A memory wall in LaFontsee Galleries shares its story. (WKTV/McKenna Peariso)
For the first time in nearly four decades, new leadership is taking hold at LaFontsee Galleries.
This month, founders Linda and Scott LaFontsee announced that Jason and Kate Meyer have bought the business. Artist Kate Meyer will take the lead on running the gallery, with Linda LaFontsee assisting her with the transition over the next six months.
“We found the right people,” said Linda LaFontsee. “We started thinking about it several years ago and I finally got to the point where I could entertain the idea of letting go of my baby.”
The LaFontsees have overseen growth of the art-hub enterprise for more than 36 years. From humble beginnings in 1987 as a small framing business to the award-winning 24,000 square foot gallery now located at 833 Lake Dr. SE.
In that time, LaFontsee Galleries has received many state and national recognitions. In 2022, the American Art Awards named it one of the top 20 galleries in America. The gallery also received the ArtServe Michigan Governor’s Award for Arts and Culture in 2004.
“Initially when the gallery started, there was not really much of an art scene in Grand Rapids,” said new owner Kate Meyer. “It really just started with a small framing shop and Linda and Scott showing a couple of pieces on the walls where they had a little bit of space from local artists and it grew from there.”
Growing its Grand Rapids
The tiny framing operation run out of Scott LaFontsee’s basement was fittingly named Underground Studio. As the area’s art scene began to take shape, the business moved downtown into the North Monroe Business District and rebranded to LaFontsee Galleries in 1994. Then in 2012, the founders reopened the gallery in its current home on Lake Drive.
LaFontsee Galleries started a a framing operation. During the May 24 open house, visitors will be a behind-the-scenes look at the business’s iconic framing department. (WKTV/McKenna Peariso)
“We have grown with the city for sure,” LaFontsee said. “It’s wonderful to be able to not only show their work but create a community with the artists as well.”
It’s estimated more than 60,000 works of art are stored at LaFontsee Galleries, with only a quarter currently decorating the walls. LaFontsee says the depth of the work the space holds for each of the artists is rather unusual, thanks to the building’s generous square footage.
The gallery’s entire collection including the current portfolio of more than 70 artists will be retained under the new leadership. Fifteen team members will also remain on staff.
An artist herself, Meyer has had her work displayed across Grand Rapids and has been featured at ArtPrize several times. She admires the gallery for its balance of a warm, welcoming environment with a professional caliber of fine art.
“It’s more than just a gallery,” said Meyer, “it really is a community space that has so many different facets to it.”
Just the Right Match
LaFontsee Galleries has a long history of involvement in local nonprofits and community events. Its list of collaborators include Frey Foundation, Gilda’s Club, Artists Creating Together and more.
LaFontsee Galleries has been an art-hub in Grand Rapids for 36 years. (WKTV/McKenna Peariso)
Connecting through non-profits is what originally brought the LaFontsees and Meyers together; Jason and Linda met while working with the Blandford Nature Center. Along with his advisory role with the gallery, Jason Meyer currently serves as executive director for the White Oak Initiative, a coalition addressing the decline of America’s white oak population.
Kate Meyer also has over a decade of experience in fundraising, event planning and leadership in environmental nonprofits and conservation. Her most recent role was associate director of development for the state’s chapter of the world’s largest conservation organization, The Nature Conservancy. She also previously served as the Kent County Parks Foundation’s executive director.
“They really hand-picked us and I think they see a lot of themselves in us and vice versa,” Meyer said.
Celebrating a New Era
Terms of the gallery’s transaction were not disclosed. The LaFontsees were advised by Calder Capital LLC on the deal. The Meyers used financial consultant DWH LLC as their advisors.
The gallery will host an open house on May 24 from 4 to 5 p.m. where the public can meet and greet with owners old and new. Attendees will also have the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at the business’s iconic framing department and learn more about the process of preserving art.
Six random strangers are stuck in a room until they figure out how to come to a consensus. In today’s polarized world, one wonders how that is even possible. Yet, if a system based on law is to function properly, then much depends upon agreeing to follow it. And democracy – where all citizens are considered equal under the law – needs a system based on law to exist. But when it comes right down to it – the system and the law – well, those are two distinct things to consider.
This is the dilemma that Petty Crimes, written by local playwright Kristin Andrea Hanratty, explores in its 90-minute world premiere production this week at Actors’ Theatre.
Veteran actor Greg Rogers is Clayton, the older white male stepping sincerely and assuringly into the role of jury foreman. (Courtesy, Actors’ Theatre)
The crime itself is minor, a simple misdemeanor requiring only six jurists; it should be a quick deliberation and then everyone gets back to their own lives. But the characters and the context complicate things.
The play takes place in one setting, a cramped room that serves as an alternate deliberation space due to a much bigger trial happening at the same time. The other trial has overtaken the regular facilities as well as the public imagination, and with it a disruptive media frenzy. This displacement reveals but one layer of context that counteracts the idea of equal justice. The jurors are uncomfortably (even if for some, just physically) aware of what garners attention in society, and what is overlooked, as their deliberations proceed.
While instructed to dutifully fulfill their part of the legal process and follow the narrow parameters of the law, real life and lived experiences creep in through the cracks of their contained environment (as do the flies). Much like the mismatched chairs in the room that each negotiate for their own, perspectives and privilege sorts itself out.
The cast nimbly understands the broader representation each role brings to the table, including veteran actor Greg Rogers as Clayton, the older white male stepping sincerely and assumingly into the role of jury foreman; Bryanna Lee as Becca, the enthusiastic young legal student fascinated and distracted by the process; and Ruth Ann Molenaar as Eileen, a mature Black woman whose agency resides in keenly knowing how to read a room filled with all the others.
Ruth Ann Molenaar is Eileen, a mature Black woman whose agency resides in keenly knowing how to read a room filled with all the others. (Courtesy, Actors’ Theatre)
Interesting how a single, comfortable new office chair can say so much about dominant ideology, its hegemonic gestures of equality, and its actual heir apparent in this system we uphold, for better or worse.
This production is a respectable debut of an original work, and it is a play that deserves to live on in future interpretations by theatres across the country. Kudos to Actors’ Theatre in Grand Rapids for recognizing this and initiating the launch.
ArtRat Gallery is enjoying a long winter’s nap until Jan. 5, but our Heartside neighborhood is staying lit to welcome 2023 this Saturday night.
Whether you’re looking for a formal dinner, a costume party, a basement punk concert or a good old-fashioned bar crawl, check out a dozen New Year’s Eve events within a 5-minute walk of ArtRat Gallery (46 Division Ave. South).
The Apartment Lounge’s first party of 2023 “is going to be a big deal,” manager Jason Martin told ArtRat. “My favorite part is seeing how much fun everyone is enjoying the performances.” For $10 cover, you can be a part of the festivities at Grand Rapids’ oldest LGBTQ-friendly bar. The event will be hosted by drag doyenne Jasinya Maria Sanchez, and the cover includes party favors and a champagne toast. Jason tells us there’s only one more booth available (which includes charcuterie and a bottle of bubbles), so reserve your front-row seats before it’s too late.
The Beacon Corner Bar has two reasons to celebrate, one is New Year’s Eve and the other is marking its first anniversary. (Courtesy, Beacon Corner Bar)
Grand Rapids’ new home for Long Island-inspired “sea and land fare” has two reasons to party: It’s celebrating both the new year and its own one-year anniversary with a three-course coastal dining experience that features live music by Mark Levengood. ($65)
Want to ring in 2023 from a rooftop? The Hilton invites you to head up to Knoop Rooftop Beer Garden, “Grand Rapids’ only rooftop lounge NYE experience.” There will be charcuterie and New York Sours, not to mention an amazing view. Tickets are available here. ($100)
“This year has gone by so fast, and we are looking forward to celebrating the beginning of 2023 with you!” The chefs at Divani have created a $75, three-course menu (with gluten-free options) to ring in the new year. Reserve your table here.
Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh! (That’s “Happy New Year!” in Irish Gaelic.) Raise a pint at Dublin Hall’s Glitter and Gold Party, with music by DJ Tony Banks. The event will include party favors, a late-night buffet and a champagne toast. Doors open at 9 p.m.; tickets are $40 pre-sale or $50 at the door.
Co-owner and sommelier Shatawn Brigham told ArtRat that GRNoir will offer “six to eight” varieties of bubbly for your New Year’s delectation, as well as livejazz from saxophonist Alain Sullivan and his quartet.
House of Wine kicks of the New Year with a champagne tasting. (Courtesy, House of Wine)
Do you get a kick from champagne? House of Wine invites you to “treat yourself” by making a NYE reservation for drinks and small plates. They’ll be hosting an exclusive champagne tasting to help kickstart your New Year’s Eve celebration. (Book online here.)
Heartside’s new queer-owned salon is proud of its creative and inclusive environment. On NYE, you can explore the space with an evening of glitter, local art vendors and pole performances. Stylists will be offering discounts on glitter-y makeup and hair applications from 6-8 p.m. so you can leave “ready for the countdown at your local gathering place!” Pole performances will run from 8:30-9:30 p.m. (Get your $10 tickets here!)
ArtRat’s neighbors at Rockwell Republic are looking back to the 1980s this New Year’s Eve: Sport your biggest hair and brightest windbreaker, and enter to win a $200 cash prize at the gastropub’s ‘80s-themed costume party. Book ahead for a complimentary champagne toast; the festivities begin at 8:30 p.m.
Head on down to South Division’s venerable LGBTQ+ nightclub, and celebrate the 2023 New Year with a snack buffet, party favors and a house diva performance, as well as a champagne toast at midnight. Legendary Rumors DJ Monica Parker will be spinning tracks alongside DJ Timmy T. Doors open at 8 p.m., admission $25.
If you’re more the party-crashing type, there’s still a place for you (that isn’t your parents’ garage) this Saturday night. The all-ages, alcohol-free music venue is hosting its New Year’s Eve Trash Bash: a “big family reunion” featuring Chain Ripper, The Mollusks, The Sissy Boys, Dregs, American Cheese and Fetus Deletus! Come check out these Michigan punk/metal/hardcore bands from 7 p.m. till midnight. (The gnarliest NYE celebration in town costs just $10 a ticket!)
And if you prefer a lower-key start to 2023, stock up at Grand Vin (15 Ionia Ave. SW). Owner Kimberly Grimm told ArtRat, “We won’t have an event at the shop on NYE, but we do have more than 60 different types of sparkling wine available at every price point to help customers celebrate at home!” Stop in from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. on Saturday so house sommelier Thom Grimm can help you put the right fizz on your New Year’s Eve.
LANSING – When Gerald Ford became president in 1974, the nation was in agony.
His predecessor, Richard Nixon, had resigned from the Oval Office rather than face certain impeachment by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The previous year, the last American combat troops had withdrawn from Vietnam amid intense anti-war protests, dwindling trust in the federal government and the subsequent collapse of the corruption-riddled regime of U.S. ally South Vietnam.
Cover of “Clash: Presidents and the Press in Times of Crisis.” (Courtesy, Potomac Books)
Ford, the quiet Republican vice president from Grand Rapids, faced the challenge of helping the nation heal from the anguish of White House corruption and the trauma of a deeply unpopular war.
His first official act was to pardon Nixon, a decision that political analysts say doomed his chances of winning the presidency in his own right in 1976.
After that, Ford’s tenure in the White House was unspectacular as he wrestled with problems that are familiar to Americans today, such as high inflation, recession and international conflicts in Asia, the Middle East and elsewhere.
He endured no crises that rose to the level of creating major conflict with journalists and news organizations, unlike what the nation witnessed with presidents Donald Trump, Nixon and several others.
And thus Ford – the only president to come from Michigan – received only two brief references in Northwestern University journalism professor Jon Marshall’s new book, “Clash: Presidents and the Press in Times of Crisis” (Potomac Books, $36.95).
Bill Ballenger, the publisher of the political newsletter “Ballenger Report” and a former Republican state legislator, observed, “Generally speaking, I thought the press did a pretty good job covering Ford.”
“He wasn’t a polarizing personality by any means,” Ballenger said.
Ford had built good will with the press during his years as minority leader of the U.S. House, Ballenger said, and his selection as vice president was well received by the press.
“Ford had good connections in the traditional Washington press corps,” Ballenger said, and that’s where he turned to staff his press office rather than picking public relations practitioners or people who “were not really journalists, like you’ve seen in recent years.”
As president, he drew on veteran Michigan reporters, starting with Detroit News chief Washington correspondent Jerry terHorst, whom Ballenger described as “a big hitter in Michigan journalistic coverage.”
But a month later, terHorst, who also was from Grand Rapids, quit in protest of the Nixon pardon.
Ford then hired Detroiter Jack Hushen, also from the Detroit News, as deputy press secretary.
Ford’s approach to press relations contrasts vividly with Trump’s.
As Marshall wrote in the new book, “Through his presidency, Trump encouraged hostility toward journalists. He called them ‘dishonest,’ ‘disgusting’ and an ‘enemy of the people.’’
“He referred to negative but accurate stories about him as ‘fake news,’” Marshall wrote.
Relations between reporters and other presidents have been ragged as well, to say the least.
John Adams, for example, sent editors to jail, Abraham Lincoln let critical newspapers be closed and Woodrow Wilson used “misleading propaganda” to advocate going to war.
Nixon directed his first vice president – the convicted felon-to-be Spiro Agnew – to skewer the press as a “treacherous enemy.”
Gerald Ford of Grand Rapids is the only president from Michigan. (Courtesy, whitehouse.gov)
Bill Clinton’s clashes centered on his sexual relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinski and Whitewater, the scandal involving his investments and financial dealings.
Marshall also detailed crisis-linked conflicts between the press and presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
What does it all mean?
Marshall wrote, “Since the founding of the United States, the relationship between presidents and the press has been inspiring and troubling, fragile and durable, pivotal and dysfunctional, often all at the same time.”
In Marshall’s view, “Although sometimes sloppy, partisan and sensationalistic, journalists have often courageously served the public while covering presidents despite formidable forces trying to stop them.”
And he warned of trouble signals for future Oval Office accountability to the citizenry.
“The truth about presidents may now be harder to know,” according to Marshall. “The declining economic health of the news business has weakened its ability to hold presidents accountable.”
Eric Freedman is the director of Capital News Service and a journalism professor at Michigan State University.
National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s vintage Grand Rapids Griffins Bobblehead. (Courtesy, National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum)
The bobblehead is part of the American Hockey League Vintage Bobbleheads collection that the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is releasing in conjunction with the start of the 2022-23 AHL season, which begins Oct. 14. This marks the first vintage bobblehead series featuring every AHL team, and each bobblehead is officially licensed by the AHL.
Standing on a circular ice-like base bearing the team’s name, the smiling Grand Rapids Griffins bobblehead is suited up in a black jersey featuring the team logo and holding a hockey stick. Each bobblehead is individually numbered to 500, and they are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in November, are $30 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order. A set featuring all 32 bobbleheads is $900.
Grand Rapids Griffins kick off season at home
Founded in 1996, the Grand Rapids Griffins started play as a member of the now-defunct International Hockey League before moving to the AHL in 2001. The team is currently an affiliate of the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and were an affiliate of the Ottawa Senators from 1999-2002. The Griffins opened as the third IHL affiliate in Grand Rapids history, after the Grand Rapids Rockets of the 1950s and the Grand Rapids Owls of the late 1970s. The Griffins won Calder Cup titles in the 2012-13 and 2016-17 seasons. In 2021-22, they finished seventh in the Central Division.
“We’re excited to be working with the AHL to release the first collection of vintage bobbleheads featuring every American Hockey League team,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “Van Andel Arena is one of the best venues in the AHL and the Griffins are sure to give the fans of hockey-loving Grand Rapids plenty of excitement in 2022-23.”
The Grand Rapids Griffins start its 72-game season at home this weekend with tonight’s 7 p.m. game against the San Diego Gulls. They plan the Gulls again at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. The team then plans the Milwaukee Admirals at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, before heading out on the road for two weeks.
Some Michigan communities are trying to accommodate aging residents – and it’s not just the gray-haired population that benefits, advocates say.
Age-friendly communities allow seniors to be independent and continue to do things they love such as shopping. (pxhere.com)
More than 18% of the state’s population is 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census. It ranks 14th among the states for the largest population of people over 65.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in June approved a plan to make the state age-friendly.
It focuses on communication and information, respect and social inclusion, health services and community support, social participation and transportation.
That comes after announcing an initiative in 2019 with the AARP and the World Health Organization to make Michigan an age-friendly state.
Building an age-friendly community
An age-friendly community is a place where people of all ages can live comfortably, according to AARP, a nonprofit organization that advocates for Americans who are 50 or older.
Since then, nine cities have come up with an age-friendly community plan.
Auburn Hills was the first in Michigan to join a national network of such communities in 2013. It was followed by Highland Park and Lansing in 2015; East Lansing and Southfield in 2017; Grand Rapids in 2018 and Royal Oak and Jackson in 2019. Oak Park joined just this year.
Age-friendly communities allow seniors to be independent and continue to do things that they love, like going to the grocery store and visiting their grandchildren within their community, said Paula Cunningham, the state director for AARP Michigan.
They offer benefits to others, too, Cunningham said. For instance, longer crosswalk times help seniors with walkers, but also help those using wheelchairs and parents pushing strollers, she said.
Grand Rapids focuses on making information available
The City of Grand Rapids started working on its age-friendly community plan in 2016, according to Jay Steffen, assistant planning director for the City of Grand Rapids. After meeting with more than 500 area seniors, hosting several meetings, and talking to leaders in the community, the city’s efforts culminated into The Grand Rapids Age-Friendly Action Plan that is focused on four areas: communications, housing, outdoor spaces, and transportation.
The accessible walking trails is one the amenities that makes the City of Grand Rapids’ Mackay-Jayvee Park an age-friendly park. (Courtesy, City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation)
Through the communication program, the city established a webpage designed to provide information on the four main topics along with connecting residents to services such as United Way’s 211, Network 180, and Senior Neighbors.
“It has been an interesting and challenging process because of the pandemic,” Steffen noted. “We do feel that the more readership we have along with working with the many other agencies that we are doing a fairly good job at getting the word out.”
The city’s parks and recreation department has contributed to the site by providing a list of 28 parks that are the most age-friendly based on a number of amenities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, parking, accessibility to walking paths, and seating.
Steffen said the city also has reached out to Senior Perspectives magazine, which focuses on providing information for seniors, to have the publication available in Grand Rapids.
City of Wyoming discusses age-friendly in master plan
While the City of Wyoming has not formally adopted an age-friendly community plan, its new [re]imagine master plan, does recognize that the city has experienced a “significant increase in the proportion of older adults aged 65 years and up…”
Under the Traditional Residential section of the plan’s Land Use recommendations, the master plan encourages expanding housing options for older adults seeking to age-in-place.
By providing such options, it makes it easier for a family to provide daily care to aging members as the family can moved closer to that member or have the member move closer to the family, said Nicole Hofert, the city’s director of planning and economic development.
What they are doing on the other side of the state
East Lansing community leaders strive to make the city accessible to young and old, said Thomas Fehrenbach, the director of planning, building and development for the city.
“Throughout the plan, we are very intentional on addressing not just seniors but people of all ages and all abilities,” said Fehrenbach, a member of East Lansing’s Age-friendly Community Committee.
The city’s plan focuses on housing, transportation, communications/information, social participation, respect and social inclusion, community support and health services, outdoor spaces and buildings, civic participation and employment. It was approved by the AARP in 2020.
The community plan for Southfield is similar.
The city has already achieved many goals, like placing more benches at bus stops and across the city, said Kendall Murphy, the immediate past chair of Southfield’s Commission on Senior Adults.
“With the rapid aging of baby boomers, we needed to make sure that we were prepared for that population to start being retired,” Murphy said. “We wanted to make sure that people were supported as they are aging. ”
Michigan was the first state in the Midwest and fifth in the country to join the network of age-friendly communities.
Janelle James is a sophomore at Michigan State University. She is pursing a double major in journalism and political science. James aspires to one day secure a position as an investigative journalist, white house correspondent, or politician. She is the state government reporter at The State News and has an internship with HOMTV, the government access channel for meridian Township. At HOMTV, James anchors live new shows, conducts interviews and covers local government.
Artwork submitted to the “Voices” project (WKTV/D.A. Reeds)
“Dreams” is the piece artists Pamela Aldern and Michael Hyacinthe submitted. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
A close-up of the ribbon wall in the “Voices” exhibit. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“Dreams” by Pamela Alderman and Michael Hyacinthe (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
By D.A. Reed WKTV Contributing Writer
From aesthetics, to healing, to raising awareness of important global issues, ArtPrize 2022 offers something for everyone.
“Elephant Chunko” by Kristina Libby (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“It’s well known that (people) can create a piece of art and…speak through the art, tell the story, tell the emotion, tell the journey through the art. That can be a very healing thing,” Pamela Alderman, artist and 12-year ArtPrize participant, told WKTV.
Since its inception in 2009, the international art competition ArtPrize has drawn millions of people to Grand Rapids and sparked endless conversations about art and why it matters.
Through Oct. 2, visitors have a chance to experience art in ways they never have before. During the 18-day event, art is exhibited throughout Grand Rapids, from public parks and museums, to galleries and vacant storefronts, to inside bars and on bridges.
Taking a stroll to see what can be seen
This particular reporter spent an enjoyable afternoon scouring the streets and venues of downtown Grand Rapids for art and found much more than was expected.
During her walk, the tutor meet Desert Storm veteran Aaron Ball who is showing his piece at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
In a city already immersed in art, with performance halls, event arenas, and ground-to-rooftop murals decorating several outside walls of businesses and apartment buildings, ArtPrize enhances what Grand Rapids already has to offer.
As I walked from one end of the city to the other, gazing at incredible displays of art of every genre imaginable, I also tuned in to the people. Excitement dominated each venue and exhibit, with art enthusiasts alternating between intensity as they studied the exhibits and displays to gasps of amazement and delight. ArtPrize visitors ranged from young to old, and sported school groups, guests tightly clutching maps while trying to find their way, and others who were clearly natives to the area, striding with confidence and purpose.
But visitors are not the only ones to gain something from ArtPrize.
Using art to give people a ‘voice’
Veterans, led by artist and veteran wife Alderman, and veteran and entrepreneur Michael Hyacinthe, have found healing through art and community.
“Sometimes, when people are traumatized, they can’t put that trauma into words,” Alderman said, “but they can help work through that trauma through an art experience or creative opportunity.” Alderman went on to explain how stress is stored in the mind, but creative outlets can help release that stress.
“Art may not heal the whole person, but it certainly is instrumental in helping to begin that healing journey, or help to continue that healing journey,” said Alderman.
This collection of art by veterans can be found at Veterans Memorial Park and is titled Voices. Partnered with Kent County Veterans Services, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, and Hyacinthe’s non-profit Has Heart, Alderman and Hyacinthe’s Voices project is raising awareness for veterans while simultaneously providing a pathway to healing and creating a place for veterans to experience hope.
But Alderman and Hyacinthe wanted to do more. “We wanted to inspire dreams, to inspire kids to keep dreaming, keep thinking big, keep reaching for the stars,” Alderman said.
Inspiration knows no age
While venue curators of Voices, Alderman and Hyacinthe also entered ArtPrize as contestants. Their exhibit, Dreams, allowed children to send in drawings that the artists then turned into a large mural.
“The way children communicate also inspires adults. They’re so vulnerable, so honest, and so innocent that they also end up inspiring adults,” said Alderman.
It inspired this reporter. Veterans Memorial Park was my first stop, and I was not disappointed. Among the opportunity to view breathtaking artwork, I was able to meet and chat with Desert Storm veteran Aaron Bull, and also write a note on a yellow ribbon and tie it to a wall with hundreds of others that would later be distributed in care packages to active-duty soldiers.
Animals, quilts and more
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum hosts artist and mother Luba Sordyl, creator of Help Us. Sordyl created the acrylic painting containing 17 intertwined animals after learning about how chemicals in the water impacted the health of animals and the environment in general. She hopes to raise awareness about this important environmental issue with her artwork.
“United We Stand” by Andrew Lee at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Also displayed at the museum were handmade quilts titled Shock and Awe & United We Stand by veteran Andrew Lee. In visiting with viewers, Lee said that he created quilts as a way to heal after his two deployments to Iraq. Each quilt is made up of hundreds of individually cut squares of fabric and then given away to veterans once completed.
All ages will find something to enjoy at ArtPrize, with several interactive exhibits that delight both adults and children. Among these are scavenger hunts, mailbox cubbies ready for exploration, large, chunky animal sculptures with colorful bodies called Chunkos, a 12-foot fort, and a display where visitors can write and share their dreams.
To learn more about ArtPrize and find tips to make the most of your visit, click here: ArtPrize 2022.
D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author
The Epitones was one of three finalists in The Stray Cafe’s first Battle of the Bands competition held in March. (Courtesy/The Stray Cafe)
Original music should tell a story in a “unique way,” says drummer Matt DeRuiter of the Epitones.
“We strive to share empowering messages and love through our music, along with creating an environment for people to express themselves while listening,” he says in a recent email to WKTV Journal.
His band was one of the three finalists in a recent Battle of the Band competition at The Stray Café located in Wyoming.
Influenced heavily by Pink Floyd and Umphrey’s McGee, DeRuiter says the self-taught trio from Grand Rapids describe their sound as “Psychedelic Rock.” The group also includes lead guitarist/vocalist Chris Gill and bassist Colin Darling.
DeRuiter answered a few other questions about the band.
WKTV Journal: How did the band get its name?
DeRuiter: We spent quite a long time trying to settle on a name and decided on this as both of our guitarists are tone junkies, continue to experiment with new techniques and tones, and are consistently refining their sound. We got the idea from “Epic Tones” and then combined it to be Epitones.
WKTV: How did you get together?
DeRuiter: We formed as a three-piece in 2018, though we have all been friends playing together on and off casually and in different projects since 2012.
WKTV: What are the band’s goals?
The Epitones formed in 2018. (Courtesy/The Stray Cafe)
DeRuiter: We hope to wrap up a few singles this year and to continue playing larger shows. This is our first year playing festivals such as Cowpie, so we hope to continue playing more festivals, new venues, and to work with bigger bands in the area.
WKTV: How do you describe the West Michigan music scene?
DeRuiter: Being relatively new to the scene it has been somewhat difficult to gain traction, especially during Covid. Though as we continue to play more shows we have gained a steady following and are starting to get some more recognition as a band. This Battle of The Bands was a great way to share our music and network with fellow musicians.
Upcoming Performances:
Playing at the Deck in Muskegon June 26 and July 24, playing Dunesville Music Festival, Cowpie Music Festival, and Walk the Beat in Grand Haven.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The theme of this year’s Pulaski Days. (Pulaski Days Facebook)
By John D. Gonzalez WKTV Contributing Writer
After taking 2020 off because of Covid-19 restrictions, the annual Pulaski Days celebration on the west side of Grand Rapids returns this weekend, Oct. 1-3.
The theme of Pulaski Days 2021 sums it up best:
“Keep Calm and Polka On!”
“We have all experienced some sort of challenge over the past year and a half,” said longtime resident Eddie Sypniewski, a local event promoter and advocate for the west side.
Pulaski Days is the celebration of Polish/Lithuanian culture held every fall in Grand Rapids since 1973 . (Supplied)
“It’s time to step back, take a deep breath and ‘stay calm and polka on!’”
The return of the 49th annual event means a lot to the Polish community, and those who frequent the halls throughout the year. Pulaski Days is a great opportunity to spend the weekend in food, drink and entertainment when 14 halls are open to the public.
What does Sypniewski love most about Pulaski Days?
“I love it all!” he said. “Family, food, music, tradition. The parade and Polka Mass are there for all to participate.”
“The turnout has been amazing, more than even in year’s past,” she said. “I feel like people are anxious to get back out and back into Pulaski Days. The buzz is good. We’re going to have a big turnout this weekend.
Pulaski Days on the west side of Grand Rapids dates back to 1973, and honors Revolutionary War Hero Gen. Casimir Pulaski. Fourteen private halls will be open to the public this weekend featuring Polish food, music, and dancing.
Each hall will have a variety of events. The parade is at 11 a.m. Saturday and runs down Michigan Street starting at College Avenue and ends at Diamond Avenue.
The polka Mass is at 10 a.m. Sunday at Holy Spirit Church.
Polish Halls open to the public Oct. 1-3:
American Legion Post 459 (658 Michigan Ave NE)
Knights of Columbus (1104 Muskegon NW)
Polish Falcons (957 W Fulton)
Polish National Aid Society – Jackson Street Hall (921 Jackson St NW)
Sacred Heart Benevolent Society Eastern Avenue Hall (506 Eastern Ave NE)
Sacred Heart Club – Kosciuszko Hall (935 Park St SW)
Saint Adalberts Aid Society – 5th Street Hall (701 5th Street NW)
Saint Casimir’s – 6th Street Hall (649 6th St NW)
Saint Isidores Aid Society – Diamond Hall, home of the Pulaski Days Monument and Pulaski Square (435 Diamond NE)
Saint Ladislaus Aid Society “Laddies Hall” (58 Lane Ave SW)
Saint Stanislaus – Little Hall (823 Michigan Ave NE)
Saints Peter & Paul Aid Society – Saint Georges (1513 Quarry NW)
Sons & Daughters Club (1057 Hamilton NW)
Vytautas Aid Society (1300 Hamilton Ave NW)
For more information, including a list of events, go to pulaskidays.org.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Grand Rapids Civic Associate Director Allyson Paris and Executive Director Bruce Tinker announced the 2021-2022 season for the company. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Associate Director Allyson Paris admitted she had quite a different feeling this morning than she did about year ago.
“It was definitely much more joyful,” Paris said. Joyful because today, June 1, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre announced its 2021-2022 season which includes “The Wiz,” the production that had to be canceled last spring due to the pandemic.
“We had just cast it and had to make that decision that we would not be moving forward with the show,” Paris said of the announcement that was made to the cast and volunteers in the spring of 2020. But with regulations changing daily as more people get vaccinated, the show will go on with most of the original casted actors and crew planning to return in the spring of 2022 for the production.
“There are going to be some changes as some of the original cast members will be away or at college,” Paris said, “but most of the original cast will be returning.
“The Wiz” will wrap Civic’s 2021-2022 season. (Supplied)
“That has been true for most of the our performers who were rehearsing and preparing and then everything just shutdown. It has been a waiting period to see if that show would return and if it fits into their schedule.”
Grand Rapids Civic there certainly has a schedule for its 96th season which includesthree shows from its scheduled 2020-2021 line up, “The Sound of Music,” “Shakespeare in Love, and “Dragons Love Tacos” along with “The Wiz,” which was originally part of the company’s 2019-2020 season.
The season will start off with the musical “Once” and is based on the 2007 film of the same name. It is a love story of “Guy” and “Girl” and centers around the Academy Award-winning song “Falling Slowly.” Civic will then feature the musical concert Black Bold and Beautiful: Onward Together, which Paris described as a celebration of African-American music. Wrapping up 2021, will be the award-winning musical “The Sound of Music,” a musical celebration of the lives of the Von Trapp family with such familiar hits as “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Maria.”
Shakespeare finds his muse in the fun “Shakespeare in Love,” which kicks off 2022, followed by the children’s production “Dragons Love Tacos,” which is based off the popular Adam Rubin book. Because of the popularity of its “Ten for All” playwright competition this past February, Civic will again be hosting the competition in 2022.
“Sound of Music” will be Civic’s holiday offering. (Supplied)
Executive Director Bruce Tinker said there are still some variables in regards to health guidelines such as seating capacity and masks requirement for performers. But that aside, Tinker said it was an “honor” to announce the new season.
“After over a year of uncertainty surrounding our calendar, we truly feel this announcement and new season is a gift to ur community,” Tinker said. “We can’t thank them enough for their continued support and encouragement over the past year.”
As for the community excitement, Civic received 690 page views during its June 1 Facebook announcement and Paris said within a few minutes of the announcement, she had received three to four emails asking when auditions would be and who would be directing.
“It is joyful because It is much more of a return to normal,” Paris said of the announcement. “It is a celebration as we are are reminded that what we get to do is so special.”
Season tickets for both new and renewal will be on sale start Aug. 3 and individual tickets will go on sale starting Aug. 17. All season packages, such as Flex, will be available. For more information, visit tickets@grct.org or call 616-222-6650.
iHeart West Michigan Radio and Dégagé Ministries will once again partner this year on a daylong fundraiser, the fourth annual “Day of Hope”, to raise money for those in need in Grand Rapids. The radiothon raised more than $80,000 in 2020. In conjunction with the fundraiser, Dégagé will also feature some of its patrons in an outdoor exhibition called “Project Hope” to raise awareness of increasing homelessness in Grand Rapids.
Day of Hope will be held Friday, Feb. 5, from 5 a.m to 5 p.m. This year, the broadcast will feature on-air personalities from WOOD Radio from 5 a.m. to noon, as well as personalities from BIG 101.3 FM from noon to 6 p.m., who will share stories of hope from the men and women served at Dégagé.
Dégagé also will host its second public exhibition in the past six months, Project Hope, in conjunction with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.’s World of Winter event and Day of Hope. Project Hope will activate displays at nine sites around the downtown Grand Rapids area and will feature life size photos and stories of homelessness and hope from Dégagé patrons. Project Hope follows up Dégagé’s successful 2020 art installation, the Pillowcase Project, which featured more than 4,700 pillowcases representing the women who have stayed at the organization’s Open Door Women’s Center since 2003. Dégagé hopes to educate more of the Grand Rapids community on issues related to homelessness, as well as provide stories of hope from those the organization serves. Project Hope will be on display through Feb. 26.
“The pandemic has only increased the many needs and burdens of the men and women Dégagé serves,” said Dégagé Ministries Executive Director Thelma Ensink. “But Dégagé is a place of hope, and we are grateful to iHeart Media, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and the City of Grand Rapids for the opportunity to share our stories of hope with the Grand Rapids community.”
For more information on the Day of Hope or Project Hope events, visitdegageministries.org.
“It was nice to see all the people walking around,” wrote a Facebook friend as we discussed visiting downtown Grand Rapids to see the World of Winter Festival.
Hosted by Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI) and the City of Grand Rapids, the annual event is designed to encourage area residents to get out and enjoy the winter weather. Wanting to make the event special, especially with everyone dealing with the pandemic, the city’s DDA added to its initial $150,000 contribution with an additional $155,000 to expand the festival. This allow organizers to increase the number of outdoor sculptures .
The festival runs through the end of February with different activities and sculpture pieces being installed.
“HYBYCOZO” is on display at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Currently on display is “HYBYCOZO,” a series of large-scale installations and artworks that investigate geometric exploration and patterns through light, shadow, and perception. The piece is located at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, which is in front of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St. NW.
Between the Blue Bridge and Pearl Street will be “Grand Illuminations” featuring light and color along the Grand River.
“Winter Tumbleweeds and Grasses,” on the Blue Bridge, is an interactive art installation made out of more than 5,000 pool noodles. The installation features five large tumbleweeds, three small tumbleweeds and for groves and two anemones.
Near the Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, is the “Path of Encouragement,” which features positive saying and messages such as “It’s OK to no be OK.”
“Path of Encouragement” is located near the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Look to the sky to see the 20-foot inflatable dancing tube persons on top of 10 buildings throughout downtown Grand Rapids. Part of the “Color the Skyline,” the bright colorful characters can be seen from the downtown sidewalks as well as from US-131 and I-196.
Being added on Friday is “Impulse,” an interactive art installation that consists of 15 seesaws that light up and create sound when put into motion by people. “Impulse” is located on Monroe. At Canal Park is “The Singing Tree,” a lighting experience that transforms traditional displays into interactive experiences. Participants will be able to sing, clap, or yell to create an unforgettable and magical experience.
Another installation, set to run Jan. 29 – Feb. 2 is the “Ice Luminaries.” Featuring 10 giant icicles with lights frozen in the center, the Ice Luminaries will light the way along the Gillett Bridge located near Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
“Winter Tumbleweeds and Grasses” on the Blue Bridge. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
On Feb. 1, the “Elevated Love Language” project, led by Grand Rapids Poet Laureate Ericka “Key Kane” Thompson, will be installed. In this exhibit, short poetic expressions from local artists will be placed on billboards or projected onto buildings throughout the city.
Also in February, every Saturday and Sunday night, will be “Projection Mapping” by Live Space, which will light up the front of the Civic Auditorium, located on Lyon Square across from the Amway Grand Plaza.
More than 80 ice sculptures will be part of the Valent-ICE, which will take place Feb. 12 – 14. Grand Rapids Running Tours will be offering Ice Sculpture Walking Tours and self-guided tours also will be available.
Many of the past group experiences will not be taking place at this year’s event, however DGRI is planning to live-streaming dance performances at two installations. Also during the six-week event, there will be walking tours such as The Chilly Challenge: the Heartside Walking Tours and Black History Walking Tours as well as pop-up performances, tribal storytelling, outdoor ice games, and a scavenger hunt.
Darren Dykhouse, founder and lead investigator of (LSP) Lakeshore Paranormal has appeared on four episodes of Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast and was the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunter’s first guest on Cryptic Frequencies, my Blog Talk Radio show. We open every show with a literary reference significant to each guest and so Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” has become LSP’s signature opening.
Dykhouse mostly explores local urban legends and suspected haunted locations in Michigan, but he also investigates private homes and provides smudging and blessings on request. He tediously edits and regularly posts his 10-15 minute video blogs to YouTube where viewers are able to see different haunted sites through the camera lens. On the list are: The Felt Mansion, The Old Allegan County Jail Museum, Joliet Prison, The Old Stimpson Hospital, and these ships rumored to be haunted; the Coast Guard ship USCGC Acacia and the S.S. City of Milwaukee both docked in Manistee, and the USS LST 393 in Muskegon.
Darren Dykhouse of the Lakeshore Paranormal
This list is incomplete as additional videos spotlight haunted trains, woods, piers, many cemeteries, and an Alien connection. Dykhouse is perhaps the king of cemetery sessions with reports from The Old Beaver Dam Cemetery, Nunica, Woodville Lake, the Ada Witch/Finlay Cemetery, Bath Cemetery, and others. Bath being the location of the worst school massacre in U.S. history.
Darren uses a simple approach to investigating the supernatural, asking a minimal number of questions with only one or two investigators. Collaborations have included Robert Walker of Michigander Man, scuba diving specialist Taff Williams, Brandon Hoezee of Kent County Paranormal, Jamie Rae Wonders, myself and others. He currently has been teaming up with Ali’s Vlogs T.V.
Dykhouse likes to keep it basic but does experiment with some modern devices and techniques, using his P-SB11 Spirit Box, proximity pods, Spiritus Whispering and Necrophonic phone apps, and on occasion utilizing the Estes Method. You can find his videos on You Tube and conversations with him on our show G.R.G.H.P.P. episodes 7, 14, 18, & 31 and Cryptic Frequencies’ first episode.
Dykhouse is empathic and like the rest of us he is sometimes haunted by doubts, sorrows, fears, and even loved ones. The ghost of Edgar Allan Poe’s lost love “Lenore” would have us believe, “’Tis the wind and nothing more.”
People have danced on its staged. They have ice skated in its circle. They have sat on its steps to admire the Grand Rapids Art Museum and other surrounding landmarks in Michigan’s second largest city.
There is no doubt that Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle has become the epicenter of the City of Grand Rapids with an array of festivals, performances, and civic event taking place there. In fact, the amount of use Ecliptic has received has surpassed original expectations by nearly two-thirds more foot traffic than planned. As a result, the original materials are coming to the end of their useful lives.
“Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle has hosted numerous important moments in Grand Rapids history since its installation in 2000,” said Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI) president Tim Kelly. “Over 700,000 visitors each year use the park for recreation, entertainment, civic gatherings and much needed breathing space in a growing city. It’s imperative that we all contribute to the well-being of this asset.”
It is why a group of volunteers have come together through Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy with the mission to restore, elevate and preserve the cherished landmark that was created as a work of art by the internationally renowned artist Maya Lin. Formed in 2018, Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy is a partnership between the City of Grand Rapids and the DGRI.
Tripp Frey, leads the nonprofit Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy. (Supplied)
“Public spaces have been and will continue to be a vital part of our society and the proposed restoration project intends to restore, elevate and preserve Ecliptic for the next century,” said Frey Foundation’s Tripp Frey, who is leads the nonprofit Conservancy. “In its first 20 years, it has become a beating heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Our goal with this effort is to preserve its integrity and beauty for future generations to experience and enjoy.”
The Conservancy is close to engaging construction firms to provide upgrades to the nearly 20-year-old Maya Lin-designed artwork at downtown Grand Rapids’ Rosa Parks Circle. The Conservancy has received significant support from various sources and is now finalizing plans that will ensure the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle continues to serve visitors and residents of Grand Rapids for the next one hundred years.
Construction is planned to begin in spring 2021 with an expected completion date of Sept. 6, 2021, exactly 20 years to the day after the original dedication of the park.
This collaboration has resulted in the planning of a restoration project that will renovate the current artwork and park structures, upgrade each feature with new and more durable materials, and provide way showing and interpretive moments to make the artwork and park more accessible to visitors and community stakeholders.
Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle was named one of the American Planning Association’s Top-Ten Great Public Spaces in America in 2017, for excellence in urban planning and usage including stakeholder engagement at the local, state and federal level.
The amount of use Ecliptic has received has surpassed original expectations by nearly two-thirds more foot traffic than planned. (Supplied)
“Ecliptic is such a treasure to Grand Rapids, and now we are seeing the impacts of incredible use over the years, “ said David Marquardt, director, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation. “This effort will ensure the longevity of the park as a work of art and as a place of meaning for the residents of Grand Rapids.”
To learn more about the renovation and fundraising efforts, individuals can go to the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Patronicity site at www.patronicity.com/ecliptic.
Mathias J. Alten (American, 1871–1938). The Sources of Wealth, 1910. Oil on canvas. GVSU Art Gallery, Gift of Old Kent Bank; transfer from the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition showcasing Mathias J. Alten, Grand Rapids’ most esteemed painter. Mathias J. Alten: An Enduring Legacy is a survey exhibition that coincides with the 150th anniversary of Alten’s birth in 1871 and will be on view at GRAM through April 24.
Mathias J. Alten (American, 1871–1938). Self Portrait, 1913. Oil on canvas, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gift of the Artist.
In the early to mid-twentieth century, Alten was nationally recognized for his landscapes, still lifes, and portraits that drew on traditional European painting as well as more modern styles, like impressionism. The exhibition shows how over his lifetime, Alten’s painting evolved from a controlled, academic technique into a more fluid and expressive approach.
“Mathias Alten emigrated from Germany to Michigan at age 17 in 1889, where he spent the majority of his career painting and teaching in downtown Grand Rapids. Nearing the 150th anniversary of Alten’s birth, An Enduring Legacy celebrates his contribution to the arts in our city,” said GRAM Director and CEO Dana Friis-Hansen. “The exhibition includes paintings from throughout Alten’s career—including rarely seen artworks in other media and of monumental scale—offering our guests the chance to discover his work in a new way.”
Largely a self-taught artist, Alten received his first formal training in Paris at the age of 27. Like other ambitious American artists of his generation, Alten frequently traveled to paint in scenic settings and artist colonies in the U.S. and Europe. Even so, his primary residence and support base always remained Grand Rapids, where he spent the majority of his life painting and teaching.
The exhibition is comprised of highlights from GRAM’s permanent collection, the Grand Valley State University Art Gallery, and Grand Rapids Public Library, as well as works from private collections. In addition to paintings on canvas, the exhibition features murals, stained glass windows, and a selection of the artist’s private sketchbooks.
Opening concurrently with An Enduring Legacy is an exhibition in two parts: Hand and Machine in Harmony: Regional Arts & Crafts, highlighting the Arts and Crafts movement and its influence in the Midwest regions and West Michigan. Drawn primarily from a local private collection and enhanced with works from GRAM’s holdings, the first segment of the exhibition will be on view from Oct. 24 – Jan. 23 and explores three important Grand Rapids designers: Charles P. Limbert, Albert Stickley, and Forrest Emmerson Mann. These designers saw an opportunity to merge the fine craftsmanship and style of the English Arts and Crafts movement with factory production. By creating a harmony between machine production and handwork, Limbert, Stickley, and Mann produced furniture and décor that was well-made, beautifully designed, and affordable.
Mathias J. Alten (American, b. Germany 1871–1938). The Striped Skirt, 1917. Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gift in Memory of Eleanore Alten Gilleo by her Family.
“An Enduring Legacy provides an ideal opportunity to consider other creatives in Grand Rapids during the same period,” stated GRAM Chief Curator Ron Platt. “In the early twentieth century, Grand Rapids’ reputation as the Furniture City was due in large part to the cultural popularity of Arts and Crafts furniture and décor. Mann, Limbert and Stickley were responsible for some of the most beautiful and inventive Arts and Crafts design being produced at the time.”
GRAM members and the public are invited to take part in upcoming related programming, including the Member Opening Morning, Gallery Chats, art-making workshops in GRAM Studio, and Family Day. For those in our community who prefer to stay home, the Museum will continue to share free digital resources including artist interviews and talks, virtual tours, artmaking activities, and more at artmuseumgr.org/MuseumFromHome.
“Chickens Don’t Fly Too Much” at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Supplied)
By Faith Morgan WKTV Intern
Local artist Reb Roberts already planned to make his iconic chickens part of the newest mural at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and as he began painting, he couldn’t help but notice how empty the airport was.
The Gerald R. Ford Airport had been reporting record numbers up until the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March and like many airports across the nation, the Ford Airport saw the number of visitors drop severely. Seven months later, and many people have opted for either other ways to travel or have reduced flight time.
The fact that most chickens do not fly and that the Ford Airport was somewhat empty, lead Roberts to name the mural “Chickens Don’t Fly Too Much.”
“When I was there at the airport, it was kind of amazing because there’s not that many people traveling,” Roberts said during a recent virtual interview. “I think it was just perfect timing.”
The 80-foot mural features chickens and other birds along with dogs, trucks and Roberts’ signature sun, making for an inviting welcome or fond farewell to airport travelers. Roberts said he personally hopes the mural will encourage people to fly and help the airport get back to the incredible amount of traffic it had post COVID-19.
“Chickens” is the second in a series of murals created by notable West Michigan artists as part of the Frey Foundation’s gift, which will also feature changing sculptures and exhibits. The mural joins “The Great Blue,” which was completed in March by Nick Nortier and Kyle DeGroff and features a blue heron on a Michigan waterway.
Umbrella outside businesses on Fulton (WKTV/Faith Morgan)
Colorful creations everywhere
A quick drive through Grand Rapids and you can see many of Roberts’ work in city parks and Grand Rapids Public Schools. From 1999 to 2017, Roberts and his wife Carmella owned and operated Sanctuary Folk Art on Division Street.
“That street is it’s own animal and some of the things that are being experienced right now in this country and in this world are things that have been happening on Division for years and years and years, but no one’s really addressed it as a whole,” he said.
The gallery featured work by many local outsider folk artists, artists who are self-taught or haven’t received professional training.
Roberts admitted he often found himself attracted to this form of art. “There could be 100 booths of artwork and I would always like that stuff, it shows what somebody has to say. It wasn’t too formal or you didn’t have to interpret it too much.”
In fact, 20 years before diving into his career as an artist, Roberts worked with children and families, often finding joy in children creating spontaneous, colorful works of art. “Before painting I didn’t know much,” he said, adding that after working with kids he found a calling towards art, especially through the creations of preschoolers. “If they can paint, then I can paint,” he said.
Umbrella outside businesses on Fulton (WKTV/Faith Morgan)
Just Pick Up a Brush
If you’re a creative person looking for motivation, Roberts shared his technique for how he starts his pieces.
“Wherever you are at the most, whatever space you frequent the most, it’s important to have those materials right there so they’re staring you in the face,” he said, adding it doesn’t matter whether you’re a painter or a musician, whatever medium of creativity you explore, have that medium somewhere in plan sight. Often creative individuals try to wait for ideas to inspire them, but as Roberts said, having your medium physically there is the best motivator for inspiration.
Roberts said that artists often get frustrated by the lack of traction their work receives. He encouraged that anyone who is creative to keep practicing. Even having hundreds of pieces of work could be beneficial to an audience and acts as a “savings account” for artists.
“Make more,” he said. “It’s a gift, if you’re an artist it’s a major gift. There’s a lot of good things about being a creative person, you can do it anywhere in the world.”
And sometimes you need to take a break
During the pandemic, Roberts took a short break from painting.
“I was just trying to figure out what was going on in the world like a lot of people were,” he said. “I kind of liked the quiet in the world for a little bit.”
Roberts said he knew he’d eventually return to his artistic strive. “When you’re ready, get back at it.”
And so he did. Along with the Ford Airport mural, Roberts recently added to his “outdoor” collection with colorful benches on the corner of Pearl Street and Ionia Avenue to colorful umbrellas outside cafes and restaurants stretched down Fulton Street featuring his stylized characters including those famous chickens.
Benches on the Corner of Pearl St & Ionia (WKTV/Faith Morgan)
From set design to location, the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s fall offerings are going to look at little different this year.
Like many others, the Civic Theatre staff has had to be a little more creative to overcome the COVID-19 challenges of social distancing and masks. The company’s answer: drive-in theater.
Bruce Tinker
Yes, you heard correctly, the company is set to present the perfect pairings of “Dracula” in October and “A Christmas Carol” in late November/early December in an old radio-style format in the parking lot of the DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave. NW.
“The one thing COVID has taught us is that preplanning is the road to disaster,” said Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Executive Director Bruce Tinker. It’s hard for any theater company in the West Michigan area to do much preplanning since when the facilities will reopen remains an uncertain variable.
With that in mind, Civic Theater staff started looking at what other theater companies across the nation were doing along with brainstorming their own ideas. Over the summer, the company had a successful outdoor concert series where, for a fee performers, came to a home for a concert. The series sold out within hours of being announced.
Looking to offering something to a wider audience, the staff learned of The Des Moines Playhouse live theater drive-in project and began looking at how the team could adapted it to the Grand Rapids area. The first challenge was finding a space.
“Des Moines has a large parking lot to host the drive-thru event,” Tinker said. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s downtown location has no parking lot. The location challenge was met when the management at the DeltaPlex offered its parking lot.
A radio-style format was decided on since it requires little or no sets or costumes. The format is reminiscent of the golden age of radio, which was the 1930s, where actors would read from a script using mostly their voices to relay the story. While costumes are not required, actors would wear items that would help them get into character such as a cape for Dracula or carry a cane for Scrooge.
In Civic’s upcoming production of “Dracula,” set for Oct. 23 -25 and Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, there are plans to project scenes on the side of the DeltaPlex to help establish the setting. Actors will have minimal costumes but the story will largely be told through their voices, Tinker said. The audio will be broadcasted via FM with the audience listening in through their car radios. Adding to the night of fun, DeltaPlex will have vendors on hand selling theater food items, Tinker said.
Only a 100 cars will be allowed per showing. (There are two shows per night at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.). Considering one vehicle can hold up to five people, there is a possible 500 people who could be in attendance. The Civic Theatre usually has a 500 to 600 seating average and can hold up to 740.
And no worries about a small car getting stuck behind a large truck. The Civic team went out to the DeltaPlex parking lot and tested out where cars should be parked so everyone could see the production. This means all tickets will be sold as general admission with vehicles being directed on where to park based on size.
Ticket sales for “Dracula” opened on Sept. 4 with sales moving, Tinker said, adding they have sold tickets to every perform so far. Tickets are $100 per vehicle. For more information or tickets, visit grct.org.
Grand Rapids Symphony (Supplied/Grand Rapids Symphony)
By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk The Grand Rapids Symphony
The Grand Rapids Symphony and Music Director Marcelo Lehninger announce today Pathwavespresented by SpartanNash, the Symphony’s reimagined 2020-2021 artistic season.
During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, your Grand Rapids Symphony has created ground-breaking new ways to share the gift of music with the West Michigan community with a dynamic and innovative season of concerts, delivered via live streamwith support from Fox Motors, starting with a multistage setup in the Van Andel Arena and an intimate chamber setting at St. Cecilia Music Center this fall. Programming for the 2021 portion of the season will be announced at a later date.
The Grand Rapids Symphony will re-unite for the first time since March. The concerts will feature performances by socially-distanced orchestral ensembles, performed without intermission, and streamed live to patrons’ homes, reflecting the Symphony’s commitment to the health and safety of musicians and audiences alike. The concerts will include a live audience when health and safety requirements allow.
“It would have been simple and easy for us to step away from our mission of delivering great music during the pandemic,” said Mary Tuuk, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony. “But now, more than ever, we know that music can greatly enrich our lives. Over the next nine months, the Grand Rapids Symphony will feed our souls in the wake of immense societal challenges. We are heartened by the inclusive and healing ways we can bring music to the West Michigan community.
Music director Marcelo Lehninger has redesigned the 2020-2021 season to include six virtual fall programs presented by Wolverine Worldwide; four from the Van Andel Arena, and two from St. Cecilia Music Center. The Symphony will return to DeVos Performance Hall in January 2021, with concerts through May. Previously announced programming for the 2020-2021 season will be rescheduled for the 2021-2022 season as feasible.
“Plans and programs may change, but our commitment to music and performing for our audience is unwavering,” Lehninger said. “I am very excited to return to the stage with your Grand Rapids Symphony.”
The new Pathwaves series includes varied styles of music and diverse composers, like waves of hope leading us down our community’s path of healing. Special guest artists will include internationally acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell and soprano Larisa Martinez. The Symphony also has engaged composer James M. Stephenson as Musical Collaborator to create several new arrangements for the orchestra. The Symphony’s opening concert will prominently feature a collaboration with the Grand Rapids Ballet. Programs will include intimate chamber music from “Final Fantasy” video games and the popular Metro Health Holiday Pops.
“It will be an inspiring and creative approach,” said Lehninger. “You’ll see many familiar faces on our programs, and our musicians will be featured in unique ways.”
Current 2020-2021 subscriptions will be honored with free virtual access to the six fall concerts and DeVos Performance Hall concerts in 2021. Current subscribers also will be eligible to attend concerts in-person as audiences are permitted to return. A subscription package is available to new subscribers for $76 that grants access to all six virtual concerts from September through December.
A separate subscription package for the 2021 concerts will be available at a later date. Single tickets for most concerts are $15. Single tickets for programs with Joshua Bell and for the Holiday Pops are $25. Because of the virtual delivery format, student discounts will not be offered. The Symphony Scorecard program continues for the season.
The best part? You don’t have to do a thing but watch your email for the link to view the concerts while they are performed live. Emails will be sent closer to the concert date. If you are a Friday or Saturday subscriber, you’ll get the link for the appropriate Friday or Saturday concert. To learn more, please visit GRSymphony.org/pathwaves.
“We are deeply committed to continuing our mission of delivering great music,” Lehninger said. “Now, more than ever, we will walk together to restore our collective wellbeing through our reimagined season, Pathwaves.
Marcelo Lehninger conducting the symphony (Supplied/Grand Rapids Symphony)
Pathwaves: Grand Rapids Symphony Fall 2020 programming
Friday and Saturday, September 25-26, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena
Romeo and Juliet
Marcelo Lehninger, conductor | Grace Kim, violin | Andrew Laven, cello
Grand Rapids Ballet | Michael Schaeffer, accordion
Music from Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Julietwith a performance by the Grand Rapids Ballet.
Friday, October 16, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., St. Cecilia Music Center
Mosaic Motion
Edye Evans Hyde, vocals | Mike Hyde, guitar
The concert highlights music for chamber strings and brass with performances by vocalist Edye Evans Hyde and guitarist Mike Hyde.
Friday and Saturday, October 23-24, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena
Marcelo Plays and Conducts
Marcelo Lehninger, conductor and piano
The program welcomes Lehninger to the piano to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 12 while also conducting from the piano.
Friday and Saturday, November 13-14, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena
Voice and the Violin featuring Joshua Bell
Violinist Joshua Bell performs Nov. 20. (Supplied/Grand Rapids Public Museum)
In the past, they’ve performed separately in Grand Rapids. Now experience the incomparable violinist Joshua Bell and the sizzling soprano Larisa Martinez, husband and wife, together with your Grand Rapids Symphony.
Friday, November 20, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., St. Cecilia Music Center
A New World: Intimate Music From Final Fantasy
Eric Roth, guest conductor
A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy presents fresh arrangements of music from throughout the 25+ years of the Final Fantasy catalogue for a variety of chamber ensembles. The programs feature string quartets, piano and guitar solos, duos, trios and other mixed groups of instrumentalists to produce an immediate and personal encounter with the extraordinary Final Fantasy musical themes, characters and settings.
Friday and Saturday, December 4-5, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena
Metro Health Holiday Pops
Bob Bernhardt, conductor | Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Pearl Shangkuan, director
Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus, Sean Ivory and Leah Ivory, co-directors
Embellish | Special Appearances by Capathia Jenkins, vocals and Tony DeSare, piano/vocals
The West Michigan holiday tradition features familiar holiday favorites with your Grand Rapids Symphony and includes virtual performances from the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus, vocalist Capathia Jenkins, and singer/pianist Tony DeSare.
Disappointment reigned supreme when it was announced that COVID-19 had put the kibosh on this year’s ArtPrize activities. As others scrambled to fill in the gaps, we discovered there is quite a bit of art — both new and old — for any resident to take their own art tour through downtown Grand Rapids.
Take this walking tour by yourself, or with family and friends, to get some fresh air while enjoying the beautiful art that adorns the Grand Rapids’ streets.
Starting from the LOVE sculpture along Monroe Avenue, take the path behind it past the Panera Bread along Campau Avenue going below the JW Marriott Grand Rapids bridge along Louis Street to see the blue “Steel Water” fluoridation statue located by the Grand River along Louis Street. The statue was made as a pride symbol of Grand Rapids for being the first city that utilized water fluoridation in 1945.
Head back east to the LOVE sculpture and go north along Monroe Avenue. Then join Pearl Street by turning west from Monroe Avenue. Along Pearl Street, you will see the benches and a garden-like monument built to preserve the memory of a lifelong friendship which later became a business partnership between Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel. The two entrepreneurs formed Amway Corporation that turned into a global corporation. This monument is right outside the JW Marriott hotel, which was the last venture DeVos and Andel embarked on together. The flower monument is surrounded by benches and pillars each dedicated to the sister cities connected to Grand Rapids by Amway.
Head north on Pearl Street over the bridge to the front of the Grand Rapids Public Museum where the Memorial Bell is located just west of Pearl Street. Dedicated in 1995, the bell was donated by a Local 336 Firefighters of Grand Rapids and it serves a tribute to all firefighters, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
While looking at the Memorial Bell, you can’t help but notice the Apollo Command Module, which is actually a time capsule. Celebrating the city’s sesquicentennial and the nation’s bicentennial, the module was filled with memorabilia that reflects life in Grand Rapids in 1976. What does it hold? Well, you won’t get a sneak peek until July 4, 2076 when it is scheduled to be open.
As you continue to walk outside the Grand Rapids Public Museum you will see paintings on the walls of the building along Front Avenue which lead you to the east entrance of the spectacular Blue Bridge.
Before getting across the bridge, there is the Noahquageshik sculpture right before the entrance. Noahquageshik, also known as “Chief Noonday,” was a very influential leader of the original people (Grand River Ottawa Anishinabe) of Grand Rapids and this statue is dedicated to him.
If you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous, you can take a stroll through Lacks park that leads to a mini nature trail beside the calm waters of the Grand River right below the Blue Bridge, which extend north to the bridge on Pearl Street.
Lacks Pack has beautiful sculptures in it as well such as the River’s Edge and the Be Still and Know IV. This park can serve as a cute spot for taking pictures, having your “alone time,” hanging out with your loved ones or just getting your daily work out steps in.
After crossing the Blue Bridge, go east into the small path, called the River Edge, right outside the building covered with beautiful art paintings and head north onto Fulton Street.
You’ll see a little black box painting dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement before turning west onto Ottawa Street and you will see another Black Lives Matter painting along Louis Street. These paintings were done on windows broken after a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Flloyd.
Keep walking north on Ottawa Street and head west on Monroe Street to find yet another wall painting dedicated to the Black community and the rights and justice they deserve.
And the best way to complete the tour is at the famous Rosa Parks Circle that houses a statue dedicated to Civil Rights activist Rosa Park at the intersection of Monroe Street and Monroe Avenue. Head across the street, head south along Monroe Street to the starting point, the LOVE sculpture.
Going on this tour made me realize what a rich artistic culture Grand Rapids has. The city’s buildings, sculptures and statues are full of many stories that show that Grand Rapids is a city full of art even without ArtPrize.
CWD Real Estate Investment has partnered with Lions and Rabbits to bring vibrant murals to the boarded storefronts in Downtown Grand Rapids. The art will spotlight local artists while commemorating the comradery that took place during the clean-up effort this past Sunday.
After the events that unfolded late Saturday night, Downtown Grand Rapids was left with significant damage to prominent storefronts throughout the city. However, on Sunday morning, the community came together to help clean up the aftermath. By mid-afternoon, streets and sidewalks were swept of debris and storefronts were boarded up.
While the boards act as an effective temporary measure to protect the already damaged storefronts, they detract from much of the lively energy Grand Rapids has come to inhabit. To help restore some of this energy, CWD has partnered with Lions and Rabbits to bring back the artistic spirit our city embodies. Murals will be installed throughout the Downtown area’s damaged storefronts in an effort to inspire, invigorate, and remind the community of the city’s strength and unity.
“What happened here Saturday night was not unique to Grand Rapids. What happened next certainly was. On Sunday morning—literally before the sun was up, our community came out to repair the damage sustained,” said Sam Cummings, managing partner at CWD Real Estate. “The generosity and selfless beauty of what happened everywhere around our downtown inspired us again and again throughout the day. It is such a testament to what an amazing place West Michigan is.”
CWD is working to get windows cut and installed as quickly as possible, but until then, the firm wants people to feel comfortable being Downtown. With businesses beginning to re-open as a result of the Stay-At-Home orders being lifted, CWD wants to encourage people to continue supporting local businesses in and around Downtown Grand Rapids in their time of need.
As a result, the collaborative project will highlight some local artists while supporting the small businesses that were damaged, but above all, it will commemorate the tremendous display of community observed on Sunday.
Murals will celebrate the community effort to help clean-up downtown. (Supplied)
“We wanted to memorialize and perpetuate that spirit of community by turning to local artists who will use their talents to express that beauty on the temporary enclosures while we wait to return to normal downtown,” said Cummings. “We are grateful for their involvement!”
Murals will begin appearing throughout Downtown Grand Rapids starting Friday, June 5. The full list of CWD properties that will see mural installations include: 37 Ottawa, 40 Pearl, 50 Louis, 80 Ottawa, 111 Lyon, 125 Ottawa, 169 Monroe, 180 Ottawa, 201 Michigan and 250 Monroe.
To commemorate its 50th year, Festival of the Arts is excited to announce renowned designer Stephen Frykholm as its 2019 poster artist. One of the longest running festivals in the state of Michigan, Festival of the Arts will hold its 50th celebration on June 7, 8, and 9 in downtown Grand Rapids.
“Steve was an obvious choice to create the 50th celebration poster,” said Festival of the Arts Executive Director David Abbott.” He is a luminary in the design community and we knew he would create something unique and compelling to commemorate this milestone event.”
Frykholm started his career at Herman Miller in 1970 as the company’s first graphic designer. In 1986 he received the Carl F. Frost Award, Herman Miller’s highest recognition for an employee. In 2007, AIGA, the professional association for design, awarded him an AIGA Fellow, and in 2010 he earned AIGA’s most prestigious award, the AIGA Medal. Steve has been recognized as an annual report design legend by Graphis magazine and he was acclaimed as an American design icon in the 50th anniversary issue of Communication Arts. He retired from Herman Miller in 2015.
“When David Abbott asked me if I would design the Festival of the Arts poster this year, I couldn’t say no, because it’s the 50th year of the festival. That’s a big deal!” Frykholm said. “It was also 50 years ago that the critically acclaimed Calder stabile was installed, and it is the epicenter of the festival. After reviewing all the former posters in the lower level of City Hall, I decided on my direction–the iconic Calder would be my focal point. The Grand River and the Native American mounds are also important city symbols, and I wanted to include them. The large poster I came up with is simple and direct in its design and typography with a blue sky for optimism. I hope it inspires people to start their summer–and perhaps a suntan–by attending the 50th Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts in June.”
This year’s poster will be available for sale in the Festival Store and at the Gift Shop at the GRAM during Festival of the Arts. Both signed and unsigned versions will be available at different price points.
The Calder stabile, or La Grande Vitesse, was formally dedicated on June 14, 1969, and has since become the civic symbol of the City of Grand Rapids. Its installation inspired the first Festival of the Arts, a three-day community arts celebration held each year on the first full weekend in June. Festival began in 1970 and was originally sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids.
Festival started with two stages, some artwork and a few food booths. Today, the celebration covers much of downtown Grand Rapids with three performance stages, dozens of food booths, and endless art and activities for all ages. Now in its 50th year, Festival of the Arts is one of the longest running festivals in the State of Michigan.
By M. Christine Byron, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Branch
This volume by local author Tom Dilley is a wonderful contribution to the growing number of books about the history of Grand Rapids. Postcard collectors, historians and researchers will find this a useful and interesting book with its black and white reproductions of 228 postcards from Dilley’s personal collection, many of which are quite rare.
Dilley begins the volume with a concise overviews of Grand Rapids history and the history of postcards. Short explanations are given for the various types of postcards: postal mailing cards, real photos, white border cards, linen and chrome cards. He points out the importance of postcards as historical documents capturing the social history of a certain time and place.
The book is divided into three sections: “The City,” “Life in the City” and “The City at Work.” This structure works well in categorizing the wide array of postcards. Dilley starts by showing aerial views of the city. He proceeds with street scenes, individual buildings and bridges. Dilley does an excellent job of identifying buildings, giving the location, interesting details, the architect when known, and the lifespan of the structure. Dilley often refers to the contemporary counterpart of a historical building, giving readers a real sense of “then and now.”
The section “Life in the City” includes the commercial, religious, educational and social activities of the growing city. There are wonderful views of museums, theaters, retail stores, cafes, hotels, hospitals, churches schools and parks. The author spotlights social organizations such as the YMCA, the Ladies Literary Club and the St. Cecilia Music Society. Dilley’s book includes rare interior scenes of the YWCA gymnasium and the clothing department of May and Sons.
Section Three, “The City at Work,” shows Grand Rapids as a leader in “wholesale, retail and manufacturing enterprise.” The furniture industry is given prominence, but other industries are also included. The Grand Rapids Brewing Company, Grand Rapids Brass Company, the Cargill Company, and Bissell Carpet Sweeper Company stand out as a few fine examples.
Grand Rapids in Vintage Postcards includes many cards that most people have never seen. Included is a rare double card of the Majestic Theatre, a real photo card of the Fanatorium Bowling Alley and a scene of visiting airplanes lined up for the 1919 dedication of the Grand Rapids Airport. Besides the wonderful visual images, a strong point of the book is the accompanying text, which is very helpful in giving a historical perspective on the postcard views. Dilley’s book will serve as a valuable reference work as well as an enjoyable walk down memory lane.
A project to bring new affordable housing to a Grand Rapids neighborhood is one step closer following action by the Board of Trustees of Grand Valley State University. At their July meeting, trustees authorized the university to lease property on its health campus in Grand Rapids to a developer who intends to build affordable housing compatible with the Belknap Lookout neighborhood.
Grand Valley’s Community Relations Director Patricia Waring presented the resolution to the board. She and others from Grand Valley worked with representatives from the City of Grand Rapids and from the Neighbors of Belknap Lookout (NOBL) to create a Memorandum of Understanding after the university purchased land to expand its health campus north of Michigan Street. The MOU required the committee to prepare a request for proposal and choose a developer.
The board’s action authorizes Grand Valley to lease .85 acres to Three CPK, which is a joint venture of Third Coast Development and PK Housing, for development of the affordable housing project, which is a provision of the MOU. The housing will be built on the south side of Trowbridge, between Lafayette and Prospect, in the Belknap area of the city of Grand Rapids.
“Moving forward with this project represents steady cooperation between Grand Valley, city officials and those representing the Belknap Lookout neighborhood,” said Waring. “We have shared a goal of providing the best quality of life for those who live, work and attend classes in this busy area of the city. There are many details to projects like this one, and I’m pleased we had bright minds and wonderful attitudes around the table. We’re looking forward to the addition of this housing project in the neighborhood with our health campus.”
An aerial view of the proposed develoment
The project will have a housing mix of 70 percent affordable and 30 percent market rate. CPK will submit an application for low-income housing tax credits in November, and if successful, the project could be completed as early as fall 2019. The university will not use tuition revenue or any of its funds for the construction of the project, operating expenses or any future repairs or renovations.
“This collaborative effort should serve as a model for development within the city,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “This project is consistent with what the residents of the neighborhood want, and it’s consistent with the strategy outlined by the city commission, which calls for preserving affordable housing, encouraging mixed-income neighborhoods and supporting our vulnerable populations. Progress can truly be good for all involved.”
Other board action:
— The trustees also adopted the university’s FY 2019 budget and set tuition rates for the academic year. Trustees approved a $245 per semester increase in tuition, bringing the annual tuition to $12,484 for a full-time undergraduate Michigan resident. The budget includes $52.4 million in financial aid for students, which is an increase of $5.1 million to be awarded in the form of scholarships and grants.
Grand Valley is expected to receive $72.1 million in state funding, some of which is awarded based on the university’s superior performance in key areas such as retention and graduation rates. Grand Valley ranks third in retention and fourth in graduation rates among the 15 public universities in Michigan.
— The board approved a resolution to name the Student Services Building on the Allendale Campus for President Emeritus Arend (Don) Lubbers and his wife Nancy Lubbers.
Don Lubbers served as president of Grand Valley for 32 years, and with Nancy worked to build Grand Valley from a small college to a regional university. Both have been leaders in the creation of Grand Valley’s Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus, the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences on Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile, The Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon, the Meijer Campus in Holland and the Traverse City Regional Center.
— The board also approved a resolution for authorization of Martin Luther King Jr. Education Center Academy (Detroit), approval of an extended start date for Saginaw Covenant Academy to February 1, 2019 (Saginaw), and appointment or reappointment of charter school board members to GVSU-authorized public school academy boards.
— The board also selected a new chair and vice chair. Mary Kramer will serve as the next chair of the Board of Trustees; Megan Sall will serve as the next vice chair. The board also approved a resolution thanking outgoing chair John Kennedy for his service to the board for the last two years.
I recently attended a meeting in the greater Grand Rapids area where the discussion centered on how we can benefit Michigan and its communities. In typical brainstorm fashion, our large group was divided into smaller tables to discuss and generate ideas which would be reported out to the larger group.
After one group’s suggestion that we help communities recruit individuals, an audience member respectfully suggested, “Why grow?” When the response was “to keep our communities from stagnating,” the audience member persisted that growth is bad, causing unnecessary congestion and build out, and that we should learn to live with what we have. Polite as the discussion was, I resisted the urge to jump up and debate the topic that day.
So there is no misunderstanding, growth is a good thing, if done right. There are countless examples from the old days, and unfortunately present day too, of poorly managed growth in urban sprawl, over taxing of utilities, etc. That is bad growth.
Communities are just like people, they are either green and growing or ripe and rotting, nothing stays the same. Each of us tries to grow personally, professionally and keep in shape, as a result we are better than we were before. In fact, we can choose to continually grow and improve. Yes, we all know that one guy from high school that 20 years later is still sitting on the couch re-living the same game-winning-touchdown-pass he caught. That is an example of no growth. Communities are the same, they can’t sit around remembering the good ol’ days. Instead, they need to look forward and position themselves for a positive, productive future.
If you’ve been paying attention, Michigan has been hemorrhaging for 10 years when three major companies ended 400,000+ manufacturing jobs. This created a ripple effect and tailspin of people leaving our state, taking their skilled talents and families with them. Although Michigan has done many things right and we are gaining back ground, we still need talent. We need people to move back to Michigan bringing their skills and talents, but also their families, ideas and civic involvement. It is this growth that Michigan and our communities desperately need in order to be a vibrant state.
Here’s the fun part. Yes, we have to encourage and embrace growth in order to be better, but we must be smart about it. As communities and as a state we need to decide what type of growth works, where best to encourage it and what happens when it comes. In other words, we must do some advanced planning so that the growth we so desperately need is organized, positive and helps us get to where we want to go.
And here’s the really fun part, there are loads of people and resources out there that can help. From your local economic development organization, in our case the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, to the MSU Extension, regional planning agencies such as Networks Northwest or the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments to the Michigan Municipal League and others.
Michigan has a bright future, and I hope growth will be part of it!
Michigan State University Extension has had a unique relationship with the regional economic development organization Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) for more than 20 years. Recognizing the strength of combining resources, this partnership focuses on economic development, entrepreneurship growth and community infrastructure throughout a four-county region in the northwest Lower Peninsula, specifically Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. As a result, the NLEA utilizes resources offered through MSU Extension as it provides leadership to statewide programs sponsored by MSU Extension.
Producers Paul Blake and Sony/ATV Music Publishing announce that the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway hit “Beautiful—The Carole King Musical,” about the early life and career of the legendary and groundbreaking singer/songwriter, will make its Grand Rapids premiere at DeVos Performance Hall Feb. 13-18 for eight performances. Tickets are now on sale by visiting Broadway Grand Rapids’ website. To purchase tickets, visit www.broadwaygrandrapids.com, or call 1-800-745-3000. Ticket prices start at $52.50.
“Carole King might be a native New Yorker, but her story of struggle and triumph is as universal as they come – and her music is loved the world over,” producer Paul Blake said. “I am thrilled that “Beautiful” continues to delight and entertain audiences around the globe, in England, Japan and Australia and that we are entering our third amazing year on the road in the U.S. We are so grateful that close to four million audience members have fallen in love with Carole’s story and her indelible music.”
With a book by Tony® and Academy® Award-nominee Douglas McGrath, direction by Marc Bruni and choreography by Josh Prince, “Beautiful” features a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil. The show opened on Broadway at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in January 2014, where it has since broken all box office records and recently became the highest grossing production in the Theatre’s history.
The Original Broadway Cast Recording of “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”(Ghostlight Records) won the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and is available on CD, digitally, and on vinyl. “Beautiful” launched its first US National Tour in September 2015, and is also currently playing internationally, with productions in Japan, Australia and touring the UK. An Award-winning production recently concluded its run in London’s West End after opening on Feb. 25, 2015.
Long before she was Carole King, chart-topping music legend, she was Carol Klein, Brooklyn girl with passion and chutzpah. She fought her way into the record business as a teenager and, by the time she reached her twenties, had the husband of her dreams and a flourishing career writing hits for the biggest acts in rock ‘n’ roll. But it wasn’t until her personal life began to crack that she finally managed to find her true voice. “Beautiful” tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. Beautiful features a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song.
In Focus today is Michael Bulthuis of The Rapid public transit system. The Rapid, on November 7, will be asking for renewal of the system’s current 1.47 mil local property tax millage. (WKTV)
By Hannah Haviland, WKTV Editorial Assistant
news@wktv.org
At the upcoming Nov. 7 election, residents of the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are being asked to consider a 1.47 millage rate so that The Rapid can continue serving these cities along with four other municipalities in the greater Grand Rapids area.
The millage request, which is listed as the Interurban Transit Partnership Board Transit Millage Ballot Proposal 2018-2019 on the Nov. 7 ballot, is not an increase, but rather would replace the current Rapid millage of 1.47 mills which is set to expire in July of 2018.
According to information supplied by The Rapid, for a $100,000 home with a taxable value of $50,000, the homeowner would continue to pay around $73.50 a year for the millage. The millage, which has been active for the past seven years, is about a third of The Rapid’s total budget of $44 million, covering about $15.5 million. The majority of the rest of the budget comes from the Michigan Department of Transportation’s local bus operating assistance and passenger fares.
Because the millage makes up such a large percentage of The Rapids’ operational expenses, without the renewal, most of the fixed route services that the millage helps fund would not be be able to operate, according to The Rapid Marketing and Communications Director Michael Bulthuis, who sat down to talk about the millage in a recent WKTV Journal: In Focus segment.
“Most of our riders are using the bus at least once a week, if not every day, for a work related activity,” Bulthuis said. “If you consider that we have between 11 to 12 million rides every year, 80 percent of those rides are work related trips.”
Each of the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood have nine Rapid routes not counting the Silver Line. These are among the 22 routes that would potentially be shut down if the millage doesn’t pass.
“You would start to see service cuts, frankly, because you’re not getting that $15.5 million in millage funding,” Bulthuis said. “That millage funding also helps leverage state funding so you’re losing millions of dollars in state funding as well.”
The millage has been active for the last seven years, and if it passes, will continue at the same rate of 1.47 for twelve more years. If, however, it doesn’t pass, all of The Rapids’ normal bus routes would cease. The Rapid would only be able to operate on a contractual basis for entities that would entirely cover the cost of its service. Go!Bus, the service for the elderly and disabled, would also be drastically decreased, putting people in that demographic at risk of missing doctor’s appointments or other needed services.
The millage funds are only used for everyday expenses such as wages for employees, fuel, tires, and other essential needs. It is not used for other projects such as new buses, buildings, or project construction. The Silver Line, which operates along Division Avenue connecting downtown Grand Rapids to the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, would also not be affected since it is funded by state and federal grants.
The WKTV Journal: In Focus episode including the discussion about The Rapid millage, and a discussion with Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Reeder on his district’s millage request, will air twice this week on WKTV channels but all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.
“WKTV Journal: In Focus” will air on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6:30 p.m., on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
The smoking area during events at Van Andel Arena will be relocated from the plaza in front of the building to outside the southeast corner of the venue for all events, effective immediately. The relocation will allow more efficient access for patrons coming and going from the arena as well as better flow on the front plaza.
The new smoking area will be accessible from the concourse by the stairs located at the southeast end of the arena. Fans with accessibility needs can use the elevator at the southeast corner of the concourse to access the smoking area outside of the employee entrance and will be wrist banded for re-entry.
The smoking area will be available for fans beginning with the opening of doors until 30 minutes prior to the end of a show or midway through the final period of sporting events.
Continuing SMG’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure facility, security staff will continue to be present in the smoking area at all times.
It’s no secret that Grand Rapids is a hub for craft beer activity. “Beer City” has over a dozen breweries providing countless options of well-made ales, lagers, pilsners, and stouts. On top of the beer explosion, the rise of rustic-style restaurants and distilleries that pay homage to a cultural history has grown with the help of a community who is taking the time to consider what they’re eating and drinking.
This set of ideals fits in perfectly with the culture at New Holland Brewing Company. It’s one of the major reasons the Holland-based beer and spirits brand opened The Knickerbocker Brewpub and Distillery on the west side of Grand Rapids. Opening its doors last week with a seating capacity ore more than 400, The Knickerbocker will serve as a space to showcase what New Holland considers the craft lifestyle: sourcing local wherever possible and exploring new and reimagined recipes.
Located in an area steeped in Grand Rapids heritage, The Knickerbocker will highlight the cultures imbedded in the Westside. The menu includes known dishes such as Galumpkis and Smoked Kielbasa and Kraut alongside modern additions including a Black Bean Farro Burger and Smoked Tempe Burger. And while many people recognize New Holland as a big player in the Michigan craft beer scene, the new location will also highlight their growing spirits catalogue. New Holland’s award-winning whiskies, rums, and gins are featured in the upstairs lounge manned by well-educated bartenders. The lounge will feature a large library of specialty spirits designed to bring out the best in the base spirit to make room for even more creativity in their cocktails.
At New Holland, craft is more than just a buzzword; it’s a choice that enables both the restaurant and its patrons to think about their meal. If it’s a beer, a cocktail, or a dish, The Knickerbocker makes it with purpose. So celebrate and raise a glass to a great addition to the Grand Rapids community!
The self-styled ‘advocate for the value of play’ celebrates its 19th year with a Birthday Party Celebration on July 31st. Festivities will include carnival games, bubbles, face painting and more as GRCM shows its appreciation to hundreds of faithful supporters.
The event dovetails with GRCM’s newest exhibit, BOXES, which opened May 24.
Paying tribute to the first traveling exhibit the GRCM ever hosted, BOXES lets kids and their adults build anything they can think of out of cardboard. There are boxes of all shapes and sizes — some that can be stuffed and weighted to use as a base for a bigger structure, some that can be cut and ripped, and some remnant cardboard pieces that can be colored, cut, torn and added on to any special creation.
It’s a dragon!
“BOXES embodies the infinite open-ended play style that The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Mission advocates,” said Jack Woller, Associate Director of the GRCM.
“Guests can build cardboard armor, cities, games and anything that their imagination can come up with.”
As with all exhibits and programs at the museum, this new exhibit is designed to let kids (and their adults) learn through play and stretch their creative muscles.
“Creativity is important to child development, and kids need to be empowered to explore and develop their creativity,” said Woller. “The exploration and experimentation in exhibits like BOXES supports a foundation for learning, invention and scientific discovery throughout life.”
BOXES runs through August, kicking off a year of special events celebrating the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum’s 20th anniversary.
For more information, contact Adrienne Brown at 616.235.4726 ext 204 or visit the website here.
Earlier this week, the management arm of the Van Andel Arena, SMG, announced that country legend Garth Brooks and the Garth Brooks World Tour will make its first ever appearance and only show in Michigan for 2016 in Grand Rapids on May 14.
Tickets, which are $74.98 and include at $2.50 facility fee and $6.25 service charge, for the show go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, April 15 at Ticketmaster.com/GarthBrooks or Ticketmaster.com. There will be no sales at the venue box office or TicketMaster outlets on April 15, according to an SMG press release. Calls for tickets can be made at 1-866-448-7849 or 1-800-745-3000.
Brooks exploded on the scene in 1989 with his self-named first album, which featured the song “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old),” that was followed by No Fences that included “Friends in Low Places,” “The Thunder Rolls,” and “Unanswered Prayers.” Brooks would continue with a string of albums, each with chart topping songs such as “The River,” “What She’s Doing Now,” “Somewhere Other Than the Night,” “In Pieces,” and “Standing Outside the Fire.” In 2000, he announced his retirement from performing and left to focus on his family, making brief performances such as for We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Center and at Las Vegas. In 2014, he made his announcement of signing with Sony Music Nashville, his new tour and the release of his latest album Man Against Machine. In 2012, Brooks was inducted into the County Music Hall of Fame.
“We are just really excited about being able to bring Brooks to Grand Rapids,” said Mike Klompstra, SMG marketing assistant.
The show includes Garths’ wife Trisha Yearwood, a country star in her own right who broke out in 1991 with the song “She’s In Love With a Boy.” Yearwood was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and has won a number of awards including three Grammy Awards, one for her signature song “How Do I Live” from the soundtrack of Con Air.
Marking its 20th year, the Van Andel has hosted a number of high profile names including most recently Elton John along with Kate Perry, Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, Aerosmith (several times), Marilyn Manson, and Rush.
TicketMaster will be the only authorized seller. Tickets will be available at 10 a.m. sharp and a personal recommendation is to start checking before the start time. There will be an eight ticket limit and timers will be set to keep people moving through.
Some other tips from Ticketmaster’s “On Sale Tips” section: if you don’t have one, create an online account now and mark the concert for an alert; sign in ahead of time; split up the number of tickets you are requesting – the fewer the number makes it easier to find seats; keep checking back as tickets do get released; and only buy verified resale tickets.
Lastly, if you miss you chance to snag tickets for Brooks at the Van Andel Arena’s May show, he will be returning to Michigan in 2017. The tour is scheduled to come to Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena Feb. 20 – 21 and 27 – 28, according to the Garth Brooks World Tour official website.
What? Really? Click on the link and according to “KNP 7 News, Your Local News Source,” Carrey is moving because he is “… just tired of the L.A. lifestyle and the fake people, honestly, and I feel like, at this point in my life, I’d rather just live in a place full of real, genuine people. I’ve been to Grand Rapids a few times over the years and the people there are real…”
OK. But my question is whom is KNP 7 a local news source to? The only news outlet I know in the Grand Rapids area with a seven in its name is Fox 17. Checking the “about” section of the KNP 7 site and it states: “KNP 7 News is a fantasy news site. All news articles on knp7.com are satire or pure fantasy.” Hmm. Which coincidentally, Fox 17 News was quick to debunk the rumor.
Still, those West Michiganders who left welcoming messages – or shared the announcement on Facebook – shouldn’t feel too deflated. While Carrey might not be moving here, West Michigan has been home to a number of big name stars. For starters, Good Morning America weather anchor Ginger Zee, who hails from Rockford, for starters. Zee is currently on Dancing With the Stars.
And there must be something about Rockford as Dick York, from the 1960s television show Bewitched, lived there as well.
Other famous faces are Gillian Anderson, of The X Factor fame; Taylor Lautner, of Twlight fame; Conan O’Brien’s sidekick Andy Richter; and Tony Award-winning actress Elizabeth Wilson, just to name a few of the many who entered the entertainment field.
Musically we have Anthony Kiedis from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kevin Max of dc Talk, Brian VanderArk from The Verve Pipe, Dennis “Fergie” Frederiksen from Toto and Al Green.
The list of sports names is long but boxers Floyd Mayweather Sr. and Jr. top it along with olympic medalist Brian Diemer who still hosts the Brian Diemer 5K every June. This year is June 11 in Cutlerville.
And while Carrey may have portrayed many different types of characters, he has never had the role of being president, something that Grand Rapids favorite son, Gerald R. Ford, certainly achieved.
Bottomline is, if Carrey was to move West Michigan, he would be among some great famous company, but if he doesn’t we won’t be a “grinch” about it.
Pastor Troy “PE” Evans probably best described the Cesar E. Chavez Social Justice March and Community Gathering the best.
“I was about to apologize about there not being enough room, but this is pretty sweet,” said Evans from the podium at the Edge Urban Fellowship where he serves as pastor and where the community gathering took place.
The event – in honor of civil rights leader César E. Chávez – started with the march from Potters House School on the corner of Van Rattle and Granville Avenue, known as César Chávez Boulevard. The parade, which was lead by Mayor Grand Rapids Rosalynn Bliss and Committee to Honor César Chávez Chairperson Lupe Ramos-Montigny, ended at Edge Urban Fellowship, located at 735 Ritzema SW, right next to the César Chávez Elementary.
The little over an hour-long program – will be broadcasted on WXTV (channel 25 on Comcast, channel 26 on AT&T, and channel 99 on U-verse) – started about 15 minutes late as organizers worked to seat attendees with the audience spilling into the foyer and balcony area.
The annual event is organized by The Committee to Honor César E. Chávez in partnership with the César E. Chávez Unity Committee, a community and collegiate collaborative that includes Ferris State University, Aquinas College, Central Michigan University, Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Public Schools and Grand Valley State University.
The legendary Latino leader, who died in 1993, co-founded the United Farm Workers Union. The event, which falls on his birthday every year, is designed to commemorate the vision of Chávez “to engage all, particularly youth, to carry on his values and timeless vision for a better world.” During his life, Chávez made several visits to Grand Rapids in support of improving working conditions for migrant workers who worked in the fields.
“I can hardly speak,” said Ramos-Montigny as she spoke to those who had crowded into the church. “And I know, coming from me, it’s hard to believe,” gathering a chuckle from those in attendance.
“I am truly moved by the students,” Ramos-Montigny said, adding that she has made it her life’s work to educate the students about Chávez, his life, his work and the importance of all people coming together for a common goal.
This year’s event was in, in fact, dedicated to education. “Education is the pathway to social justice,” said Ramos-Montigny, who had the audience repeat it several times. As part of the education focus, this year’s honoree was Kathleen N. Straus, who served on the State Board of Education from 1992 – 2016. She served six terms as president of the board along with filling various other positions. Straus was presented a portrait of her by Grand Rapids artist Erick Picardo.
Ramos-Montigny noted that this year’s brought together Straus, who was ending her education career with students who were just starting there. On hand at Thursday’s program were students from a number of local colleges and universities, including Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University. Also, students from Northview High School’s Varsity Voices performed as well as students from the César Chávez Elementary School, who performed the closing song, the traditional folk-song and considered to be the anthem for the United Farm Workers Union, which Chávez helped found, “De Colores.”
“So you will see me with my peacock tail with my feathers all ruffled as I am very proud of what we the committee has done every year for all the students,” Ramos-Montigny said.
WKTV will be broadcasting the César E. Chávez Social Justice March and Community Gathering. Check the WKTV listings at wktk.org for dates and times.
Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s only community-wide festival of laughter, today announced the addition of Miranda Sings and other ticketed shows for the 2016 festival,which takes place March 10 to 20, 2016. Individual tickets for all events will be available for purchase on Friday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m.
Miranda Sings
Most recognizable for her signature big red lips, international YouTube sensation, Miranda Sings first established herself on YouTube quickly generating over 60 million views all over the world. Her one-woman show is filled with comedy, hit songs, magic tricks and much more. Her performance will take place on March 19 at Fountain Street Church, and will be her second appearance at LaughFest after a sellout show in 2014.
Hasan Minhaj
Hasan Minhaj is best known as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and stars in his own one-man show off Broadway. Minhaj will perform on March 11 at 10:30 p.m., at Wealthy Theatre.
David Cross
Emmy Award winner and Grammy Award nominee, David Cross was named one of the Top 100 Stand-Up Comedians of All Time by Comedy Central. Perhaps best known for his role as Tobias on Arrested Development, Cross will launch his own nationwide tour this year and will premiere on IFC’s third season of Todd Margaret. You can see Cross perform at Fountain Street Church on March 18.
Michael Palascak is known for clean adult laughs and recently finished in the top 5 of last season’s Last Comic Standing on NBC. He has previously performed on a variety of late night television shows such as The Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Comedy Central’s The Half Hour, The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Palascak’s performance will take place at Grand Volute in Lowell on March 18.
Michael Palascak
Other shows announced today include Failure:Lab – LaughFest Edition, an intimate event showcasing the untold failures behind success and exploring the space between people who fail and quit, and those who get back up again; the Rockin’ Homegrown Jam is returning for its fifth year as part of LaughFest, with an added twist – special musical guest The legal Immigrants join the comics on stage to perform songs between each comic’s set; and Hen Sapp and Friends Keeping it Clean, featuring edgy Christian comedian Hen Sapp performing for the sixth time at LaughFest along with special guests Crystal P. and Laughin Lenny.
LaughFest 2016 will include more than 200 free and ticketed shows featuring over 100 artists at more than 40 venues in Grand Rapids and Lowell during the 10 days of the festival. Artists already previously announced include headliners: Seth Meyers, performing during Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Signature Event, Kathy Griffin, Ron Funches, Anjelah Johnson, Roy Wood Jr., Chris D’Elia, Bert Kreischer, and Heather McDonald.
Individual tickets are priced from $7 to $80, excluding the Signature Event. These will be available beginning Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 at the Van Andel Arena Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, LaughFest Central, when it opens in mid-February, through the closing day of LaughFest, and at ticketmaster.com.
Gilda’s LaughFest was created by a team at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids in 2011. Designed to celebrate laughter for the health of it, LaughFest features free and ticketed events including stand-up, improv, film, authors, community showcases and a variety of seriously funny stuff. Past LaughFest headliners have included George Lopez, Wanda Sykes, Billy Gardell, Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Mike Birbiglia, Margaret Cho, Betty White, Whoopi Goldberg, Rodney Carrington, Martin Short, Kevin Nealon, Wayne Brady, Joel McHale, Lewis Black and Brian Regan.
Michigan’s award-winning Reserve Wine & Food proudly welcomes Josh Adams as its new Executive Chef. The James Beard Awards Semi-Finalist comes from Peoria, Illinois where he owned and operated June Restaurant for five years.
Chef Adams started his culinary education early. At the age of ten, his mother enrolled him in his first cooking class and from then on, the kitchen beckoned. Adams cooked throughout his childhood with his mom and grandmother, who encouraged his creativity and curiosity. His mother—a poet and amateur photographer, and father—a successful businessman, both nurtured his innovative spirit and instilled a strong work ethic.
Adams recalls a pivotal turning point in his career. “I went to Charlie Trotter’s to celebrate my birthday and had the luxury of dining at the Chef’s Table in the kitchen. Witnessing a professional kitchen operate at such a high level—so seamlessly—changed my perspective on what it meant to be a chef, forever.” Before leaving, he spoke with Chef de Cuisine Matthias Merges. Recognizing the potential in Adams, Merges offered him an internship position, which Adams eagerly accepted.
Chef Josh Adams
Committed to a career as a chef, Adams attended both the French Culinary Institute as well as Illinois Central College’s culinary arts program. He supplemented his scholastic studies with several internships (Alinea, Revolver) and outfitted his home kitchen to professional grade to further his knowledge.
In 2007, Adams worked at Vie restaurant in suburban Chicago under Chef Paul Virant; a chef known for his farm-fresh approach. Along with Chef Virant and Chef Trotter, Adams recognizes Heston Blumenthal, Pierre Gagnaire, Alice Waters and Ferran Adria as major influencers in his career.
These mentors helped Adams to shape his style, one that is a unique blend of farm-direct and molecular gastronomy. Applying progressive techniques to pristine ingredients, Adams seeks to preserve and accentuate the natural properties of the ingredients through precision cooking.
“With the development of each dish, I take into consideration the aroma, taste, texture, temperature, color, shape and arrangement to bring about the best possible result for the customer,” he says.
With his passion for seasonal and locally-grown products firmly rooted, Adams left Chicago in the spring of 2008, returning to his hometown—an area surrounded mostly by farms—to open his progressive, farm-direct June Restaurant.
Opened since September, 2010 and celebrating its 5th year, Reserve Wine & Food has been recognized by Grand Rapids Magazine, OpenTable, Food & Wine Magazine, the James Beard Foundation and Wine Spectator. Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids at 201 Monroe Avenue NW, Reserve Wine & Food offers a world-class menu fully embracing the West Michigan farm-to-table philosophy in an elegant yet casual fine dining setting.
This article was republished with permission from Dianna at Promote Michigan. We do our best to help with the promotion of the great State of Michigan!
The secret’s been out for some time now, but it’s never too late to offer well-deserved kudos to talented, hardworking actors. We are pleased to share the names of the 2015 Grand Awards winners honored during a ceremony held at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 11.
In addition to celebrating local community and college theaters, the awards ceremony raises money for the Combined Theatre Scholarship Fund.
Without further ado, here are the 2015 Grand Award Nominees. Bold denotes the winners.
Norma Brink Lifetime Achievement Award:
Jean Reed Bahle
OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
• Penelope Notter for “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
• Carrie McNulty for “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Scott Mellema for “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Jean Reed Bahle for “One Night with Fanny Brice” – Jewish Theatre
• Fred Sebulske for “Company” – Circle Theatre
OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A PLAY
• Jolene Frankey for “Becky’s New Car” – Circle Theatre
• Fred Sebulske for “4000 Miles” – Actors’ Theatre
• Penelope Notter for “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre •Fred Sebulske for “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
• Tom Kaechele for “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
OUTSTANDING MUSICAL
• “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• “Company” – Circle Theatre
• “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre
• “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING PLAY
• “4000 Miles” – Actors’ Theatre
• “The Boatwright” – Civic Theatre
• “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre •“Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
• “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
OUTSTANDING THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES
• “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” – Civic Theatre
• “Footloose” – Civic Theatre
• “The Jungle Book” – Circle Theatre •“The Little Princess” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING MUSICAL DIRECTION
•Charles Hutchins for “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Wright McCargar for “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Charles Hutchins for “Company” – Circle Theatre
• Charles Hutchins for “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
• Wright McCargar for “South Pacific” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY
• Chris Carnevale for “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre •Mary Lohman for “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Kyle Amanda Dutkiewicz for “Company” – Circle Theatre
• William Schutte for “Evita” – Circle Theatre
• Mary Lohman for “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
•Jeremiah Postma as Anatoly in “Chess” – Actors’ Theatre
• Larry Young as Bobby in “Company” – Circle Theatre
• Todd Lewis as Carl Hanratty in “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Kyle Jurassic as Frank Abagnale Jr. in “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Jacob Reinstra as Princeton/Rod in “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
• Jolene Frankey as Eva Perón in “Evita” – Circle Theatre
• Sarah LaCroix as Fanny Brice in “One Night with Fanny Brice” – Jewish Theatre •Molly Jones as Kate/Lucy in “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Kathy Gibson as Margaret Johnson in “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre
• Alyssa Bauer as Mary Poppins in “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
• Mark Ayers as Brian in “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Andrew Schneider as Luther Billis in “South Pacific” – Civic Theatre
• Jared Douglas as Fabrizio Naccarelli in “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre
• David Duiven as Frank Abagnale Sr. in “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
•Kyle Jurrasic as Nicky/Trekkie Monster/Bad Idea Bear in “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
• Amy Groen as Amy in “Company” – Circle Theatre
• Eva Switek as Bloody Mary in “South Pacific” – Civic Theatre
• Chelsea Herrema as Clara Johnson in “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre • Julianne Howe-Bouwens as Gary Coleman in “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Abbie Westers and Elizabeth Foster as Jane Banks in “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A PLAY
• Patrick Hendren as Ben in “The Boatwright” – Civic Theatre •Kyle Cain as Richard Hannay in “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
• Owen McIntee as Leo in “4000 Miles” – Actors’ Theatre
• Patrick Hendren as Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman” – Jewish Theatre
• Zach Johnson as Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet” – Heritage Theatre
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A PLAY
• Amy McFadden as Becky Foster in “Becky’s New Car” – Circle Theatre
• Teri Kuhlman as Linda Loman in “Death of a Salesman” – Jewish Theatre
• Marti Childs as Vera in “4000 Miles” – Actors’ Theatre
• Carrie McNulty as Brooke Wyeth in “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre •Jean Reed Bahle as Polly Wyeth in “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY
• Matt Ablan as Clown in “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
• Dylan Harris as Clown in “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
• Eric Hatch as Christopher Wren in “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
• Jon March as Lyman Wyeth in “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre •Kyle Los as Trip Wyeth in “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
• Sydney Doornbos as Annabella/Pamela/Margaret in “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
• Nancy Wagner as Mrs. Boyle in “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
• Sandy Kirchinger as Nurse in “Romeo and Juliet” – Heritage Theatre • Rose Anne Shansky as Silda Grauman in “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
• Rachel Varley as Mollie Ralston in “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING SCENIC DESIGN
• David Len for “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Christian Poquette for “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre
• David Len for “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre •David Len for “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
• Christian Poquette for “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
OUTSTANDING PROPERTIES DESIGN
• Mary Jo DeNolf & Val Fischer for “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Mary Jo Denolf for “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre
• Sharon Hayes & Michael Wilson for “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre •Sharon Hayes & Michael Wilson for “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
• Jennifer Smith for “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
OUTSTANDING SOUND DESIGN
• Timothy Schmidt for “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
• Sam Johnson for “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Timothy Schmidt for “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Timothy Schmidt for “Company” – Circle Theatre •Sam Johnson for “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN
• Kelly Lucas for “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Bill Dunckel for “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre •Robert Fowle for “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
• Robert Fowle for “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
• Kelly Muschiana for “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN – Co-winners.
• Catherine Marlett Dreher for 4000 Miles – Actors’ Theatre •Thomas V. Lohman for Catch Me If You Can – Circle Theatre •Catherine Marlett Dreher for Light in the Piazza – Actors’ Theatre
• Catherine Marlett Dreher for Mary Poppins – Civic Theatre
• Mark Neumann for The Mousetrap – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COLLEGE PRODUCTION
• Robbie Ellis as Dennis in “From White Plains” – GRCC
• Jerry Jones as Ethan in “From White Plains” – GRCC
• Connor Manion as John Barrymore in “I Hate Hamlet” – Aquinas
• Caleb Jenkins as Mikey in “Up” – Aquinas •Gabriel Reitemeier as Papageno in “The Magic Flute” – GVSU
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COLLEGE PRODUCTION
•Taylor Nefcy as Blue Girl in “Shout! The Mod Musical” – Aquinas
• Sarah Osborne as Deirdre McDavey in “I Hate Hamlet” – Aquinas
• Kendra McInerney as Helen in “Up” – Aquinas
• Zoe Collenburg as Tilly in “Melancholy Play” – Aquinas
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COLLEGE PRODUCTION
• Myles Messinger-Platt as Gregory in “From White Plains” – GRCC
• Gabriel Reitemeier as Harry in “Company” – GVSU
• Caleb Joyce as Hovstad in “An Enemy of the People” – Cornerstone
• Kenneth Judge as John in “From White Plains” – GRCC •Alexander Williams as Monostatos in “The Magic Flute” – GVSU
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COLLEGE PRODUCTION
• Maggie Bickerstaff as Amy in “Company” – GVSU
• Marisa Purcey as Green Girl in “Shout! The Mod Musical” – Aquinas •Macey Madias as Joanne in “Company” – GVSU
• Giovana Barrett as Maria in “Up” – Aquinas
• Katie Tamayo as Marta in “Company” – GVSU
OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A COLLEGE PRODUCTION
• Tom Kaechele – “Anton in Show Business” – GRCC
• Kathy Gibson – “Shout! The Mod Musical” – Aquinas
• Tom Kaechele – “From White Plains” – GRCC
• Randy Wyatt – “Up” – Aquinas
OUTSTANDING COLLEGE PRODUCTION
•“Anton in Show Business” – GRCC
• “From White Plains” – GRCC
• “The Magic Flute” – GVSU
• “Shout! The Mod Musical” – Aquinas
OUTSTANDING COLLEGE STAGE MANAGER
Each college names one winner. They are:
Bethany Brown – Cornerstone Kendra Jones – GRCC
Caitlin Cusack – GVSU
Ellie Allen – Aquinas
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER
Recipient: Dirk Grasman
RECOGNITION OF THE PAUL DREHER SCHOLARSHIP
Recipient: Amanda Wright
RECOGNITION OF THE NORMA BRINK SCHOLARSHIP
Recipient: Joshua Regan
RECOGNITION OF DAVID & NICOLETTE SCHOLARSHIP
Recipient: Patrick Nowak
Photos courtesy of Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and Circle Theater
