An Art Guide From Around Heartside: Part I

One important distinction of the Cathedral Square venue is its presence and connection with the surrounding Heartside Neighborhood. The story of Heartside is one of cultural endowment, replenished commerce and compassionate residents. Today, it provides an environment where artists can flourish and people in need can seek assistance from a mixture of upstanding community services. Heartside is also home to The HUB @ 41 Sheldon, a.k.a. ArtPrize headquarters.

In 2005, a group of residential, commercial, and nonprofit groups joined forces to create “Avenue for the Arts,” a vibrant section of the South Division commercial corridor. Avenue for the Arts helps sustain artists’ ambitions by developing public projects including locally-crafted murals, creative student works, and installations in vacant storefronts.

With a focus on Heartside and its perpetuating growth as a branch of Grand Rapids, it is of interest to highlight experiences around the corner that not only culminate with ArtPrize at Cathedral Square but also build awareness around a prominent cultural staple for the city. Here is a brief list of upcoming art and community events in the downtown area and around Heartside:

June 2-Aug 31: Dream It, Build It: A LEGO Certified Professional Exhibit. Showcasing 13 LEGO brick recreations of famous architectural structures, such as Burj Dubai and the Empire State Building. As part of the exhibit, a scale model of the Van Andel Museum Center building will be created. Also includes areas where visitors can create their own brick masterpieces. Grand Rapids Public Museum, June-August, museum costs and hours of operation apply

Wed, June 4, 11, 18, & 25: Coffee with Creators. An early morning casual meetup for anyone interested in technology, design and business, on all levels. Stop by The Factory, grab some Rowsters on the house, and stay connected with your community. The Factory, every Wednesday, 7:30-8:30am

Wed, June 4, 11, 18, & 25: GR Makers Weekly Social. An open community lab incorporating elements of a machine shop, workshop and design studio. In this FREE community event, members work on projects that range from industrial to fine arts. Three key goals are enabling personal expression, providing versatile education and supporting education. GR Makers, 401 Hall St., every Wednesday, 8pm-midnight

Thur, June 5, 12, 19, & 26: Thursday Nights at GRAM. Featuring galleries open late and live piano music. Admission to exhibits and Friday Night Conversations: collaborations with other local artists and organizations (e.g., gallery talks, presentations, demonstrations). GRAM, every Thursday, 5-9pm. $8.00 admission, GRAM members FREE

Fri, June 6: The Market on First Fridays. Featuring a gallery and shop hop that exhibits artwork at a variety of indoor sites. Meanwhile, the sidewalks will be flooded with artist vendors, performances and entertainment along South Division (between Fulton and Cherry). This FREE event showcases the work of local artists and artisans with a wide selection of handmade goods. Heartside District, South Division St., 5-9pm

Fri, June 6: MidCentury Alchemy and COMMIX Exhibition. Multidisciplinary exhibition of contemporary street art and graphics on the first floor and lower level of the UICA. This FREE event will comprise a national network of artists and feature work that contains elements of nature, landscape, color and form. UICA, 6-9pm

Fri, June 6-Sun, June 8: Festival of the Arts 2014. A FREE arts celebration put on entirely by volunteers; a feast of culinary arts, food booths with proceeds going to nonprofits; showcase of the arts in all forms; live entertainment on several stages throughout the downtown area. Downtown GR, Fri 12-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-7pm

Sun, June 8: Vintage Street Market. Grand Rapids' only monthly vintage market, second Sunday of every month. Venders were carefully curated to provide the best variety of vintage goods; from couture dresses to hand-painted sideboards, this FREE event is where you'll find exciting treasures to complete your collection. Downtown Market, 435 Ionia SW, 10am-4pm

Wed, June 18: Break It Down, Make It Better Roundtables. During this 1.5 hour-long event at the UICA, Ave for the Arts invites you to discuss relevant issues in the local art community. Participants will investigate tough art-related topics as well as connect with other artists and creatives. UICA, check-in at 5:45, begin promptly at 6:00. $35.00 admission, Ave for the Arts members FREE

Wed, June 18 & 25: Blues on the Mall. FREE live blues concert supported by radio station WLAV and hosted by Gun Lake Casino. National blues performers, variety of local food and goods. Bring your own lawn chair! Rosa Parks Circle, every Wednesday June 18-August 20, 6-9pm

*See organization websites for specific details or ExperienceGR for more events!