Community Updates: Friday, September 16

Art Prize Begins in Grand Rapids + City of Grand Rapids Announces Additional Events

As of Thursday, ArtPrize 2022 has officially begun in Grand Rapids -- with an official opening ceremony scheduled to take place on Friday, September 16. For the next 17 days, residents and tourists alike will make their way through downtown to view and vote on hundreds of art pieces submitted by artists all over the world. However, in a press release sent out on September 14, the City of Grand Rapids is reminding ArtPrize attendees that there will be numerous other cultural events taking place across the city in the coming weeks.

Foodies might consider making their way to Lookout Park for Tour de Food Trucks on Thursday, September 22. Music lovers might mark their calendars for the Grand Rapids African American Art and Music Festival that will be taking place at Studio Park on Saturday, September 17. Dancers might attend a Tuesday Night Swing Dancing event at Rosa Parks Circle while beer enthusiasts make their way to Riverside Park for Oktoberfest GR on September 23 & 24. There will also be art workshops, comedy shows, and more for people to enjoy. According to the city's press release, "there is something for everyone."

The City of Grand Rapids is excited about these additional events. City Manager Mark Washington made the following statement in Wednesday's release:

"While all eyes will be on the art during ArtPrize, Grand Rapids is proud to team with our many community partners to offer a myriad of events and activities that will give the community an opportunity to come together to celebrate and have fun. These events are vital because they create a sense of community by building social, emotional, and physical connections. When events happen, our city is vibrant, tourists visit, residents engage, and our local economy thrives -- bringing more than $33 million worth of economic impact to the region."

For a full list of the events taking place in Grand Rapids alongside ArtPrize, please see the press release sent out by the City of Grand Rapids or visit Experience Grand Rapids' website here.

Grand Rapids Public Museum to Hold New Series of Classes in October

Starting on Saturday, October 1, the Grand Rapids Public Museum will be holding a series of "Saturday Investigation Classes" for both children (8+) and adults within the community. Erin Koren, Director of Education at the GRPM, made the following statement in a press release that was sent out on Wednesday:

"Our popular Saturday Investigations are back this fall to give curious learners the opportunity to dive deeper into science and history, through hands-on activities and brand new technology-rich experiences. These small classes allow our talented educators to fully engage with all participants and share their passion for joyful, interdisciplinary learning."

Tickets for the classes are $2 plus the cost of general admission to the museum. They will occur every Saturday morning until October 22 -- allowing learners to explore all four sessions:

• AR Time Travelers (October 1; 10:15am - 11:30am)
• Art + Inspiration (October 8; 10:15am - 11:30am)
• Amazing Adaptations (October 15; 10:15am - 11:30am)
• What's in your River? (October 22; 10:15am - 11:30am)

For more information, visit the GRPM's website here. 

Also in the News:

• Hispanic Heritage Month officially began on Thursday, September 15. The Grand Rapids Public Library will be hosting a number of events in celebration.

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