Gwen Frostic Day

Celebrating a Michigan Treasure

There are few names as beloved in Michigan’s artistic and literary circles as Gwen Frostic. And on May 23, 1978, that admiration was made official when Governor William Milliken declared it Gwen Frostic Day across the state. The designation celebrated not only her incredible linocut block prints and poetic musings but also her deep love for Michigan’s natural beauty.

Born April 26, 1906, in Sandusky, Michigan, Sara Gwendolen Frostic lived a remarkable life that fused creativity, resilience, and nature. Despite facing physical challenges due to a childhood illness, Gwen’s spirit and determination shaped her into one of the state’s most prolific artists. Her distinctive prints—crafted on vintage Heidelberg Platen presses—became instantly recognizable, often paired with her original prose reflecting on the wonder of the world around her.

Presscraft Papers

Frostic launched her business, Presscraft Papers, in Wyandotte, but in 1955 she found her forever home in Benzonia, where she built a nature sanctuary, studio, and print shop tucked into the woods. Over time, her land grew to 285 acres, filled with wildlife, winding paths, and a harmony of art and nature. Today, her studio still operates, with those same presses continuing to hum out her timeless designs.

Beyond her artistic legacy, Frostic was a generous philanthropist. In 2000, she donated $13 million to Western Michigan University, leading to the naming of the Gwen Frostic School of Art and scholarships for aspiring artists. She was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 1986 and, in 2021, her studio and residence were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Long before her passing in 2001, Gwen had already written her epitaph:

“Here lies one doubly blessed. She was happy and she knew it.”

Today, we remember Gwen not just for her prints and poetry, but for her philosophy—one rooted in mindfulness, observation, and joy in the simple things. So if you’re near Benzonia or browsing a gift shop that carries her work, take a moment to honor her spirit. May 23 is Gwen Frostic Day, but her influence is timeless.

Learn more about the rich history of the Northwest Lower Peninsula.

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.