Opened 30 years ago to meet a personal need, A.K. Rikk's is now a premier men’s and women’s boutique. Working as a family, the team prides itself on providing personalized, welcoming experiences to their clients. Serving individuals well beyond the Grand Rapids City limits, they are looking to even greater heights as they plan for the future.

"We're not putting any of our resources into preserving the past," says Urban Institute of Contemporary Art Executive Director Miranda Krajniak. Celebrate 40 years with the UICA, the cornerstone of artistic experimentation in Grand Rapids.

"As I look on to the time ahead with Rapid Growth but also as a citizen of this city, I pledge to be a better listener, since it is clear that now is the time to engage in dialogue, not retreat in silence." - Publisher Tommy Allen.

Two Grand Rapids projects just received funding from the Michigan Good Food Fund, a $30 million public-private loan fund that finances good food businesses that increase access to affordable, healthy food in Michigan’s underserved communities.

This week's Rapid Blog comes to us from Steve Fridsma, curator at Monroe Community Church, which has served as an ArtPrize venue since its inception. Fridsma explore's the church's evolution as a public art space, and how the congregation uses art to connect to its community.

Compost and recyclable materials are being diverted from local landfills by individuals both looking for a chance to win free concert merch, and those who have a true understanding of environmental responsibility. Either way it’s inspiring.