Urban Lights is the Annual Avenue for the Arts Gallery shop and Studio Hop along South Division Avenue. Join over 20 shop owners and artist in celebrating the Holiday season. From discounts in locally owned shops to gallery openings, new exhibitions, artists vendors and great restaurants to grab a bite to eat the Avenue will be alive with lights, shoppers and holiday cheer! South Division between Fulton And Williams. 5-10pm. For a complete list of spaces stop by the Calvin (106) Gallery Located at 106 South Division

Date: Dec 9 5-10pm
Location: Along the Avenue for the Arts, South Division between Fulton and Williams
Cost: Free!!

We're hauling out the holly, untangling the lights, and dusting off our holiday cheer because it's time to Deck the Avenue!Join Dwelling Place volunteers as we decorate Avenue for the Arts:
Place Wreaths!
Hang Festive Lights!
Tie Bows!
NO EXPERIENCE PREFERRED!!
On the job training -- and hot cocoa -- will be provided.
RSVP to Jenn at 855-0435!

Date: Dec 6 12-4pm
Location: Along the Avenue for the Arts, South Division between Fulton and Williams
Cost: Volunteers Needed.

The Avenue for the Arts is hosting a Free Radical Event along South Division Avenue on October 29 from 6 until 11pm! Enjoy exploring Grand Rapids locally owned and operated businesses such as Sanctuary Folk Art, Heartside Gallery, The DAAC and Vertigo Music! In addition to the extended hours for businesses over 100 local artists will be showing their work in commercial and residential spaces along South Division.

o Enjoy Live Music & Eccentric Street Entertainment
o Open Gallery / Studio Hop
o Businesses will hold sales, have extended business hours and feature promotions!
o Local artists and designers will be selling works of art, unique clothing, handmade jewelry, along with home and personal accessories.
o Discover the adventure of shopping for creative personal gifts including exclusive artwork, café items, and niche merchandise.

Come down and take part in extravaganza that is Avenue for the Arts conveniently located in the center of downtown Grand Rapids Heartside District. Only a few blocks from the Van Andel Arena, Ionia street business corridor, and Monroe Center with ample on street parking available. Free Radical takes place Friday October 29 from 5:00 to 11:00 pm, on South Division between Weston and Williams, so come out and see what all the excitement is about!

For more information regarding this event or any of the businesses in the Avenue for the Arts, please contact Jenn Schaub at 616.855.0435


Date: Oct 29 - 6-11pm
Location: Along the Avenue for the Arts, South Division between Fulton and Williams
Cost: Free!!

A great time to visit the Avenue for the Arts the concert series will feature an eclectic mix of entertainment– ranging from live bands and DJs to dancers and poets. Performers will take the stage in Pekich Park from 7 until 9pm. Residents, neighbors and supporters of the Avenue for the Arts are invited to grab a chair and enjoy the performances of some of Grand Rapids up and coming bands!

Coordinated by Hugo Claudin, proprietor of Mexicains Sans Fronteries this five part outdoor concert series will feature local bands in a unique outdoor setting. The concert series is a reoccurring event and will continue every other Friday in August and September. Concert series event dates include: July 29, August 12, August 26, September 9 and September 23rd.

The Pekich Park Concert series is supported by the Dwelling Place, The Downtown Alliance

For more information about the series, or if your band is interested in playing please contact Hugo Claudin at 616-706-7963 or tlaquachito@hotmail.com. For more information about the Avenue for the Arts contact Jenn Schaub at jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org or 855-0435

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/24059436973

Date: July 29, Aug 12, Aug 26, Sept 9 and Sept 23rd
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Pekich Park at Cherry and South Division
Cost: Free!!

Dwelling Place sponsors various Artprize locations in the Heartside Neighborhood. From artwork created by Avenue for the Arts residents to the creation of murals by nationally recognized painters the Dwelling Place dedication to supporting the creative community is evident. Dwelling Place 2011 locations TBA.


Date: Sept 21 - Oct 9
Location: Downtown Grand Rapids
Cost: Free!!

VISIT THE MARKET BLOG

From 4 until 9pm the Avenue for the Arts Market will be taking over South Division between Williams and Weston with arts related vendors and performers! The Market will feature local artists and entertainers. Bring your friends and family and experience an inspiring and eclectic collection of local art in many mediums and free entertainment. Avenue for the Arts Market happens every second Saturday of June, July, August and September. The growing list of participants includes a variety of vendors such as painters, printmakers, folk artists, jewelers, and more. Not to mention live music, poets, drummers and DJs!

The Avenue for the Arts Market is a great place to visit for inspiration, entertainment, and opportunities to support local artists. Celebrate art and community downtown on Division every second Saturday at the Avenue for the Arts Market!! And don't forget.... we always have more room for artist vendors! Registration is only $15.00! Email us for more information about Vendor registration.

For more information on the Market, pictures and vendor registration forms please check out our website at www.avenueforthearts.com or contact Jenn Schaub at (616)855-0435.

Date: Sept 11 4-9pm
Location: Cherry to Weston on South Division
Cost: Free!!

A great time to visit the Avenue for the Arts the concert series will feature an eclectic mix of entertainment– ranging from live bands and DJs to dancers and poets. Performers will take the stage in Pekich Park from 7 until 9pm. Residents, neighbors and supporters of the Avenue for the Arts are invited to grab a chair and enjoy the performances of some of Grand Rapids up and coming bands!

Coordinated by Hugo Claudin, proprietor of Mexicains Sans Fronteries this five part outdoor concert series will feature local bands in a unique outdoor setting. The concert series is a reoccurring event and will continue every other Friday in August and September. Concert series event dates include: July 29, August 12, August 26, September 9 and September 23rd.

The Pekich Park Concert series is supported by the Dwelling Place, The Downtown Alliance

For more information about the series, or if your band is interested in playing please contact Hugo Claudin at 616-706-7963 or tlaquachito@hotmail.com. For more information about the Avenue for the Arts contact Jenn Schaub at jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org or 855-0435

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/24059436973

Date: July 29, Aug 12, Aug 26, Sept 9 and Sept 23rd
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Pekich Park at Cherry and South Division
Cost: Free!!

A great time to visit the Avenue for the Arts the concert series will feature an eclectic mix of entertainment– ranging from live bands and DJs to dancers and poets. Performers will take the stage in Pekich Park from 7 until 9pm. Residents, neighbors and supporters of the Avenue for the Arts are invited to grab a chair and enjoy the performances of some of Grand Rapids up and coming bands!

Coordinated by Hugo Claudin, proprietor of Mexicains Sans Fronteries this five part outdoor concert series will feature local bands in a unique outdoor setting. The concert series is a reoccurring event and will continue every other Friday in August and September. Concert series event dates include: July 29, August 12, August 26, September 9 and September 23rd.

The Pekich Park Concert series is supported by the Dwelling Place, The Downtown Alliance

For more information about the series, or if your band is interested in playing please contact Hugo Claudin at 616-706-7963 or tlaquachito@hotmail.com. For more information about the Avenue for the Arts contact Jenn Schaub at jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org or 855-0435

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/24059436973

Date: July 29, Aug 12, Aug 26, Sept 9 and Sept 23rd
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Pekich Park at Cherry and South Division
Cost: Free!!

VISIT THE MARKET BLOG

From 4 until 9pm the Avenue for the Arts Market will be taking over South Division between Williams and Weston with arts related vendors and performers! The Market will feature local artists and entertainers. Bring your friends and family and experience an inspiring and eclectic collection of local art in many mediums and free entertainment. Avenue for the Arts Market happens every second Saturday of June, July, August and September. The growing list of participants includes a variety of vendors such as painters, printmakers, folk artists, jewelers, and more. Not to mention live music, poets, drummers and DJs!

The Avenue for the Arts Market is a great place to visit for inspiration, entertainment, and opportunities to support local artists. Celebrate art and community downtown on Division every second Saturday at the Avenue for the Arts Market!! And don't forget.... we always have more room for artist vendors! Registration is only $15.00! Email us for more information about Vendor registration.

For more information on the Market, pictures and vendor registration forms please check out our website at www.avenueforthearts.com or contact Jenn Schaub at (616)855-0435.

Date: Aug 13 4-9pm
Location: Cherry to Weston on South Division
Cost: Free!!

A great time to visit the Avenue for the Arts the concert series will feature an eclectic mix of entertainment– ranging from live bands and DJs to dancers and poets. Performers will take the stage in Pekich Park from 7 until 9pm. Residents, neighbors and supporters of the Avenue for the Arts are invited to grab a chair and enjoy the performances of some of Grand Rapids up and coming bands!

Coordinated by Hugo Claudin, proprietor of Mexicains Sans Fronteries this five part outdoor concert series will feature local bands in a unique outdoor setting. The concert series is a reoccurring event and will continue every other Friday in August and September. Concert series event dates include: July 29, August 12, August 26, September 9 and September 23rd.

The Pekich Park Concert series is supported by the Dwelling Place, The Downtown Alliance

For more information about the series, or if your band is interested in playing please contact Hugo Claudin at 616-706-7963 or tlaquachito@hotmail.com. For more information about the Avenue for the Arts contact Jenn Schaub at jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org or 855-0435

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/24059436973

Date: July 29, Aug 12, Aug 26, Sept 9 and Sept 23rd
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Pekich Park at Cherry and South Division
Cost: Free!!

VISIT THE MARKET BLOG

From 4 until 9pm the Avenue for the Arts Market will be taking over South Division between Williams and Weston with arts related vendors and performers! The Market will feature local artists and entertainers. Bring your friends and family and experience an inspiring and eclectic collection of local art in many mediums and free entertainment. Avenue for the Arts Market happens every second Saturday of June, July, August and September. The growing list of participants includes a variety of vendors such as painters, printmakers, folk artists, jewelers, and more. Not to mention live music, poets, drummers and DJs!

The Avenue for the Arts Market is a great place to visit for inspiration, entertainment, and opportunities to support local artists. Celebrate art and community downtown on Division every second Saturday at the Avenue for the Arts Market!! And don't forget.... we always have more room for artist vendors! Registration is only $15.00! Email us for more information about Vendor registration.

For more information on the Market, pictures and vendor registration forms please check out our website at www.avenueforthearts.com or contact Jenn Schaub at (616)855-0435.

Date: July 9 4-9pm
Location: Cherry to Weston on South Division
Cost: Free!!

VISIT THE MARKET BLOG

From 4 until 9pm the Avenue for the Arts Market will be taking over South Division between Williams and Weston with arts related vendors and performers! The Market will feature local artists and entertainers. Bring your friends and family and experience an inspiring and eclectic collection of local art in many mediums and free entertainment. Avenue for the Arts Market happens every second Saturday of June, July, August and September. The growing list of participants includes a variety of vendors such as painters, printmakers, folk artists, jewelers, and more. Not to mention live music, poets, drummers and DJs!

The Avenue for the Arts Market is a great place to visit for inspiration, entertainment, and opportunities to support local artists. Celebrate art and community downtown on Division every second Saturday at the Avenue for the Arts Market!! And don't forget.... we always have more room for artist vendors! Registration is only $15.00! Email us for more information about Vendor registration.

For more information on the Market, pictures and vendor registration forms please check out our website at www.avenueforthearts.com or contact Jenn Schaub at (616)855-0435.

Date: July 9 4-9pm
Location: Cherry to Weston on South Division
Cost: Free!!

VISIT THE MARKET BLOG

From 4 until 9pm the Avenue for the Arts Market will be taking over South Division between Williams and Weston with arts related vendors and performers! The Market will feature local artists and entertainers. Bring your friends and family and experience an inspiring and eclectic collection of local art in many mediums and free entertainment. Avenue for the Arts Market happens every second Saturday of June, July, August and September. The growing list of participants includes a variety of vendors such as painters, printmakers, folk artists, jewelers, and more. Not to mention live music, poets, drummers and DJs!

The Avenue for the Arts Market is a great place to visit for inspiration, entertainment, and opportunities to support local artists. Celebrate art and community downtown on Division every second Saturday at the Avenue for the Arts Market!! And don't forget.... we always have more room for artist vendors! Registration is only $15.00! Email us for more information about Vendor registration.

For more information on the Market, pictures and vendor registration forms please check out our website at www.avenueforthearts.com or contact Jenn Schaub at (616)855-0435.

Date: June 11 4-9pm
Location: Cherry to Weston on South Division
Cost: Free!!

Annually over 30 performers, artists and musicians participate in Festival of the Arts in downtown Grand Rapids Michigan. For more details about where to spot their work, performances and special activities vist: www.avenueforthearts.com

Date: June 4, 5 & 6
Location: Downtown Grand Rapids, Monroe & Ottawa Streets
Cost: Free!!

Join South Division's artists, businesses, and performers for an artist's reception extravaganza of fun and festivity.The South Division business district known as the Avenue for the Arts will be featured in a collective show at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. Join your fellow community members to enjoy this celebratory event. Most importantly this will be a unique portrayal of how the Avenue for The Arts sounds and lives, if you have not made it to any of the other of the Avenue for the Arts events this event is a great way to experience the best of the Avenue for the Arts.
The EXHIBITION features artwork form over 30 Avenue for the Arts Artists and includes a variety of fine art, from photos to paintings, prints to sculpture the exhibition will be on display from May 15th to May 22nd, 2011.

The community is invited to join us on May 21st at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center for the Avenue for the Arts SHOWCASE, an artist reception and Avenue for the Arts celebration. Whether you would like to come to support the local musicians or bands playing, see artwork by local artists, or experience what the local businesses and/or venues have in store for you, you won't be disappointed. There will be a plethora of activities for families, community members and art enthusiasts alike to partake in.

• Enjoy live band performances!
• Behold on site art creation!
• Browse photography, and framed artwork.
• Explore Avenue for the Arts non-profit and business displays.
• View vignettes of artists live/workspaces.
• Experience artwork from over thirty artists on display!

For more information regarding this event or any in relation to the Avenue for the Arts, please contact Jenn Schaub at 616.855.0435. For more information regarding the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center contact Meggan George at 493-8965 or mgeorge@fhps.us

Date: May 21
Location: Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Cost: More Info Soon

Along the Avenue for the Arts, South Division between Fulton and Williams
Jump start the spring season by climbing aboard a trolley to view the work of over 260 local artists in 25 vibrant downtown locations during Art.Downtown.on Friday, April 15, 2011 from 6-11pm.

One of the largest studio hops in West Michigan Art.Downtown. features Avenue for the Arts Artists, galleries and businesses, the Kendall Studio spaces at Grandville and Wealthy and student exhibitions from 6 local universities. A one evening celebration of spring Art.Downtown. is an excellent chance for local residents to visit local art galleries, restaurants and shops. It is a great opportunity for the community to connect with one another in a new cultural setting. Spring for the Arts will have; live entertainment, photography, glass work, handmade goods, prints, film and more. There is something for everyone. Grand Rapids Trolley will be providing trolley transportation throughout the Heartside district, stopping at various shops/studios, galleries, restaurants and parking locations. Maps can be picked up the night of the event at Sanctuary Folk Art 140 South Division.

Art.Downtown. is the perfect opportunity to get out and do something fun with the family, there are so many art studios and plenty of shops to visit. This event is open to all ages and there will be something for everyone to enjoy. So come relax and join in the festivities and see all that Downtown Grand Rapids has to offer. For more information regarding this event or any in relation to the Avenue for the Arts, please contact Jenn Schaub at 616.855.0435 or by email at jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org

Date: April15 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: S.Division
Grand Rapids, MI
Cost: Free!! Plus Free Trolley Transportation

Avenue for the Arts is holding its annual Urban Lights event along South Division Avenue. Local artists will be partnering up with businesses in the district to bring you great handmade gifts. If you have a hard to buy for person on your list this is the perfect opportunity for you to find something that you can be sure they don’t already have. Local businesses in the district like, Sanctuary Folk Art, Heartside Gallery, The DAAC and Vertigo Music, will have extended hours for you to check out the selection and find just want you’re looking for. Local artists will be set up in pop-up shops in a few of the vacant space along the Avenue turning them from an empty store front to an artist market for this evening of illumination.

Grand Rapids Avenue for the Arts live/work space artists will also be inviting shoppers to find that unique and perfect holiday gift. Over 10 spaces will be featuring amazing handmade gifts including paintings, prints, photos, handmade jewelry, pursues, home decor items and all unique and perfect for the person who already has it all!

When your ready to take a break from the shopping head over to 101 S. Division where Grand Valley State Universities curatorial class is hosting a gallery opening. Titled Reset the show focuses on breaking and fixing. The exhibit will explore the efficacy of solutions along with insightful representations of problems.

Come out to find those special gifts for the people in your life and see all that the Avenue of the Arts has to offer. Conveniently located only a few blocks from the Van Andel Arena and ample on street parking is available. The Urban Light Event takes place Friday December 10th from 6:00 to 11:00 pm, between Wealthy and Fulton Street. Come find something for that someone who isn’t just someone while exploring Grand Rapids growing arts district.

Date: Dec 10 · 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: S.Division between Weston and Williams
Grand Rapids, MI
Cost: Free!!

More Info Volunteering can be a great way to find out more about the arts and cultural community in Grand Rapids. From discounted rates to see fantastic musical performances to getting the inside scoop about how and where to show your work find out how volunteering can grow your personal network! Cost:$10 Free for Avenue for the Arts Residents and Arts Council members.

Date: November 11 · 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: The Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids 532 Ottawa NW Grand Rapids, MI
Cost: $10 Free for Avenue for the Arts Residents and Arts Council members

Did you know you can get a tax break on art supplies? Do you know how to write of artwork when you donated it to a charitable organization? Get prepared for a new tax year by talking with a certified CPA. We will compare different options for filing your taxes as an artist. Pizza Dinner included!

Date: October 26 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: Dwelling Place 101 Sheldon Blvd Suite 2 Grand Rapids, MI
Cost: $10 Free for Avenue for the Arts Residents and Arts Council members

            Before there was ArtPrize, before there was ActiveSite, or ArtPeers, there was Free Radical.  The
Free Radical Gallery started in 2000 on Wealthy as part of a grant based initiative, The Wealthy Mainstreet Program, founded by Mark Rumsey, which utilized vacant store fronts to display artwork in order to breathe life back into the Wealthy Street Business District. Ten years later we can see the effect that art, commerce and community has had on this vibrant business district. In 2003 the Free Radical moved to South Division where it evolved, changing the events from Free Radical to Avenue for
the Arts. The original idea of the Free Radical has been utilized and re-shaped over the years.  Kendall College
of Art and Design professor and former ActiveSite
creative director, Paul Amenta, took the idea out more intentionally into the city spaces.  Involving student and local practicing artists, Amenta, began staging one night events in vacant commercial and industrial spaces.  These events and the host group have reformed over
the last few years, eventually culminating in a show at
the former Grand Rapids Public Museum titled “Michigan – Land of Riches” and the birth of a new non-for-profit group; Site:Lab. 
           
            On October 22, we will see what happens when the children of the Free Radical, Avenue for the Arts and Site:Lab, get together to revive the potential of the Free Radical Galleries once again.  Taking place in both the Heartside and East Hills neighborhoods the event is shaping up to be an eccentric showcase of local art. 
           
            Division Avenue between Weston and Williams,
or Avenue for the Arts, will be taking over vacant storefront spaces to host local artists and student groups. Additionally, many of the galleries and businesses on the Avenue such as the DAAC, Sanctuary Folk Art, and Vertigo Music will have extended hours, gallery openings and host local artists. The artist live/work spaces will also open their doors to show and sell original pieces of artwork.
            As the East Hills neighborhood has transformed, it has become home to many galleries such as Byrneboehm Gallery, Richard App Gallery and soon LaFontsee Galleries. LaFontsee, which has been established in Grand Rapids for the last 20 years, has agreed to allow Site:Lab to throw an event in the new building prior to renovation. Site:Lab’s Paul Amenta said “This project will give us more creative control over the space then we have ever had before, you can expect much greater manipulation of the interior space then we have been able to do in the past.”  With the ability to remove walls, manipulate lighting, and bring in some of the most creative individuals in the city we can rest assured that this is the case.  Aside from just the LaFontsee Site:Lab venue, all of the galleries in the district will he holding openings and having extended hours as the neighborhood comes to life. 

            Make sure that you mark your calendar because
it is an event not to be missed!  With local bars and restaurants jumping on board you can be sure the city will be a buzz of life.  In addition to visual art there will
be live music, access to venues normally closed to the public, eccentric street performances, sales of original work by local artists, and promotions and sales at businesses in all locations.  There will also be free transportation to run you between each major location
so you don’t have to worry about parking or getting yourself all over the city. If you want to be in the know, and now, of the city make sure that this is an event you do not miss!

Date: October 22 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Location:
The Avenue for the Arts
www.avenueforthearts.com
SiteLab
www.sitelab.com

Cost: Free!!

 

More Info Get to know local artists, gallery owners and creative individuals at one of our quarterly salon meet ups! Bring a piece of artwork to display and be ready to mix and mingle while munching on great local food.

Date: October 13 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: The Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids 532 Ottawa Grand Rapids, MI
Cost: $5 Free for Avenue for the Arts Residents and Arts Council members

To reserve a time slot please call 459 2787

Join us for a discussion about methods and means for growing your audience. We will look at new ways to sell, market, promote and distribute creative work and services through local and national opportunities.

Speakers include:
Ian MacLurg from Promegrante Studios
Susan K. Jones Direct and Interactive Marketing Consultant/Professor of Marketing
Nick Stockton Teamwork Bags

Date: September 13th 2010  5:30-7:30pm
Location: Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids
532 Ottawa NW Grand Rapids, MI
Cost:$10
Free for Members of the Arts Council and
residents of the Avenue for the Arts

To reserve your spot call Angela at 459 2787

Heartside Downtown Neighborhood Association is hosting an Ice Cream Sundae Social. Everyone is invited to bring a sweet tooth and a smile! This is a great time to learn more about the HDNA, we are recruiting new board members and will be answering questions about the HDNA’s activities and upcoming programs (Cleansweep, Neighborhood Watch, the Heartside Talent Show and the Heartside Gardeners)

Date: September 13th 2010  5:30-6:30pm
Location: Heartside Ministries Chapel
54 South Division

The Avenue for the Arts final 2010 Market featuring over 40 local arts and crafts vendors. From paintings and photos to handmade jewelry and house wares the Market has something for everyone.

The entertainment line up includes:
Invisible Mansion
Kurt Denison
Fiona Dickinson
Jes Kramer
Broadcast Union

Date: September 11th 4-9pm
Location: Cherry to Weston on South Division

Friends and neighbors are invited to decorate 200 wooden birds to be installed in the lobby of Verne Barry Place.

Date: August 18th 5-7pm
Location: Heartside Gallery
54 South Division

The Avenue for the Arts 2010 Market featuring over 40 local arts and crafts vendors. From paintings and photos to handmade jewelry and house wares the Market has something for everyone.

Date: August 14th 4-9pm
Location: Cherry to Weston on South Division

The Avenue for the Arts 2010 Market featuring over 40 local arts and crafts vendors. From paintings and photos to handmade jewelry and house wares the Market has something for everyone.

Date:July 10h 4-9pm
Location: Cherry to Weston on South Division

The Avenue for the Arts 2010 Market featuring over 40 local arts and crafts vendors. From paintings and photos to handmade jewelry and house wares the Market has something for everyone.

Date:June 5th 4-9pm
Location: Cherry to Weston on South Division

400 artists, 25 destinations, 2 trolleys, 1 night

Jump start the spring season by climbing aboard a trolley to view the work of over 260 local artists in 25 vibrant downtown locations during Art.Downtown.on Friday, April 16, 2010 from 6-11pm.

One of the largest studio hops in West Michigan Art.Downtown.features Avenue for the Arts Artists, galleries and businesses, the Kendall Studio spaces at Grandville and Wealthy, student exhibitions from 6 local universities and “Michigan Land of Riches” opening at the old public museum.

A one evening celebration of spring  Art.Downtown.is an excellent chance for local residents to visit local art galleries, restaurants and shops. It is a great opportunity for the community to connect with one another in a new cultural setting. Spring for the Arts will have; live entertainment, photography, glass work, handmade goods, prints, film and more. There is something for everyone.

Grand Rapids Trolley will be providing trolley transportation throughout the Heartside district, stopping at various shops/studios, galleries, restaurants and parking locations. Maps can be picked up the night of the event at Sanctuary Folk Art 140 South Division.

Art.Downtown.is the perfect opportunity to get out and do something fun with the family, there are so many art studios and plenty of shops to visit. This event is open to all ages and there will be something for everyone to enjoy. So come relax and join in the festivities and see all that Downtown Grand Rapids has to offer.

Art.Downtown.is made possible through a Neighborhood Preservation Initiative Grant. For more information regarding this event or any in relation to the Avenue for the Arts, please contact Jenn Schaub at 616.855.0435 or by email at jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org        

Enjoy a comfortable, personal and exciting shopping experience, while exploring Grand Rapids growing arts district.

The Division Street Business District is holding its annual Urban Light Event along South Division Avenue December 11th from 6 until 11pm!  More commonly known as the Avenue of the Arts district, local business owners and artists will be throwing their doors open and selling unique, self designed and made personal gifts for that hard to buy-for person on your list.  Come join the fun while exploring Grand Rapids locally own and operated businesses such as, Capsule, Sanctuary Folk Art, Heartside Gallery, The DAAC, All City Kicks, Scavenger Hunt and Vertigo Music! These business owners are extending their business hours so you can have a relaxed shopping experience.

Grand Rapids Avenue for the Arts live/work space artists will also be inviting shoppers to find that unique and perfect holiday gift. The artists in these spaces will be featuring  amazing handmade gifts including paintings, prints, photos, handmade jewelry,  pursues, home decor items and all unique and perfect for the person who already has it all!

• Enjoy live entertainment!
• A holiday atmosphere great for all ages and people.
• Open Gallery/ Studio Hop!
• Businesses will hold sales, have extended business hours and feature promotions! 
• Discover the adventure of shopping for creative personal gifts including exclusive artwork, café items, and niche merchandise.
• Customized artistic luminaries and window displays will be lighting up the street throughout the evening and light the store front windows of businesses.

Come out to find those special gifts for the people in your life and see all that the Avenue of the Arts has to offer. Conveniently located only a few blocks from the Van Andel Arena and ample on street parking is available.  The Urban Light Event takes place Friday December 11th from 6:00 to 11:00 pm, between Wealthy  and Fulton Street, so come out and see what all the excitement is about.

For more information regarding this event or any of the businesses in the Avenue for the Arts, please contact Jenn Schaub at 616.855.0435, or by email at jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org.

What:  Urban Lights Event
Where:  106-120/235 S. Division between Wealthy & Fulton
When:  Friday December 11, 2009 6:00-11:00PM
Who: South Division Street Business Owners and Artists

Over the weekend of April 16th-19th, 2009 Grand Rapids will be bustling with festivities as three local organizations Spring for the Arts, SMart Festival and ACTIVESITE combine to present a weekend long celebration of art and music, Art. Downtown.

• Spring for the Art is one of the largest shop, gallery, and studio hops in West Michigan. It is a great opportunity for the community to connect with one another in a new cultural setting. Spring for the Arts will have; live entertainment, photography, glass work, handmade goods, prints, films and more.

• The SMart Festival (Student Media Art Festival) is the only multimedia festival in Michigan which showcases contemporary media art from local art students and artist. It is the only arts festival in Grand Rapids that is focused on presenting contemporary art from local, regional, national and international sources.

• ACTIVESITE is an exhibition of sculpture, with the objective of providing a catalyst for collaboration between the Art, Business, and Development communities of Grand Rapids; and will feature student and faculty artwork from several major West Michigan Universities

This year these three local organizations combine to bring Grand Rapids Art. Downtown., this is the perfect opportunity to get out and do something fun with the family, and experience innovative local art. There will be numerous art events, restaurants and plenty of downtown shops to visit. This event is open to all ages and there will be something for everyone to enjoy. So come, relax,  join in the festivities and see all that Downtown Grand Rapids has to offer!

On Friday April 17th Grand Rapids Trolley will be providing trolley transportation throughout the Heartside district, stopping at Art.Downtown. locations including various shops/studios, galleries, restaurants and parking spots. Maps can be picked up the night of the event at Sanctuary Folk Art, 140 South Division.
      

• For more information regarding this event or any in relation to the Avenue for the Arts, please contact Jenn Schaub at 616.855.0435 or by email at jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org
• For more information about SMart Festival contact Zora  info@openconceptgallery.com or committee member Mark Rumsey mark@makrrumsey.com
• For more information about ACTIVESITE contact Paul Amenta paul@activesiteart.com or Todd Ernst todd@activesiteart.com

       

What: Art.Downtown.
Where:  Downtown Grand Rapids
When: Weekend of April 16th- 19th 2009
Who: Local artists, galleries and businesses