It is hard to imagine that it has been 10 years since a group of artists got together to create the Free Radical Gallery event in Grand Rapids.
And what made this event unique 10 years ago from where we are today is that at this period of time, there seemed to be no shortage of empty storefronts that artists would inhabit for a one-night-only gallery show that sought not only to showcase the work of local artists, but bring people into parts of the city that few dared to tread.
On the occasion of their tenth year, the Avenue for the Arts, a local arts initiative that grew out of the neighborhood stabilizing power of the FRG movement, will return to Division Avenue for a special two-part event held over two Friday nights.
FRG, Part One takes place on Friday, October 26 with a total of 192 artists displaying their work in various storefronts, studios, or open live/work spaces along this historic district devoted to the creative spirit of our city. The spaces are being curated at level never seen before. A complete list is on the FRG site.
For FRG, Part Two, the organizers have assembled documenters to create dialogue around the shows that will be explored on Friday, Nov. 2 in a bevy of innovative presentations at the various venues. This is a very differentiating approach to the norm of the gallery and art festival scene we have known for some time. It is a welcome addition in creating greater intellectual capital in our arts scene.
An added benefit this year is that FRG is offering guided tours of the spaces on Friday, Nov. 2. Be sure to purchase this in advance to guarantee the ultimate insider’s tour of this very emblematic arts event.
Admission: Free, tour prices posted on the website.
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