An Art Guide From Around Heartside: Part 2

Happy July! Through all the rush of graduations, weddings and open houses, it can be convenient to settle into the mold of a structured summer. Work, sleep, travel on weekends, and before you know it fall is here. It can be startling to discover that the Michigan summer is so short-lived! But not to fear, for there’s salvation in the energy of the artistic rhythm leading to ArtPrize.

If you want to add some spice to your solstice (in preparation for ArtPrize, of course), celebrate events around the community this month which embody an artistic, cultural summer experience. Here is a short list of July’s art and community events happening in, around and beyond the Heartside Neighborhood:

Tues/Thur, July 1/3, 8/10, 15/17, 22/24, & 29/31: Tuesdays and Thursday Nights at Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). Featuring galleries open late and live piano music. Encouraging new and returning visitors to explore galleries and take advantage of tours and other programs (e.g., gallery talks, presentations, demonstrations). FREE general admission GRAM, every Tuesday 10am-5pm, every Thursday 5-9pm.

Wed, July 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30: 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, July 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30: 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

Fri/Sat, July 4/5, 11/12, 18/19, & 25/26: Music for the Masses at Grand Rapids Brewing Co. (GRBC). FREE live music every weekend at the vibrant location of one of the city’s premiere breweries! GRBC, every Friday and Saturday, 10pm-1am

Fri, July 4-Sat, July 5: Lakeshore Art Festival. The large-scale Art in the Park event that has annually transformed Hackley Park in Muskegon for over 50 years was revamped in 2013 as Lakeshore Art Festival. This FREE weekend event features a blend of fine art, crafts, music, family fun and artisan foods, all wrapped up in a street party atmosphere. Downtown Muskegon, 3rd Street, 10am-6pm

Sun, July 6, 13, 20, & 27: Fulton Street ARTisans Market. Grown since 2005 to be a venue for all kinds of arts, from acrylic to fiber to crafts, all items handmade by local Michigan artists. FREE to enjoy! Fulton St. Artisans Market, every Sunday, 11am-3pm

Tues, July 8, 15, 22, & 29: Drop In Open Studio. During normal business hours, residents or out-of-town guests can bring their art and craft projects to work on. Various amenities will be available for use, including a studio room, an on-site reference library, specialty tools and equipment, etc. A knowledgeable staff will be on-site to answer questions and help with projects. Inspirations of Art Studio, every Tuesday, 11am-7pm. $15 general admission.

Sun, July 13: Vintage Street Market. Grand Rapids' only monthly vintage market, second Sunday of every month. With the best variety of vintage goods, this FREE event is where you'll find exciting treasures to complete your collection. Downtown Market, 435 Ionia SW, 10am-4pm

Thur, July 17: Hindu Temple Tour. Presented by the Catholic Information Center located at Cathedral Square, this fascinating intercultural tour will provide an introduction to Hindu Dharma and the sanctuary of the Temple. A discussion will follow on the history, mythology and philosophy of Hinduism. West Michigan Hindu Temple, Ada, 7-9pm. FREE admission.

*Click on the organization website links for specific details.

Visit www.GRNow.com or ExperienceGR for more events!