pieces. Lee + Birch, For the Love of Shoes, Blue Wildwood, Chantal, Articles, Brick + Ivy, Oak + Leather, Urban Found, Sunday Drive, Saugatuck Traders, Lucia’s World Emporium, Brass Anchor, and Endora Bohemian each bring a distinct point of view—whether polished and contemporary, vintage-inspired, coastal, or eclectic.
Home and space take center stage at Lulu Cadieux, where lifestyle and décor intertwine, while Kim Neuens Design & Interiors and Featherstone Antique Mall offer inspiration for those looking to reimagine a room or uncover something with history. At Marie’s Green Apothecary, shelves are filled with eco-conscious skincare, clothing, and giftable goods that blend sustainability with style.
Floral design flourishes at Adorn and Back to the Fuschia, while specialty shops like Spice & Tea Merchants, The Book Nook of Saugatuck, Lakeshore Pet Boutique, and Teeny Tiny Toy Store reward curiosity with small discoveries and thoughtful finds. And then there are the practical stops that quietly anchor community life, like Lakeshore Convenience & Pizza and K-Nine Pet Groomers, reminders that women’s impact here is felt in the everyday.
