Resident Joe Sherry has launched a new website this week about his work, live/work space and glass classes check out www.enfuegoglass.com for more details.

The Avenue for the Arts’ Division Avenue Arts Collective or DAAC has a great program called Sunday Soup. A micro loan or micro grant program the events are a great way to connect with the local community or gain funding for a small project. www.g-rad.org/daac Find out more on their website.

Recently Grand Rapids was named in the “Top Ten Dying Cities” In the US by Newsweek Magazine. Local media retaliated with a backlash citing glowing examples of why Grand Rapids is alive and kicking! The Avenue for the Arts was cited as an example of organic creative growth around the Arts. Read More here: www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/features/NewsweekGR

Teamwork bags was begun in one of the Live/Work spaces along the Avenue for the Arts. Now in a large warehouse on the west side this local company just keeps growing. Find out what business partners, Nick Stockton and Nick Stygstra are up to in this great article by Rapid Growth Media! www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/features/01272011Teamwork

Spring is just around the corner, which means that planning for the 2011 edition of Art.Downtown is beginning. Last year, the event included over 300 artist in 32 different venues, with over 4000 attendees, making it one of the largest studio hops West Michigan has to offer! We know that 2011 will be no different. This year, the event will be held on April 15, 2011, from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

The first planning meeting for Art.Downtown will be held on Friday, February 4, at 5:30 pm at Pub 43. Pub 43 is located at 43 South Division.

Anyone interested in participating is welcome to come. One of the first goals of these meetings is to establish what venues, groups, and individuals are interested in participating in Art.Downtown and how they would like to be involved. We will be discussing changes for 2011, reviewing meeting dates and event deadlines, and be gathering preliminary contact and site information. If you or anyone you know is interested in constructing one of the best events Grand Rapids has to offer, be sure to make it to this meeting. See you there!

The (106) Gallery will be saying goodbye to their current gallery assistant Natalie Good. Good has been part of Calvin College for the last year, stationed at the (106) Gallery helping with gallery shows, as well as, working on her own artwork. Good has accepted an internship in Marfa, Texas at the Chinati Foundation (www.chinati.orgwww.chinati.org). The Chinati Foundation is a museum that honors the modern artist Donald Judd. There Good will be giving tours and helping with the upkeep of the museum.
           
Good will miss the local residents and artists in the Heartside, especially those she met at the Heartside Gallery. She is also going to miss being a part of the Avenue for the Arts, “Although I loved the positive experience I had here at Calvin College, it is time to move on and I am very excited to work at the Chinati Foundation,” Good said. Good feels confident that the (106) Gallery will not be left in the dust when she leaves because of the future Gallery assistant, Sarah Bakker. “Sarah is really great; her experience with the UICA and her natural artistic skill will be the perfect addition to Heartside”.

Heartside and (106) will miss Good thoroughly, "We're sad to see Natalie leave, as she's done a remarkable job this past year.  Her commitment to the arts and hospitality have helped develop Calvin College's (106) Gallery into relevant art space in the Heartside Neighborhood” commented Gallery Manager Joel Zwart. The Avenue for the Arts will also greatly miss Good and can only wish her the best of luck.

 

By: Jenn Schaub

A number of Avenue for the Arts residents and volunteers had really big heads this summer, and not in a bad way. To join in the community festivities of Festival of the Arts in downtown Grand Rapids, residents and volunteers created big papier-mache heads to wear during the parade for the opening ceremonies on June 4th. Just like Rome, a big head isn’t built in a day. Avenue for the Arts residents and volunteers including, Erwin Erkfitz, Joe Sherry, Josh Bruer, Amy VanelSacker, Nathan Mabie, Jenn Schaub, Annamarie Buller, Randall Gronawich, Matt Sutton Stephanie Mabie, Craig Mabie, George Wietor, and Jamie Johnson spent time several months in advance creating the papier-mache heads for the parade procession.

A group of the neighbors met together in the Vision Beyond Art Glass Blowing studio to work on the first step of creating the base structure of the heads, “It was a trial and error process,” said Avenue for the Arts resident Joe Sherry. They ended up using a lot of wire and cardboard to act as the skull for the heads. The next step was to work on the molding and forming of the papier-mache. “The creation of the heads was several stages of getting together, having a good time, and making a big mess” said Sherry. After the heads had dried they met again to paint and decorate them. Sherry said he worked on two heads and ended up wearing the lighter one for the parade. He played a drum and had a great time during the procession, intrigued by the fact that with his big head mask, nobody could see who he was.
The whole process of joining together as a community to create art was an enjoyable experience for all involved. It was truly something novel to be a part of because this was the first year the annual Festival of the Arts began with an opening procession. Since it was the first procession it seemed fitting to start of the tradition by creating something big!

By: Brittany Jacques

Avenue for the Arts resident Joe Sherry’s live workspace, Vision Beyond Art, is an easy going and innovative place for aspiring glass blowers to come and learn the trade. Sherry has been blowing glass for almost ten years and is passionate about teaching interested community members to do the same. Sherry explained he’s not trying to be the only glass blower in town, quite the opposite in fact; he’s excited about collaborating with other glass blowers in the area so that they can encourage, inspire, and learn from one another.

Sherry learned how to blow glass years back by taking lessons from a local Grand Rapids neighbor he met at Purple East. After he had the basics down, Sherry spent many hours practicing and teaching himself through experimenting with the art form. His main focus has recently been on creating custom drinking glasses, cabinet knobs, and faucet handles. These one of a kind glasses vary in style from elegant to funky so you can choose your pleasure whether it be drinking fine wine at dinner or sipping lemonade on the back porch. The cabinet knobs and faucet handles can be custom made to match the color scheme of an existing space, a great way to add some personalized character to a room.

Currently, Vision Beyond Art is open Monday though Friday 10am-7pm or by appointment for anyone interested in lessons, purchases, and inquiries. Special weekend hours are also available by request for people who would like time in the studio. Lessons are open to people of all ages, whether they have former experience in glass blowing or not. Cost of individual lessons depends on length but starts at thirty dollars an hour. Beginner’s lessons consist of students learning the basics of the trade, creating glass marbles, beads, and pendants.
So if you are looking to learn a new and interesting art form, find a one of a kind gift, or just talk with a local artist, stop by 235 S. Division, Vision Beyond Art, or email Joe Sherry at visionbeyondartglassblowing@gmail.com. As a skilled craftsman Sherry loves seeing others get excited about glass blowing. As he put it, “I enjoy teaching people and working in the arts, that’s what makes me happy”.

By: Brittany Jacques

Local Arts Talents Merge with Grand Rapid’s Festival Traditions

Avenue for the Arts Market will be back just in time to provide additional art entertainment alongside the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts. On Saturday, June 5th, the Avenue for the Arts Market will be going on downtown
at the same time as an annual tradition, Festival. The two events bring together the local arts community in celebration of Grand Rapid’s growing arts culture.

For the 6th year in a row, the Avenue for the Arts Market will be setting up on the 100 block of South Division from 4-9pm. Forty local artists and organizations will sell their homemade goods and fine art along sidewalks. Visitors can find anything from handmade pottery and paintings, to buttons, clothing, and accessories. The storefronts such as Vertigo Records, Scavenger Hunt, Bohemia Too and others will also extend their regular hours.

“The market has been growing and improving every year with the addition of new local talents and vendors,” says Jenn Schaub, of Dwelling Place, sponsoring organization for the event, “With the celebration, the art, and the new Heartside pocket park, I believe this could be the biggest market we’ve ever had!”

On the second Saturday of each month, the Avenue for the Arts Market will host a regular schedule of Market nights. These dates provide an opportunity for people
of all ages to visit a community who is enthusiastic about showing their local talents and ideas.

So head down to Division Avenue on June 5th for some added fun to your art filled weekend!

For more information regarding the Avenue for the Arts Market, go to www.avenueforthearts.com/streetmarket, or contact Amber Stout at 616-648-6165 and/or amberstout@gmail.com.

To many, the 21st century is a complicated array of new digital gadgets, online social networking forums, and “e-commerce” electronic trade systems. However, new faces Aaron Carriere and Andrew Tingley at Creo Productions have unearthed art out of the digital mayhem. The young entrepreneurs offer an innovative film, audio, and creative production service they describe as “media storytelling”.

“We use the latest information communications technology, such the internet or even cell phones, to tell stories and market products in creative ways,” says Carriere, Creative Director and co-owner. “It’s an intersection of art, commerce, technology, and music.”

Creo’s projects have been diverse, including a video of Zondervan’s Symtio, a technology independent program that allows retailers to sell downloadable digital products in their store. Another is a film about the global water crisis and Lifestraw, a life-saving water purification tool.

Both agree that the support of Dwelling Place has been a huge asset to their initiatives. Andrew and Aaron are excited about the city’s energy from the revitalization that is taking place outside their door, and the potentials of increased traffic to the business. The nonprofit also gave the go-ahead on the construction of an audio recording studio in the basement.

“What we have planned, building a soundproofed room inside another room with production equipment, is a far shot from what the basement looks like now,” chuckles Tingley, co-owner and Production Director. “But we’re optimistic. The additional studio will allow us to provide both audio recordings and music videos for bands.”

Dwelling Place and Creo Productions have a found common interest in the intersection of art and commerce on the Avenue for the Arts. The new tenancy of the technological visionaries corresponds to Dwelling Place’s efforts to fortify Heartside Business District into a contemporary artistic community. Dwelling Place looks forward to the growth of Creo as a business and an industry!

Who: Creo Productions
Where: 40 S. Division Street

Innovation in messenger bag construction is Teamwork Design’s forte. Co-owners Nick Stygsrta and Nick Stockton craft beautiful, tough-as-nails bags out of uncommon materials such as salvaged boat sails, inner tubes, seat belts, and other durable substances.

The two Nicks remain in Grand Rapids in the dreams of partaking in the cultivation of the up-and-coming arts and culture economic development initiative on south Division’s Avenue of the Arts.

“We want to be a part of making something happen in Grand Rapids as opposed to something that’s been happening for 50-100 years in places like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago,” says Stygsrta.

Teamwork Design Inc. works consistently with Dwelling Place to establish a self-sufficient arts community, both in the interest of the neighborhood and for the expansion of business.

“The most rewarding experience we’ve had with Dwelling Place is seeing this project actually get off the ground,” remarks Stygsrta. “[This] part of town has been ripe for the development of an arts community.”

The cooperative between Dwelling Place among designers and artists of Heartside continues to flourish with greater participation and entrepreneurial involvement. Our neighborhood revitalization requires active participation from our tenants, so if in doubt,  get involved in the latest and greatest initiative to sweep hit Grand Rapids!

20th Annual Neighborhood Business Awards!

Congratulations to all of the Avenue for the Arts Nominees for the NBA 20th Annual Business Awards! Anyone can vote for the NBA Awards so take a moment and support your friends and neighbors by voting for your faves!  Voting ends on October 29th!
http://www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/features/neighbbusawards.aspx

The following Avenue for the Arts businesses have been nominated for excellence.

Imagination Creations – Best Window Display
Unlocal Clothing Company – Best New Business
Commute Bicycle Shop – Best New Business
Avenue for the Arts – Best Promotion
Cathedral Square of Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids – Best Non-profit Project
Taquitos Mexican Grill – Best Neighborhood Restaurant

This month Artprize has been the buzz around downtown and Heartside is home to around 1/3 of the 160 or so locations. From outdoor murals and galleries to restaurants and business offices, Heartside is in the thick of Artprize. We caught up with Avenue for the Arts Artist Artist Erwin Erkfitz whose mural, “We are all Connected” has been seen sprouting up along South Division.

When asked what inspired his piece Erwin cited drawing on his experiences living and working in Heartside for the last 5 years. Because of his enthusiasm, talent and planning he was able to secure 6 community sponsors to provide the materials he needed to create the 3 story mural that stretches a quarter of a block down South Division. Erwin said he is sees the enthusiasm behind Artprize as an extension of what many local artists have been working on for years and is happy to see it garnering the positive public attention. When asked what he has found most surprising about Artprize his response was… “I am really surprised that people don’t realize that THEY get to vote on who wins the 250 million dollar prize.” If you want a quick brush up on the Voting process (which is surprisingly easy) please click here!

For more information about Erwin and to check out his work in process go to
http://www.artprize.org/artist/id/276
Or http://erwinerkfitz.com/eeblog/

 

GRAND RAPIDS,Mich.- “KCAD Clay” is a recent collective founded by a group of Kendall College students with the intent to further incorporate the clay medium within the institution. Kendall does not offer ceramics as a major, but students are able to take courses for credit at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Urban Clay Studio. Students involved in this program will be showing their artwork at the Avenue for the Arts Market on July 11th, from 4-9PM. The Market is located along the 100 block of S. Division.

A local artist and Kendall adjunct faculty member, Israel Davis is also the Director of Ceramics at the UICA. “Kendall needed a clay studio for both sculpture and art education students to gain experience with a soft medium such as clay. Since then, students from photography, painting, printmaking, furniture design, and interior design have found great interest in the medium as well.”

Kendall offers four different courses for students interested in the medium. These include Ceramics 1, Ceramics 2, Special Studies, and Independent Study. With the partnership of the UICA and Kendall, students are given the opportunity to show work and gain exposure at a nationally recognized gallery.

“The goal of KCAD Clay is to sell wares in order to raise funds to help further our ceramic education through workshops, hosting visiting artists, and attending conferences such as Michigan Mud and NCECA,” said Myra Maness, KCAD Clay president.

The collective will have a vendor booth at the next three Avenue for the Arts Market selling various ceramic objects. Myra lists cups, mugs, plates, bowls, and vases among the wares that their booth will offer. If a customer is interested in a certain style or color that is not on display, artists are willing to work on customized orders. Additionally, all wares are both microwavable and dishwasher safe.

To learn more about KCAD Clay or how to get involved at the UICA Urban Clay Studio contact Israel Davis at 616 454 7000 x23 or idavis@uica.org

It is my pleasure to introduce to you the music man, all the way from the Avenue for the Arts, downtown Grand Rapids. Corey Ruffin, of Music & Movement, plays basically the entire woodwind family, the sax, flute, clarinet, and also the guitar.  
          
He doesn’t just play instruments; he also teaches lessons, composes and arranges music. Ruffin started playing the clarinet when he was eight years old. He spent 4 years, from 1999-2003, on the road as a musician, he got to play across the United States and also in Europe.
“The average joes inspired me, rather than the big shots.”

 He has been teaching lessons for 4 years one on one lessons, and also “school of rock” lessons. In this he takes a group of kids and helps them make a band, at the end of the lessons they have a “gig”.

 Besides giving lessons Ruffin is also a caricaturist, free-lace illustrator, and creator of the Super Happy Fun Time Burlesque Show. Ruffin created the idea of the show when he returned home in 2003. It is a Vaudeville variety show with a 30 person cast, which tours all over the state and has performed at more than 300 venues. The Super Happy Fun Time Burlesque Show is based out of Grand Rapids, where Ruffin was born and raised. Ruffin uses his live/work space as a rehearsal place for the show. He also uses the space for lessons, and for the yoga classes that his girlfriend, Rachel, teaches.

 Though Grand Rapids challenges Ruffin a lot, “People here think there is nothing more than just Celebration Cinema for entertainment.” But this hasn’t stopped him from doing what he does best, entertain. Ruffin likes living on the Avenue for the Arts because everything is within walking distance and he just enjoys being downtown.

For more information about the Super Happy Fun Time Burlesque, or about Corey Ruffin, visit:                www.superhappyfuntimeburlesque.com
www.enodiamond.com

 

By: Melissa Wassenaar

For Derrick Hollowell, art was already in the family. Hollowell’s mother and uncle were both artists. For Christmas and birthdays he would receive different kinds of art supplies. Hollowell’s expertise is in painting, he started in college when it was mandatory and found out he really enjoyed it. He works in pastels, pencil, charcoal but mainly watercolor. (PICTURES OF WATERCOLOR PIECES) Hollowell’s art consists of mainly portraits that have loose lines, very light paint with striking brush strokes. His work has simplicity yet shows so much. Each piece is different, yet Hollowell’s distinctive style remains.

Hollowell also works in music production and teaches some art workshops with children. When I asked him about living on the Avenue for the Arts he responded saying he thought it was a very interesting concept. “The Avenue is very eclectic, very diverse with all stages of life.” “It’s in the main artery of town”, he continued, “I can see everything from right out of my window.” Hollowell lives in the Martineau Apartments right on South Division; his apartment has a wall of all windows overlooking Division and downtown. While I was talking with Hollowell I noticed the windows and the view, and then I noticed all of the space and all of the paintings that filled it.  (PICTURE OF HIS APARTMENT) Hollowell also added he liked not being so isolated like in a typical neighborhood. He says art can affect our community so much, and there still is so much potential, so much empty space to fill.          “I see the world in an artistic way”
(PICTURE OF DERRICK)

To find out more about Derrick Hollowell and his art, visit myspace.com/hollowellart