A frontier fur-trading town that continues to evolve as a hub of innovation and can-do spirit, the Center City district of Grand Rapids is the financial and cultural anchor of Michigan's West Coast. Rising on the eastern shore of the Grand River, Center City features numerous attractions. The Civic Theatre is Michigan's oldest community theatre. The GRAM holds more than 5,000 works in its permanent collection. The Monroe Center walking mall offers a wide selection of coffee houses, restaurants, and boutique shops. Rosa Parks Circle, the district's public park and amphitheatre, hosts weekly blues concerts in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Another unique highlight is La Grande Vitesse, a large outdoor sculpture at the center of government square, which is distinguished as America's first publicly-funded art installation. The district's major festivals include a three-day arts celebration in June, as well as distinct Polish, Irish, Italian, Native American, Latino, Mexican, German, and African American celebrations of cultural heritage throughout the summer. Incorporated as a city in 1850 with a population of 2,686, Center City now is the heart of Michigan's second largest city. Once known as the Furniture Capitol of the World, this also is the epicenter of Grand Rapids effort to redefine its identity as a leader of modern medical research and sustainable design.
Three local organizations are working together to bring international artist, Kelsey Montague, to the West Side to complete a public art project. The grassroots project, which is expected to be completed by October, provides an opportunity for residents and businesses to support the barrier-free, neighborhood-enhancing beautification plan.
Whether in-person, hybrid or fully online, students, parents and educators are beginning a new school year. Rapid Growth Media photographer, Autumn Johnson, connected with a student as well as several teachers as they prepared for the upcoming year.
Kent District Library offers specific, catered services to best reach its aging patrons throughout the community. By utilizing the Talking Book & Braille Center, pop-up libraries and bookmobile visits to local retirement centers and assisted living centers, KDL aims to serve lifelong learners and readers.
Over the past few years, the Muskegon Innovation Hub has been able to continuously increase its economic impact within the lakeshore community. Though the Hub has experienced change both internally and within its membership over the past year and a half, overall, reports remain positive. Kevin Ricco, the Hub’s director, is optimistic about what is to come, especially for those businesses that are prepared.
Returning to Michigan after more than 20 years, dancer, teacher and father, Jon Upleger is opening the Grand Rapids School of Dance.
GVSU hosted a virtual event as part of REP4, a national alliance of six colleges. The event provided high school students the opportunity to pitch their ideas of increased equity and accessibility to higher education leaders.
The Actors’ Theatre focuses on curating inclusive and creative pop-up performances centered on identity, community and love.
Receiving numerous awards at the recent West Michigan Public Relations Society of America (WMPRSA) PRoof Awards, Grand Valley State University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (GVPRSSA) has much to celebrate as it continues to add value to its members and positively impact the community.
At Balm Tattooing, tattoo artists, Emily Kukawka, Sarah Sun and Tiffany Elmergreen are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment.
It is that time of year again ― time to get outdoors and explore all that summer and the city have to offer. If you are looking for an affordable, convenient way to navigate through downtown, the DASH may be the perfect option.
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