Sunday Paper: Preserving art in sacred spaces, bringing symphony to casual places, slowing down to draw in nature
There are plenty of opportunities to experience new and ongoing exhibitions and events all around the city. Catch up on the week’s conversations in the arts + get a full run-down of your opportunities to get cultured in the upcoming week.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Local Jewish temple filled with art honors creation, preservation
The first of a series on religious art in Grand Rapids, writer John Kissane and photographer Eric Tank explore the art of Temple Emanuel, the oldest Jewish congregation in the city, including a highly regarded three-dimensional Tiffany window.
“The mural is a series of painted panels: crowns, suns, Hebrew lettering, swirls. Gold, white, and brown dominate. The overall impression is of warmth and peace; if art is that which allows us to put down the ephemeral and contemplate the eternal, it is inarguably art.” -John Kissane
Read the full article + see all of the photos here.
LaFontsee Galleries prepares for second chance to see artist demonstrations
This July 28, head to their Douglas location to see sculptors Cara O’Brien and David Huang at work during a special free event.
We love these artist demonstration events—meet the artists, get to know the gallerists, and watch incredible art being made before your eyes. And right at the lakeshore, where you can get dinner and see the sunset over Lake Michigan to top off your night? It’s pretty much a perfect summer day in Michigan.
Get all the information about next Saturday’s event here.
Outdoor symphony series pops with three dynamic maestros
A casual outdoor experience of familiar favorites at the Classical Fireworks concert kicked off the Picnic Pops season with Grand Rapids Symphony.
“The Cannonsburg Ski Area hill bustled with people young and old who had set up chairs, laid out blankets, and brought their own food and beverages. Musicians of the Grand Rapids Symphony, while the audience settled in, warmed up inside the large band shell in which they would perform.” -Tasman Mattox
Read the full article about the experience here.
Art classes cultivate appreciation for outdoors, creativity
Blandford Nature Center’s new painting, drawing, and children’s workshops are aimed at those hoping to experiment with art and spend time outside. The next workshop is this Thursday, July 26.
“I just wanted to educate, share, and show people that being outside is exciting,” Morgan Denison, the instructor for the workshops at Blandford says. “In a day of technology and fast paces, we just need to stop, be outside, observe our environment, and be still.”
Read the full story + get a rundown of workshops coming up here.
WHAT NOT TO MISS THIS WEEK
UICA: Last week to see Pantone Color of the Year, through July 29. Read our article about the exhibition here, and our interview with Insta-famous painter Heather Day, whose 95-foot-long mural can be seen from the street, here.
Grand Rapids Symphony’s Picnic Pops series continues, with “Beethoven v Colplay” this weekend. Read what the experience is like and get a full rundown of events here.
Grand Valley State University galleries now have four new art exhibitions, showcasing everything from global travels to plastination. Details on all four shows here. Also at GVSU: two separate concerts as part of their free International Carillon Concert Series.
“Fool for Love” opens at Heritage Theatre this Thursday, and runs through August 4. Get your tickets here, and watch for our review of the play by Sam Shepherd next weekend.
“School of Rock” and “Little Women” both open at Civic Theatre this weekend. Running through August 5, so don’t delay in planning your visit—with kids in tow!—to Civic. Learn all about it here.
“Fun Home” at Circle Theatre runs through July 28. This Tony Award-winning musical is making its Michigan community theatre debut right here in GR. Read the glowing review on culturedGR right here. Tickets here.
Circle Theatre’s series of summer concerts on Monday nights continues with “Silver Screen” this Monday, a celebration of Academy Award-winning songs. Learn all about it here, and then get your tickets here.
This Wednesday, join Solstice Handmade to learn the basics of block printing at Lions & Rabbits.
Light Gallery’s workshops provide a variety of ways to get creative again, whether you’re a novice or an experienced artist. This week: Kokeama (Moss Ball) Workshop on Tuesday, Modern Calligraphy + Sign Workshop on Wednesday, and Wall Tapestry Weaving Workshop on Thursday. Read what the experience is like with this article by our editor.
Your Monday nights should be picnicking on the lawn of Ah Nab Awen with the West Michigan Jazz society for Jazz in the Park, free every Monday night through August. This week: Micheal Doyle — Evidence. Next week: John Proulx Trio.
“Christmas in July” BOGO tickets are still on sale with the Grand Rapids Ballet for their seasonal favorite, the “Nutcracker.” This special deal is just for one mroe week— it runs through July 29. All the details right here.
Stellar exhibits at the Grand Rapids Art Museum include Oswaldo Vigas, Anila Quayyum Agha, and Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, through August.
Also! While the Grand Rapids Art Museum is open for free this Thursday night, you can enjoy their GRAM on the Green free outdoor concert series, complete with food trucks and a cash bar. This week: Fauxgrass.
The incredible Masayuki Koorida exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is up in the galleries (along with a temporary sculpture & his permanent sculptures outside) through August 19.
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