UICA prepares for spring season loaded with conversations around guns, Pantone colors, local artists

Coming Home, a series of exhibitions featuring works by emerging and established Michigan artists, is now on view at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. Coming Home features work by artists who are from Michigan, are currently based in Michigan, or have spent a considerable amount of time in Michigan during the course of their careers. Currently on view are Matt Schenk, Aj Cooke, Eric German, Lydia Boda and others.

In March, the community can look forward to one of UICA’s most anticipated events. Live Coverage, presented by Wolverine Worldwide, returns on March 11 with a few changes and, true to UICA form, with a couple of surprises sure to delight. The annual fundraising event is just $10 for UICA members and $25 for non-members, and features regional artists creating work live on-site that is auctioned off that night, and a performance from the Go Rounds, food, and a cash bar. Advance tickets are now available.

This spring The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) will present "UNLOADED," a traveling exhibition which explores the historical and social issues surrounding the availability, use and impact of guns on culture. UICA joins a global conversation with its presentation of "UNLOADED," which features a variety of work by both nationally and internationally recognized artists with a diverse range of perspectives. The exhibition kicks off with an opening reception on March 31.

Later, UICA will present Color of the Year, an original exhibition of experimental works that will each utilize the 2016 PANTONE® Color of the Year as a point of departure and as a major component of execution. This group show also recognizes the influence that fine art has on the realms of fashion, beauty, interiors, graphic design, and industrial design. Color of the Year will lead viewers on a journey from inspiration to realization with work by local, national and international artists and artisans. The opening reception is scheduled for April 9 in conjunction with Art.Downtown presented by Avenue for the Arts. The evening features roaming docents, a first look at the exhibition and free admission.

As always, the UICA Movie Theater is on the cutting edge of cinema and has a suite of films from Oscar Nominated Shorts to indie films and new releases. The UICA Movie Theater is the only film theater located in downtown Grand Rapids, MI and shows independent, foreign and documentary movies Tuesday–Sunday year round.

To learn more about UICA’s upcoming events, films, programming and exhibitions, visit our website.