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Artist reflects on ArtPrize experience

Submitted 11-02-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

ArtPrize ended almost a month ago. The monkeys are off the Blue Bridge, Rusty the dog went back to his rusty dog house and most venues have restored their businesses free from ArtPrize artwork. But the memories of this year's Artpize still hang...

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Lounge act

Submitted 11-02-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

October 29, 2011 marked the last “hurrah” for Bridge Street icon Monte's Lounge. Though the bar may have shuttered its door as the last revelers staggered out into the brisk October evening, they will soon re-open, but under the...

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Taming the "Green Booger"

Submitted 11-02-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

The story of a problem property on an otherwise peaceful block has been told time and time again. The house that has loud parties, drug activities, and “riff-raff” as my dad used to say, plague the rest of neighbors. One strategy that...

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Grand Rapidians celebrate Day of the Dead

Submitted 10-27-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

Day of the Dead, despite its somber name, is a big, colorful and fun celebration of life. Each year on November 1 to 2, Mexicans, Mexican Americans and an increasing number of everyone else enjoy remembering loved ones who have died.  Eva...

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Swing Society brings social opportunities to Grand Rapids

Submitted 10-25-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

Every Tuesday night, young adults all over Grand Rapids descend on downtown for a night of socializing and dancing courtesy of Grand Rapids Original Swing Society (GROSS). GROSS meets on Tuesday nights at Rosa Parks Circle, Grand Rapids Public...

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Artists showcase work in local downtown resale shop

Submitted 10-25-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

You might be surprised to walk into a women’s resale clothing store on a Friday evening and find not just fashionable used clothing, but also art, appetizers, and a crowd of art enthusiasts. However, if you are walking into downtown's...

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Spirits and Wine Author Reads at Schuler Books

Submitted 10-17-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

One might think to write a mystery book, you'd need to read a few mystery books. Not the case with Susan Newhof: she's more of a science fiction reader, and the oddities of that genre provided the groundwork she needed to write a mystery....

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Fork Fest 2011: Local First's moveable feast, close to home

Submitted 10-14-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

“At home I serve the kind of food I know the story behind.” ~ Michael Pollan   Food activist Michael Pollan isn't alone: knowing the story behind the food we eat is important to a growing number of Grand Rapidians as well, as...

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Grand Rapids native teaches West African dance

Submitted 10-13-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

Grand Rapids native Jewellynne Richardson, 43, spent eight years in Atlanta learning West African dances such as Kakilambe, a traditional dance that calls on the healing spirit of the Kakilambe during harvest time. Now she wants the West Michigan...

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Save The Space: Mexicains Sans Frontieres fundraiser event

Submitted 10-12-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

Mexicians Sans Frontieres (MSF), an amorphous, avant garde artspace and music venue, celebrates their sixth year on Division Avenue with a special fundraising event titled “Save the Space; Viva MSF!” on Friday, October 14th at 9 pm. A...

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