Call it Grand Rapids’ version of L.A.’s Art Walk, but just do not miss Art.Downtown — a massive, one-day-only event with more than 40 venues of the most important art you might see all year.
Yes, the most important because, unlike any other event in our city, this event that is locally organized and curated to the powers of volunteers and local artisans has risen to become the go-to event of the year for local artists.
Lacking a fraction of a budget that other festivals in our city can offer a project, this one has increasingly grown in stature each year, making it one of my absolutely favorite events in the city.
And while organizers would not play along with my constant asking what the best venues not to miss are, I have pulled together a few that you should add to your “Don’t Miss” list this Friday.
Gallery Spiral's will feature a series of works from Flint artists in a show appropriately titled, “Pure Flint.” This exhibition presents the works of artists from a Flint arts collective and reflects not just the culture of this city but investigates the relationship of art and artists to the current state of the city.
Looking for something to pick up and take home immediately? Then you must visit the Heartside Gallery, where they will release a coloring book (and gallery director Sarah Scott is celebrating her last day at this iconic gallery space).
Other venues to seriously consider visiting are: Lemonpepper at the Harris Building, Feminine Articulation at 122 South Division, curator Kate Lewis’ latest exhibition at the Neighbor Gallery, Unloaded at the UICA, a special DAAC Open House, and, of course, Site:Lab’s Rumsey Street — where they are debuting six new group exhibitions, including the much anticipated “Parallel Positions.”
If you are worried about driving, there will be a free trolley system rolling on this day to ensure you can get to all the venues and pop-up galleries.
If you are the type of person who wants to ensure you see it all on Saturday then you will want to access this easy to navigate
Art.Downtown map that you can print or run off your handheld device. Sorry, there is nothing for your AppleWatch this year.
Admission: Free