12 days of Snowflake Break: Curiosity is on the calendar at the GR Public Museum
At a time when winter slows the city down, Snowflake Break shows how curiosity, culture, and community come together at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Tommy Allen's Latest Articles
Bamboo Grand Rapids connects Michiganders by providing a third space that also combats loneliness
A once-vacant building in a creative Grand Rapids neighborhood now houses Bamboo’s expanded location, offering flexible workspace and connections to local and statewide innovation networks.
Revolutionary housing collaboration in Holland bridges faith, accessibility, and tribal communities
The Kollen Park Housing Development, created through a collaboration involving a former food pantry, church land, and tribal partnership, is a unique example of how communities can collaboratively address housing challenges.
The little vintage district that could
Nestled in the center of Grand Rapids, a group of fashion-oriented creatives is subtly turning South Division Avenue into a lively cultural hub rooted in sustainability, community, and shared goals.
GVSU looks to connect its informal trail system into regional greenway
By studying these student-created footpaths through GVSU’s ravines, the university and its partners aim to deepen the understanding and connection to this cherished landscape.
Building democracy, one brick at a time
At the Brickworld Lego expo held in Grand Rapids during ArtPrize, a volunteer’s lesson on ranked choice voting using Legos captured hearts—and over 756,500 TikTok views.
Ancient giants and local legends: Public Museum’s new exhibit opens a portal in time
Visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum to explore deep time, where Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family and the Klapp Family Mastodon showcase a worldwide tale of evolution and a local find that highlights how curiosity is universal.
Explore your parks: Where community and science intersect with ease in GR
From birdwatching at Huff to skating at Clemente to climbing at Highland, Explore Your Parks proves Grand Rapids’ green spaces are vibrant hubs of science, community, and connection.
One beat at a time: Brandon Copeland and the creative heart of community-building
Brandon Copeland has dedicated 20 years to demonstrating how artists can inspire community, culture, and the future of Grand Rapids, from DIY hip-hop shows to his live-work storefront, Grammotones.
Carousel of belonging: a real joy ride (coming soon)
At the Grand Rapids Public Museum, a beloved 1928 Spillman Carousel is being reborn – not just through careful preservation, but by placing accessibility and belonging at the heart of its future.
