One of the most wonderful aspects of Grand Rapids' art scene is the creative exploration being presented on a regular basis in Heartside's Avenue for the Arts.
The annual trial and error summer event, The Market, has been many things and many times presented over the years. Finally, after years of extensive work via feedback sessions with artists, the Avenue has found that two is the magic number for Market events over the course of the summer.
In June, they hosted their first Market. On Saturday, July 13, art lovers and fans of live music are again encouraged to stop by to see a wide array of items created by the hands of our local artisans.
"We are most excited for this next market as we have a fresh bunch of artists who have never exhibited before at The Market," says Taylor Greenfield, who plans this event with fellow Avenue for the Arts Market coordinator Jess Hacker. "We have also made changes in the music, selecting acts that understand that the artisans and patrons of the street enjoy the busker-like participatory activities combined with a chill atmosphere that allows the individual visiting to really engage with the community."
There will even be a few fresh faces on the street and in the storefronts, so be sure to pop inside any one of the many live/work spaces along the avenue. Musical guests include Wazobia (drums), Amanda Anthony (Bellydance), KamiNari (Electric), Jake Stilson (Acoustic), and FreddyFresh (Hip Hop).
And if you are an artist who has always wanted to have a space to exhibit, Greenfield says there is still time to get in the game.
"We have a lot of artists who will register as late as 11 a.m. the day of the show," says Greenfield. "If you have $35, some art, a table, water, and a buddy to relieve you for breaks on this long day, then we have some space still open for other artists to join us."
While Avenue Artists has been a phrase attributed until recently to those who lived, worked, and set up shop on the corridor, the focus of this new Dwelling Place project has shifted this year with a call to other artists and supporters to join this eclectic bunch.
By extending membership beyond their neighborhood boundaries, they are bringing people together by creating opportunities for local artists to showcase their work at any one of the various art-focused markets, including The Market, as well as online.
Editor's note: Your membership to the Avenue for the Arts gets you a lot, including a year's worth of booth space access at The Market as well as the ability to attend the many informational classes and seminars they host throughout the year. Additionally, membership offers a personal web presence with images on the Avenue's artist/supporter directory. It is easy to see why this creative offer has already attracted more than 150 members since launching in the spring of 2013.
Admission: Free. (If you enjoy the Avenue, then come back on Tueday to experience cultural hit Sacred Candy at Mexicains Sans Frontieres. Details can be found on the event's
Facebook Page.)