profile
Journalism in the age of ArtPrize
by (Chelsea Best)
Submitted 11-01-2018 under LOCAL LIFE
Ellie Williams, contributing writer for Chron, defines a journalist as someone who "educate[s] the public about events and issues and how they affect their lives." There are always new events and happenings in the Grand Rapids area for...
Meet Civic Investor Jenn Schaub: Working to engage all community members at the Avenue
by (Kiran Sood Patel)
Submitted 04-13-2017 under VOICES
Since The Rapidian was founded on September 15, 2009, dozens of nonprofit organizations throughout the community have published articles and stories. Avenue for the Arts is an organization that has truly seized on the opportunity to share its...
Meet Civic Investor Paola Mendivil: Champion of Grand Rapids, Latina community
by (Kiran Sood Patel)
Submitted 04-10-2017 under VOICES
Born and raised in Mexico City, Paola Mendivil came to Tijuana, Baja California when she was 12. She attended high school there before dropping out. At age 17, her family came to Grand Rapids. “My family and I came to Grand Rapids not knowing...
Local playwright talks Lake Effect Fringe Festival and more
by (brittany.devon)
Submitted 02-09-2017 under LOCAL LIFE
The Lake Effect Fringe Festival is a great way to showcase the original works written by local community members here in Grand Rapids. Original work is gaining momentum, and Dog Story Theater supports this to its fullest extent. LEFF is showcasing...
East Hills chef reflects on community involvement, experience in global cooking
by (HGrzych)
Submitted 04-15-2014 under LOCAL LIFE
Chef Roman Petrack was born in New Zealand, grew up in the Netherlands and has worked in several countries across the world. His experience in restaurants and as a personal chef within these cultures gives him a dynamic perspective on food and...
Joan Wolfe: The Legacy of WMEAC's Founder
by (WMEAC)
Submitted 11-06-2013 under NONPROFITS
Anyone who has visited the page for WMEAC’s Annual Meeting (and if you haven’t, you should) has seen a woman in a black-and-white picture as part of the event’s flier. The picture is of Joan Wolfe, who founded WMEAC back in 1968 on...
Young painter shares unique approach to painting, thoughts on art
by (empichot)
Submitted 07-17-2013 under NEWS
“Painting is this magical thing,” says Jeff Kraus. “I think people fantasize painters, or something. They’re like creating these masterpieces.” Standing in his warehouse studio on Godfrey, I am surrounded by Kraus...
Local artist builds community through 3D art
by (empichot)
Submitted 07-11-2013 under NEWS
On the corner of Cherry and Eastern, there’s a little pink building. That’s where Mark Rumsey works and where the East Hills Council of Neighbors convenes. This may not be the place you’d think an artist would work, but it’s...
Con Artist Crew brings activism, visionaries to art scene
by (empichot)
Submitted 07-09-2013 under NEWS
Vivid black and white painted walls greet me as I enter the Con Artist Crew gallery space one afternoon. Despite the distraction of noisy traffic outside and the loud, color-rich art that adorn the walls, the soft-spoken voices of Magdalene Law and...
"Lost and Found:" curious green artist makes art from trash
by (empichot)
Submitted 06-24-2013 under NEWS
If you happen to be reading this at midnight, Tia Wierenga is probably just finishing up work at the Gerald Ford Airport. She works there six days out of the week from 6 p.m. to midnight lifting heavy boxes and containers into the planes in the...