avenueforthearts
Artist or activist? Creative voices inspire dialogue
by (DwellingPlace)
Submitted 09-26-2017 under PLACE-MATTERS
The streets of Grand Rapids have been busier than normal this year, not with visitors to cultural events, parades or races, but with citizens protesting. From The Women’s Rights March to A Day Without Immigrants and the most recent DACA...
Art.Downtown 2017 showcase in pictures
by (mariahcaitlin)
Submitted 04-25-2017 under LOCAL LIFE
Art.Downtown on April 8 was a full day of local art presented by Avenue for the Arts which featured over 100 local artists, free trolley rides to hot spot locations, and bridged the gap between artists and attendees by being able to interact with...
First Fridays 'Feels like a hidden secret we don’t want to keep'
by (DwellingPlace)
Submitted 11-01-2016 under PLACE-MATTERS
KelliJo Peltier has a secret she’s ready to share with Grand Rapids. KelliJo has been attending since First Fridays began. “I really like to meet the artists. I love talking to the artists, to hear about their pieces and what inspired...
Local artists seek to break down barriers through art, conversation during Art.Downtown.
by (DwellingPlace)
Submitted 03-29-2016 under PLACE-MATTERS
Have Company, the UICA, and Kate Lewis are working to champion art as an outlet to build involvement and spark conversations. As we see the continued growth of local artists coming together to support each other, the growth of exhibitions and...
Professional development for local artists returns with full day event
by (DwellingPlace)
Submitted 02-16-2016 under NONPROFITS
Each year, Avenue for the Arts provides several Break it Down. Make it Better. events, including an annual full day event, this year happening on February 20. While the growth of the arts community in Grand Rapids is evident, it’s important...
Avenue for the Arts to celebrate emerging local artists in First Friday event
by (DwellingPlace)
Submitted 11-03-2015 under PLACE-MATTERS
For over a decade, The Avenue for the Arts has played a critical role in providing artists with various opportunities to showcase. Events tailored to provide artists with the opportunity to display their artwork include Art Downtown,...
Local musicians work to promote supplemental education programs
by (DwellingPlace)
Submitted 08-04-2015 under PLACE-MATTERS
As Hugo Claudin, proprietor of multi-dimensional creative space Mexicains Sans Frontieres, painter, musician and veteran of Grand Rapids art scene puts it, “While we promote the arts and education, little effort is made to promote individual...
Honest to Goodness
by (DwellingPlace)
Submitted 06-04-2015 under NONPROFITS
One of the highlights of the Grand Rapids community is the constant support of local makers. With the thoughtless consumerism surrounding American culture, it is refreshing to be able to find a multitude of artists and artisans enclosed within a few...
DisArt meets Art.Downtown.
by (DwellingPlace)
Submitted 02-24-2015 under NONPROFITS
Despite the assumption that everyone has the same spectator experience, not everyone “sees” artwork in the same way. A new festival coming to Grand Rapids this spring will serve to change perceptions about Disabled artists, opening an...
Curators take over: Non-traditional spaces on South Division
by (DwellingPlace)
Submitted 02-17-2015 under PLACE-MATTERS
When curators launch dynamic and enthralling shows, magic happens. Frequently, large-scale institutions like the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA), Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) and Kendall College of Art and...