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Thomas Verstraete: An ArtPrize Craftsman Profile

Submitted 09-26-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

                 “I don’t consider myself an artist,” said ArtPrize participant Thomas Verstraete, “I’m a craftsman.” To Verstraete, there is a distinction, between an art...

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ArtPrize Artist Profile: In a Sea of Color

Submitted 09-25-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

It’s mid September and the summer sun readies a last repose for the season. Hanging high, it sheds a lingering warmth on the red bricks of an old factory along Market Avenue. A large white sign adorns the entrance of this aging edifice and proclaims...

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ArtPrize Artist Profile: Gabriel Garcia-Fraire

Submitted 09-25-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

  “Community” finds a fitting home above a sandy shuffleboard at Pub 43 during Grand Rapid’s second annual ArtPrize competition. Twenty-three year old Chicagoan artist Gabriel Garcia-Fraire has been working the day away, installing his entry in...

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Time to pARTy

Submitted 09-23-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

Writing WOTS on the week of artprize is sort of like trying to make a ripple in the ocean during a tsunami.With that being said there simply is NO reason for not getting out into the city this weekend and enjoying the excitement, sweet spontaneous...

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ArtPrize Artist Profile: Ripples of Influence

Submitted 09-22-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

by Matthew Barron with Nate Sanders, Rebecca Mason, and Adam Command It's September again, a time when celebrations abound, leaves set out to paint sidewalks, students commence studies anew, and for the second year, downtown is set alight. Not by...

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ArtPrize Artist Profile: Steven Bezinque

Submitted 09-22-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

  Grand Rapids Radiologist Dr. Steve Bezinque is making an impact on the second annual ArtPrize. The very spirit of ArtPrize is embodied in his piece that encourages the public to not only experience his creation but to become a part of it. His...

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[Eat & Drink ArtPrize 2010] Brann's

Submitted 09-22-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

Mike and Johnny Brann's is known for its Sizzling Sirloin Steak, served up by John Brann Sr. over 50 years ago, but the restaurant also has a lot for those whose tastes stray from red meat. For starters, an onion straw loaf goes a long way. Diners...

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[Eat & Drink ArtPrize 2010] McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon

Submitted 09-20-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

Mc Fadden’s Restaurant and Saloon is in the only red brick building on historic Ionia Ave. While topped by matching gargoyles, this local watering hole is far from Gothic. Game night, birthday parties, weddings, and after-work get togethers attract...

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[Eat & Drink ArtPrize 2010] The Dog Pit

Submitted 09-20-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

If you have $5 in your pocket, or a group of hungry kiddies to feed, your best budget choice in Center City is The Dog Pit. A favorite with downtown students and office drones, The Pit serves up tasty dogs with a variety of toppings. Some of their...

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[Eat & Drink ArtPrize 2010] Rocky's Bar and Grill

Submitted 09-20-2010 under LOCAL LIFE

In planning your activities during ArtPrize, make sure to include Rocky's Bar and Grill at 633 Ottawa Ave NW, a classic working-class watering hole in the heart of Grand Rapids' former manufacturing district near the north side. In the time it takes...

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