Featured Stories

Drawing inspiration: West Michigan artists find their own ways to integrate technology

By Matthew Russell Thursday, August 10, 2017

Whether you find them doodling on a tablet in your nearest coffee shop, or laying out a project in a fully equipped studio, modern illustrators are able to leverage the same tools to broadcast their message and expose new people to their art.

ArtPrize, Arts & Culture, Design, Talent & Tech, Technology, Urban Innovation Exchange

Creston-Cheshire

Michael Nÿkamp (Steve and Yangs Fellow award ceremony portraits)

A mentor's role in design: Sitting down with Yang Kim and Steve Frykholm

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing Editor Thursday, August 10, 2017

As part of our design issue, Rapid Growth Managing Editor Lauren Carlson sat down with long-time collaborators and friends Yang Kim and Steve Frykholm. Kim and Frykholm discuss what they've learned from each other, how design has changed, tech's role in the industry, and working within the West Michigan design community.

Design

8 amazing West Michigan illustrators that you've probably never heard of

By Dan Treul Thursday, August 10, 2017

Their work ranging from children’s books to corporate ad campaigns, West Michigan is home to a diverse community of professional illustrators. Drawing upon the region’s rich cultural history and natural landscape, as well as artifacts and memories of their travels beyond, each of these area illustrators is making a distinctive contribution to West Michigan’s colorful legacy of design.

Arts & Culture, Design

Rapid Blog: Building an illustration community

By The Illustration League (Lucy Engelman, Alysha Lach, Michael Nÿkamp, Jason Rood) Thursday, August 10, 2017

Your surroundings are filled with illustrations; children's books, logos, advertisements, magazines, and banners on Google. These images are produced by illustrators. So, what is an illustrator? The newly formed Illustration League defines the title, and fills us in on the challenges facing those in the industry.

Arts & Culture, Design, Rapid Blog

RapidChat: Lance Hohaia

Jenna Morton Thursday, August 03, 2017

Back in 2002, New Zealand native, Lance Hohaia, catapulted into his professional rugby career at the early age of 19. Since his retirement (nearly three years ago), his transition back into the "real world" has come with its own unique set of ups and downs. Thankfully for him, his journey back to Grand Rapids with his family is proving to be a positive one.

Choosing Michigan, RapidChat, Sports & Recreation

Farmers find out more about what's happening in their fields with drones

By Mark Wedel Thursday, August 03, 2017

Today's tech-savvy farmers find out more about their fields and crops from high-flying drones.

Agricultural Economy, Technology

Children and providers at Grand Rapids's newest learning laboratory

These 3 new Michigan childcare centers offer the most advanced facilities for children — and adults

By Claire Charlton Thursday, August 03, 2017

Childcare centers are becoming much more than just a place to drop off kids. We look at three Michigan facilities that widen their reach to provide quality experiences for families, caregivers, and entire communities.

Education

What's next for pot? State laws, local scale, and who's saying what in the marijuana industry

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing Editor Thursday, August 03, 2017

Recent statewide initiatives continue to further support for the issue, even while local law enforcement cracks down on purveyors. With such a muddled playing field, what's next for pot in Grand Rapids? Who are the experts and what do they have to say about the future of marijuana in Michigan?

Business Development, Government, Pharmaceutical

Making it in GR: More diversity in tech means starting with education

By Allison Spooner Thursday, July 27, 2017

As the tech industry grows in Grand Rapids, the tech talent pool needs to grow too. Adding more talent to the pool means getting educational opportunities to new communities and creating more diverse tech culture.

Education, Making it in Grand Rapids, Talent & Tech, Technology

Turning the tide: Red Project fights HIV, overdose, and stigma amid national health crisis

By Dan Treul Thursday, July 27, 2017

Today, the Red Project offers direct service in six western Michigan counties (Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon, Lake, Mason and Oceana) as well as technical assistance statewide. The organization employs 18 full-time staff and is supported by a growing network of volunteers. Many are former clients themselves.

Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit, Transformational change, Volunteerism

Eastown

UIX: The oldest native plants in West Michigan still play an important role

By Matthew Russell Thursday, July 27, 2017

Nearly the entirety of the Grand Rapids area is either developed with housing, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, or was cleared in the early-mid 1800s for crops and pasture, but the plants that remain and surround our city tell a different story.

Environment, Greater Lakes, Greenspace

Red Project Ride Along VIDEO

By Adam Bird Thursday, July 27, 2017

Ride along with the Grand Rapids Red Project to learn more about the staff and volunteers working to provide aid for drug users and work toward overdose prevention in our community.

Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit, Transformational change, Volunteerism

Eastown

Not your average student: Colleges and nonprofits prep workers for construction trades

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing Editor Thursday, July 27, 2017

Despite shifting with technology and the economy, construction is a sector that remains constant in one vital area: the need for professional, skilled workers. Here in West Michigan, various programs offer training, either traditional or extraordinary, that equips those interested in construction with the skills necessary to enter the industry.

Building Grand Rapids, Construction, Education

Incubator kitchens help launch new Michigan food businesses

By Sue Stuever Battel Thursday, July 20, 2017

A small commercial kitchen equipped with the basics could cost $50,000, beyond the reach of most beginning food business owners. Luckily, food incubators across the state give them a place for their businesses to grow.

Food, Small Business

RapidChat: Natalie Topalian

Jenna Morton Thursday, July 20, 2017

"How do I distinguish myself in a saturated market?" Unfortunately, there will never be a one-size-fits-all solution to this ever- evolving writing dilemma. Of course, there are ways you can set yourself up for success none the less. Junior Copywriter at The Image Shoppe, Natalie Topalian speaks to some of ways she has been able to cut through the clutter and assert herself as a cheeky young writer.

Advertising, RapidChat