Situated almost perfectly at the halfway point to ArtPrize is the smaller but no less important arts event, Art.Downtown. And while the city may not look as festive without banners and flyers on every corner, this free, one-night event is all about our local artists, organized by artists and art-lovers alike.
With more than 40 exhibitions taking place in galleries, live-work spaces, and even restaurants, this night on the town is truly an overnight explosion of art that is not to be missed.
When I spoke with organizer Jenn Schaub of Dwelling Place about the biggest changes, she was quick to reply that this is the biggest, most organized event they have hosted yet, with over 10 more spaces than last year.
When pressed about what we should make a point to see, she offered this quick and easy list for those looking for the insider experience:
1.) A special $8
artist-led walking tour of some of the most exciting spaces on the map will begin at the Grand Rapids Art Museum at 7:30 p.m. Wear comfortable shoes and maybe pack a protein bar. This is the ticket for the ultimate insiders experience of Art. Downtown. Space is limited.
2.) The urban center visionary will want to stop by
Generation X & Y for Michigan’s space, which features art from a local high school who worked in collaboration with area artists Javon Borst, Albert Garcia, Andrea Hines, Kathryn Waterson, and Teresa Zbiciak to produce this exhibit. If you want to see one way to help retain local kids after they graduate from school up close, then the Generation X & Y space is the place to be. This is truly a clever way to break down barriers and create new pathways to our vibrant downtown.
3.) Fans of dance will not be disappointed by the break-dancers in the parking lot just outside and south of the 106 Building (at 106 S. Division Ave). These dancers will be coming in from their rehearsal space at the Grandville Avenue for the Arts. (It if rains, they will perform at Vito’s space on the top floor of the 106 Building.)
4.) Lastly, if heady and heavy performance art is your cup of art tea, then head to The DAAC where you can witness a powerhouse of live art devoted to the victims of gun violence by Ritsu Katsumata, Hugo Claudin, and Melissa Arpin Duimstra. With these three strong voices in our community working in close collaboration, this is sure to be one of the most memorable moments of the night. A new performance begins every 20 minutes from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
For all your options, be sure to visit Art.Downtown's site,
artdowntowngr.com