Creative Ways to Spend your West Michigan Winter
Somehow it’s November. We’re not really sure how that happened, but here we find ourselves with shorter days, the first snow behind us, and scarves around our shoulders once again. But despair not! West Michigan winter is as rich with activities as it is merry and bright. So proudly don your hats and gloves and get ready for these creative ways to spend your West Michigan winter:
1. Craft your SW_1 Lounge Contest
Design an SW_1 Lounge Chair — and then win it! Coalesse is hosting a competition among creatives to craft your story on an SW_1 chair. That means selecting a knit color, upholstery fabric for the chair, pillow, and ottoman, and a color reference for the frame/base. Use any color(s) you can imagine with the Coalesse Color custom paint program or upload your own original artwork. Competition closes on November 20, so start crafting!
Have you attended one of these events yet? If not, queue up your computer to get free tickets to Grand Rapids’ next Creative Mornings event on November 17. Creative Mornings is a breakfast lecture series for the creative community, with cities around the globe hosting events with the same theme each month. There isn’t a Creative Mornings series in Kalamazoo (yet), but this event is well worth the trek for Southwest Michigan folks. November’s theme is Death, but before you judge, visit the website and get excited for what’s sure to be a great talk from Grand Rapids’ poet laureate. Tickets go really, really fast, so be ready and waiting at 9:00 am this Friday, November 10 to get yours.
A unique exhibition of Warhol’s works are on display at the GRAM until February. Photo courtesy of moma.org.
3. Andy Warhol’s American Icons Event
Art from the American Icon himself is on display at the Grand Rapids Art Museum until February 2018. Celebrate Warhol’s take on 20th century pop culture including Marilyn Monroe, Campbell’s Soup, Coca-Cola Bottles, and more. The exhibit also features lesser-known photography and video work from the artist. If you’re feeling especially inspired, create your own pop art at the GRAM’s drop-in studio on Saturdays throughout November.
Mark your calendar for December 1! The annual lighting of the Christmas tree and the opening of Rosa Parks Circle ice rink coincide on this official start to the holiday season in downtown Grand Rapids. (Although the Christmas lights are already strung up downtown, and we don’t hate it.)
5. Walking Tour of Downtown Kalamazoo Breweries
These tours are offered year-round, but why not take the opportunity to cozy up and see the Christmas lights between brewery stops? Your knowledgeable tour guide will give you a run-down on Kalamazoo beer and the Michigan craft brewing industry. Not only do you get a tasting from your choice of Kalamazoo’s best breweries, but you take home a stainless steel pint as a souvenir. Just in time to refill it for holidays at your in-laws’! KIDDING! Sort of.
6. Rodin and the Contemporary Figurative Tradition
Marking the one-hundredth anniversary of his death, several of Auguste Rodin’s sculptures are on display at Frederik Meijer Gardens until January 2018. Alongside the master of modernism’s works are pieces by seventeen critically acclaimed sculptors from across the globe, all of whom were influenced by Rodin.
Refresh your creative juices with a fun run through Downtown Kalamazoo on December 7! Proceeds from the race go to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, the largest food assistance provider in Kalamazoo County. Donations of non-perishable and canned food items are encouraged. In addition to running under the lights, participants are also asked to wear lights and reflective gear to promote safe running downtown. What’s more, prizes will be awarded for best holiday costume and most family members at the event! Who’s in?
8. Uptown Grand Rapids Annual Holiday Shop Hop
Catch the 20th annual Holiday Shop Hop in Grand Rapids on December 7, spanning four neighborhoods and all your favorite local joints. Photo by Mike Petrucci.
If you can’t make it to the fun run (or if your idea of a fun run is keeping a brisk pace while you shop), spend December 7 at the annual holiday shop hop in Grand Rapids! Stroll through your favorite shops in East Fulton, East Hills, Eastown, and Wealthy Street business districts. Don’t miss the quaint home goods at Blue Door or everything lovely at Rebel Reclaimed.
9. Every Building Tells a Story: The Architecture of Downtown Grand Rapids 5K Running or Walking Tour
Grab your coat and get outside for a stroll through Grand Rapids’ history! The Architecture of Downtown Running or Walking tours occur daily by appointment, taking you through downtown Grand Rapids’s built environment. Part 1 of the tour covers buildings prior to the Urban Renewal, and Part 2 covers the 1960’s forward. Test your own architecture knowledge and add in your own expertise!
The best way to start the new year in West Michigan, Catalyst University seeks to empower leaders in our region through engaging speakers and the opportunity to network with one another. This year’s speakers include artists, authors, entrepreneurs and executives with stories to rally us for 2018. Register here and look for us there!
11. The Changing Nature of Work
Architects and designers should save the date for a special event with Dave Lathrop, Director of Applied Research at Steelcase on January 30. Dave’s specialty is designing and inoculating a cross-disciplinary point of view on the changing nature of work. Keep an eye out for more information in your inbox!
What winter happenings did we miss? Add in your favorite events for creatives in the comments below.
