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Artist Jeff Kraus explores ambiguity, symbolism in large scale paintings

Submitted 07-22-2015 under LOCAL LIFE

Large-scale abstract paintings of imaginative symbols hiding beneath sweeping brush strokes portray hazy planes of emotion. Jeff Kraus’ work is all but defined by ambiguity. Kraus, a Grand Rapids-based painter and printmaker, creates...

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Local market creates access to fresh food in urban neighborhood

Submitted 07-21-2015 under LOCAL LIFE

Blending groceries with a cause, the Southeast Area Farmer’s Market brings together local vendors and produce to help make natural food more accessible to the area. Located at Garfield Park (2111 Madison SE) on Fridays and the Gerald R. Ford...

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Past the gallery doors: Alternative spaces to find art

Submitted 07-21-2015 under LOCAL LIFE

Whether it be stopping at the stand of a jewelry maker at the farmers market, taking a minute to check out the name of the artists whose painting is hanging on your local coffee shop’s wall, or heading downtown for First Fridays for an entire...

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Annual dog wash benefits grief organization

Submitted 07-17-2015 under LOCAL LIFE

The smell of wet dog wafted over the stands of Fifth Third Ballpark on Sunday, adding to the ambiance of its own Dog Days game. That was thanks to Gilda’s Club’s “World’s Largest Dog Wash,” a benefit for its youth...

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Local writer battling brain cancer seeks help to write his story with Kickstarter campaign

Submitted 07-09-2015 under LOCAL LIFE

A Grand Rapids man with an inoperable brain tumor turned to Kickstarter, an online fundraising service, to help write his life story. David Wenzel, a 33-year-old writer, wants his story to serve as an advisory narrative for the millennial generation...

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Grandwich 2015 sampled: First eight contestants bring few highlights

Submitted 07-09-2015 under LOCAL LIFE

Once again this year, four Rapidian reporters are trying every Grandwich they can in the first week of the competition. The Grandwich competition runs from July 7-24. Top 10 sandwiches are determined by public vote online, with the...

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New pastry shop brings taste of France to Cherry Street

Submitted 07-07-2015 under LOCAL LIFE

East Lansing-based Le Bon Macaron has recently opened its second location in East Hills (951 Cherry Street SE). Macarons, not to be confused with coconut and almond based macaroons, are colorful French pastries (picture a gourmet Oreo-shaped...

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Saint Laurent film to portray life of fashion icon at UICA

Submitted 07-03-2015 under LOCAL LIFE

The UICA will be showing the Saint Laurent film that portrays his life starting July 17 until July 30.  A closer look at the life of Yves Saint Laurent from 1958, when his career first started, to when he met Pierre...

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Three coffee shops, three different enviornments

Submitted 07-03-2015 under LOCAL LIFE

Go Java, MadCap and Mayan Buzz cafe are three different coffee shops that share the similarity of being downtown.  Go Java is in the heart of the arena district, located on 15 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The interior is really...

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Creative space Wisemaker celebrates collaboration of art, environment

Submitted 07-02-2015 under LOCAL LIFE

As an artist, Kelly Allen’s reverence for nature is not only depicted in the artwork she creates but in the materials she chooses and makes available to the community.   Allen, owner of the Wisemaker Creative Reuse Store and Studio,...

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