RapidChat: James Meena, Opera Grand Rapids’ new artistic director
Forget about Netflix. Opera Grand Rapids' new artistic director, James Meena, is determined to make people of all ages fall in love with a different form of entertainment: the opera.
By Jenna Morton's Latest Articles
RapidChat: Ted Velie on Michigan House at SXSW, supporting our state’s growing art scene & more
As Grand Rapids continues to grow and mature, conversations surrounding the arts community within our city are becoming increasingly relevant -- most notably when it comes to talent retention. Creator of Middle West Creative Ted Velie and a handful of his partners around town saw an opportunity to take Michigan and its culture on the road. From that, Michigan House emerged.
RapidChat: Graci Harkema
Days after being born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Graci Harkema was placed for adoption at a local orphanage. After being given only 12 to 24 hours to live, she was adopted by her (now) parents. Following her move to Grand Rapids as a child, Harkema has gone on to become one of the city's most passionate leaders, fighting for everything from LGBTQ rights to racial equality and more.
RapidChat: Melissa Tungl on making yoga all about community, getting rid of the yogi stigma & more
Over the years, we have seen an increasing number of boutique fitness studios pop up in and around Grand Rapids – particularly those which revolve around the ancient practice of yoga. Likewise,it can be somewhat of a status symbol to even be called a ‘yogi.' Trends aside, owner of Seva Yoga, Melissa Tungl, is on a mission to root her studio in the community and make yoga a practice accessible to everyone while removing that aloof yogi stigma.
RapidChat: Jeffrey Songco on making the leap from San Fran to GR, pushing boundaries with art & more
Five years after his very first ArtPrize competition, artist Jeffrey Songco took the leap and moved to Grand Rapids this past fall. An artist who was raised in New Jersey by immigrant Filipino parents, his artwork explores, as he describes, "a narrative of an anxious American guy celebrating a contemporary world of multiple identities." His work has taken him all over, but after being inspired by the people he met while participating in ArtPrize, he knew this city is where he wanted to start putting down some roots.
RapidChat: Raul Alvarez on advocating for an equitable GR, ‘coffee just because’ & more
For Raul Alvarez, life and work are all about taking the time to form relationships. His "coffee, just because" groups in Grand Rapids have gathered people together under the umbrella of individuals actually getting to spend time with one another, resulting in not only strong friendships but also many community projects. With years of PR and marketing experience under his belt, this chief communicator, storyteller and synergist is changing the way our city interacts with his own GTSD Group.
RapidChat: Juan Carlos Angulo on starting over in the U.S., uncertainty after the election & more
Following the U.S. presidential election, many people who are immigrants are asking, "What's in store for my future?" For Juan Carlos Angulo, a Grand Rapidian who moved here from Mexico for work several years ago, the reality of that is uncertain.
RapidChat: Sara Visser on blogging in Beer City, what it takes to be a successful writer & more
Inspired by the colorful fashion and delectable food that surrounded her, Sara Visser first got her start blogging while living in the windy city of Chicago. After realizing the influence her personal brand had on her community, and the networking opportunities that came along with so-called "hobby," she carried this passion of hers back to her home state of Michigan with The GR Guide.
RapidChat: John Helmholdt of Grand Rapids Public Schools
For much of recent history, the public education system has gone relatively unchanged. John Helmholdt, Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs at Grand Rapids Public Schools, explains why this is such a big deal for the city's education system, as well as why, nationwide, this has lead an increasing number of schools to take on much more innovative approaches.
RapidChat: Latesha Lipscomb
As someone who has always been about both beauty and brains, I GOT FACE Cosmetic Concierge business owner Latesha Lipscomb spends her days doing everything from talking conflict resolution and restorative justice to picking out the perfect peonies for an event — and everything in between.
