Grapids Irrigation is located 1170 Plainfield Ave NE, on the corner of Leonard St. and Plainfield. With plenty of free parking its a convenient stop on your way in or out of the city.
Outside of Grapids Irrigation /Courtney Wierzbicki
Circus Train, Michael Riley /Courtney Wierzbicki
The Mind Spa, Klaus Boesch /Courtney Wierzbicki
Grapids Irrigation features the work of ten artists in several different mediums. Formerly the location of the Grand Trunk Railroad Station built in the 1930’s, the venue has a rich history.
Vera Peltonen Bean’s, Plastic Energy is the first visible piece situated just outside the entrance. Created from PVC pipes mounted in a concrete base. The work conveys a sense of movement and energy. The twists and turns of the pipe keep you engaged as your eyes try to follow the continuous PVC pieces.
Inside, Michael Riley’s Circus Train, is constructed with different musical instruments. You could spend hours noticing all the parts and pieces of a clarinet, trumpet and more. Circus Train is a perfect fit, as it pays homage to the building’s history.
The highlight of the venue was Klaus Boesch’s, The Mind Spa. The concept behind this piece was to replicate the soothing effects of sitting in a Jacuzzi at a mountain retreat. Five panes of glass create a panoramic view resembling from mountains. Each pane is filled with sand, water and air, that continuously shifts and changes as the sand slowly falls from the top to the bottom. When all the sand settles at the bottom, the glass panels rotate to start the process all over again. The movement of the sand falling through the water is mesmerizing and relaxing. While standing inside of the half circle you feel surrounded and the soft noise of waves crashing against a beach creates an atmosphere that is truly tranquil.
There are many works of art that are left unnoticed by many as they are displayed at venues that are outside of Grand Rapid’s center city. If you have time I highly recommend checking out the ten talented artists that are shown at Grapids Irrigation
Grapids Irrigation is located 1170 Plainfield Ave NE, on the corner of Leonard St. and Plainfield. With plenty of free parking its a convenient stop on your way in or out of the city.
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