What would happen if you devoted a whole weekend to the exploration, education, and implementation of your creative spirit?
Well, as luck would have it, you are about to find out via three completely unrelated events arriving on the arts scene this weekend in a rare aligning-of-the-stars opportunity.
To start the weekend off, you are invited to see the area’s oldest open studio,
The Tanglefoot Building, Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
Patrons will have a chance to explore many artists' spaces (including my own) in this historic building originally known for making the Tanglefoot Flypaper over 100 years ago. This heavy foot traffic event in the warehouse is celebrating 21 years of being open to the public, making it the longest running open studio event in the city of Grand Rapids.
On Saturday, you are encouraged to get a healthy dose of DIY or DIT (as in Do It Yourself or Together) at the return of the 2nd annual
Sass Fest, an event curated by artist and choreographer Marlee Grace, whose event not only showcases the work of area artisans and craftspeople, but gives people a chance to try their hand at making something via the workshops presented by the participating artists of Sass Fest.
This series of workshops includes topics like zine creation, booking successful house shows, and printmaking.
This free event is sure to spark your inner creative spirit. As the holidays are upon us, creating something unique and from you is sure to please and have more meaning than just another scarf from the mall.
“I created this festival not as a way to just promote another market driven by consumerism,” says Grace, “but also as a place where a community of creatives could show people who are into DIY or DIT ways they can revisit the art of the handmade object or creation through the upcycling of materials.”
The event and workshops presented throughout Saturday are free.
Finally, on Sunday, you can complete your art weekend at this month's
Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, the local chapter of the international art school that has been turning art classes on their heads for years.
This month’s model is Miranda Sharp, a vibrant fine artist and illustrator on the GR arts scene, whose touch leaves the colors of the rainbow with everything she creates. Think of her as visual sugar and on this night, she will no doubt deliver a live version of her Glucose Girls.
The night is full of prizes, music remixed by Chris Eddy, and a delightful array of drinks from The Rezervoir Lounge staff (formally Sazerac Lounge).
The
event is hosted each month by headmistress Vivacious Miss Audacious along with comic Sarah Jean Anderson, who remind us that no skills are necessary, but do bring a pad of paper and some pencils or pastels for class.
It is always an uproarious good time at Dr. Sketchy’s and after a weekend of art viewing, DIY instruction, and creation, you will be happy to be in a cozy neighborhood pub where a good time is always on the menu.
Admission: Tanglefoot Building: Free / Sass 2: Free / Dr. Sketchy's: $10 (18+ older event)