Our Story

Small art gallery with peaked roof, surrounded by trees, featuring a sign that reads 'Glen Arbor Artisans Gallery' and 'Open', with a gravel path and flower planters leading to the entrance.

A Beautiful Place

Paul May and Kristin Hurlin moved to the Sleeping Bear Dunes area in 1983 to raise their 2 children Liana and Keenan May in a beautiful place. They purchased an old farmstead in downtown Glen Arbor and set up a wood shop, art studio and seasonal gallery. The sky, land and water here are so beautiful and ever-changing with the seasons, one can’t help but be inspired to produce great works.

Glen Arbor Artisans, Inc. was formed in 2014 to encompass all their work and to name the great new storefront designed by their son’s architect firm, Northerly. The store features furniture, home goods, canvas and print photography, Kristin’s originals, prints and cards, and quartz dome lamps. As of 2024, they also carry jewelry by other artisans.

Pathway through tall grass leading to a beach under dark storm clouds.

A white barn under a night sky with green and purple aurora borealis.

Modern two-seater brown leather couch with wooden frame in a room with wooden flooring and white wainscoting.

Paul May

Paul runs a full-service woodworking business where he meets client needs through a custom design and build service. He began his apprenticeship as a furniture maker in 1977 and has been building fine custom furniture ever since. His talent for landscape photography evolved over the years on long hikes through the dunes and forests. Contact for custom woodworking projects.

Illustration of a scenic pathway through a forest with birch and other trees leading to a sandy beach by the ocean, featuring lush greenery and vibrant flowers.

Illustration of a scenic beach with turquoise water, sand, small pebbles, and a backdrop of lush green pine trees under a clear blue sky.

Illustrated landscape with pink flowers, grassy field, distant hills, and blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Kristin Hurlin

Kristin is well known for her detailed ink drawings, a skill developed since 1964 when she received her 1st pen and ink set. Her illustrations have been published nationally for 45 years, winning numerous awards. An avid ethnobotanist, her print series clearly illustrates plant communities found in Northwood / Great Lake habitats.