Guest artist hosts discussion on her journey toward creating art

Kimberly Walker, a retired active duty veteran turned artist, is visiting GVSU’s Eberhard Center on Thursday, Sept. 20 to discuss her newest creation: “Locked and Loaded.” Her work earned her a winning spot in ArtPrize’s Pitch Night Cincinnati and a $5,000 grant in May.

Walker will present on both her artwork as well as her journey to becoming an artist. Following her presentation, speakers from Veterans Upward Bound and Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity will add their voices to the conversation. The speakers’ messages will converge on how creators can use education and art to change their lives. 

Those interested in attending can optionally RSVP at gvsu.edu/artgallery.

GV announces new guest authors, poets with Writing Series lineup

GVSU will host a variety of different writers over six events during this year’s Writing Series. The series kicks off today and spans through April of next year. 

The Writing Series’ debut stars author Marian Crotty in two events today. Her first is a discussion about her creation of fiction at 1:30 p.m. in the Kirkhoff Center’s room 2270. The latter is a reading and book signing from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Mary Idema Pew Library’s Multipurpose Room. 

Future events include faculty readings and Q&A sessions on a monthly basis. 

ArtPrize 10 ushers in decade of public exhibits

ArtPrize 10, Grand Rapid’s largest public art competition, officially begins Wednesday. Sept. 19. Preceded by a week of installations, guests are invited to Wednesday’s opening ceremony at 7 p.m. at Rosa Parks Circle. 

ArtPrize’s opening also begins the first wave of public voting. Guests can use the ArtPrize’s app or website to cast their votes for their favorite pieces of art. The competition includes a $200,000 prize decided by the public’s vote alone. 

The competition spans from Wednesday to Oct. 7, with a host of different rounds of voting and public events in between.

For more information, visit artprize.org or pick up an event guide at the visitor pavilion. 

Families invited to explore Shakespeare, Haas Center for Performing Arts

Students and their families are encouraged to tour the Haas Center for Performing Arts and indulge in a variety of Shakespearean performances Saturday, Sept. 22 as part of GVSU’s Family Weekend.

“Peek Behind the Curtain” will showcase the newly renovated building and several live acts. Scenes of “Bard to Go” and “The Tempest” will be featured, as well as a performance of “The Greenshow.”

The tour will also consist of a delicate lunch with special guest William Shakespeare. 

Tickets are $12. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit gvsu.edu/familyweekend.