It is hard to imagine that when Reb Roberts placed his “Center of the Universe” art piece on the fence of a vacant lot at the corner of Lake and Diamond that we would see in our lifetime a complete revitalization built almost entirely around an artist’s vision.
But this is what has happened, as this corner sign became just the spark needed to get residents of the city to begin to visualize a community reborn.
And while it takes a village to make change happen as it has for East Hills over the 40-year evolution of this now much-desired neighborhood, it is fitting that this summer, local neighborhood eatery Mangiamo, with its giant lawn and picturesque tree-lined property, would host a new art fair. Big Bang will feature the work of more than 40 local artists, including Roberts, just a few steps from where he placed his prophetic sign decades ago.
Roberts claims that when he and his wife, Carmella, were asked to create a new art festival, the first suggested location was Grand Haven. But through the lobbying of Roberts and Carmella, they were able to enlist a few of artist friends to create the first arts festival of this size in this neighborhood.
One can expect to see and meet up with familiar artists like Roberts, Duimstra and Warmenhoven (who both acted as organizers as well), but Big Bang will also feature artists Melissa Duimstra, Marie Couretas, Stafford Smith, Lucas Duimstra, Farrer Coston, Chris Protos, Jeff Gendron, Donna Collins, Jerry Berta, Madeline Kazmarzyk, John Hopson, Henry Brown, Josh Duimstra, John Guerin, Matt Voight, Mark Bird, Randy Smith, Jamie VanEizenga, Kathlene Harrigan, Sinister, Dennis Olejartzyk, Tonia Hauser, Amy Armstrong, Bob Chavarria, Chloe Viening Butler, Amber Gerrard, Jon Bouck, Jack Eppinga, Louise Hopson, Ian Whittemore and many more representing Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Grand Haven and Detroit.
The Beerhorst family’s Wonder Wagon will roll down Lake Drive and set up shop for a diverse program from the city’s favorite arts family with musical guest appearances by Karisa Wilson, Rebecka Rys and many other surprise musicians who will jam throughout this two-day event.
The artwork will be diverse, with mediums including sculpture, collage, screen prints, pottery and, of course, plenty of paintings scattered throughout this spacious venue.
After looking at art, there is outdoor seating just a few steps away on Mangiamo’s patios where an ice cold mojito or a local craft beer is just an order away.
Don’t forget to playfully banter the event’s name, Big Bang, which is sure to make even your most intelligent design fan/friends give up a chuckle. Lighten up, it's all good in the ‘hood.
Admission: Free
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