After the first few days of ArtPrize, some folks are ready for a stiff drink. Before you sit down at any one of our local breweries, which have landed on nearly every corner like a church, consider this: the modern act of legal drinking of spirits, beer, wine in the United States is a phenomenon that is still less than 100 years (legal) old!
Opening to members at the Grand Rapid Public Museum on Friday, Sept. 25,
American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition is an exhibit devoted to exploring a modern tradition many now take for granted. This special exhibition will sail through America’s contribution to the craft spirits movement, the act of prohibition and the unprecedented repeal of the constitutional amendment. The GRPM will present a series of characters from the drys to the wets to the gangsters, flappers, lawmen, and suffragists who all played a role in this head-scratching moment in American history.
Members attending this special kick-off members-only event will be entertained by musical act the B-Side Growlers; participate in any one of the numerous 1920s era games; and have a chance to see Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s cast of
The Great Gatsby, currently on stage at the downtown theatre. From the root beer floats made with Hudsonville Ice Cream to the bar featuring our local New Holland Brewing Company’s (NHB) beers and spirits, this event is the spirit lovers dream museum event. Be sure to catch NHB’s Amy Kenny 6 p.m. opening reception presentation, “A Spirited Life,” about the craft brewing industry.
If you want to deepen your
American Spirits experience, the Public Museum has a complete list of events created to celebrate their exhibition including a special cocktail class hosted by New Holland Brewing each Tuesday in October (October 6, 13, and 20). Tickets for the cocktail classes are $10 each and include general admission. Members receive discounted price. Tickets will go on sale Friday, September 25 so purchase your ticket in advance to ensure a seat at this pop-up speakeasy.
Admission: Varies by event. See
GRPM.org for all the options and events surrounding the American Spirits exhibition.