GV Campus Activities Board welcomes local artists to perform at tailgate

The Grand Valley State University Campus Activities Board (CAB) welcomed local Grand Rapids band, Pretoria, to campus on Saturday for an “Outdoor Coffeehouse Show.”

Students were welcome to enjoy the music from 1:00-2:00 p.m. during their football tailgates in Lot C West prior to the game at 3:00 p.m.

Originating in Grand Rapids, Pretoria is a five-member guitar-driven indie-rock band formed in 2018 by high school friends Rob Gullet (bass) and Josh Bilisko (guitar). 

Since their formation, the band has released their 2019 EP “Cape Town” and a festival-winning single, “Keep Two Stepping.” 

The band hopes to continue getting involved in the GVSU community, making new music, and traveling for shows in the future. 

John Ball Zoo offers “Wizarding Weekend” experiences 

The John Ball Zoo recently invited all witches, wizards and muggles to celebrate their 2021 Wizarding Weekends. 

On Sept. 11, 12, 18 and 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. the zoo was “magically” transformed to a Harry Potter-themed family-friendly experience. 

Costumes were highly encouraged, and guests were welcome to sport their house colors while carrying their wands throughout the park. 

Signs were placed throughout the animal habitats detailing what magical beasts the animals would be if they lived in the wizarding world, and some displays even featured the magical beasts themselves. 

Photo opportunities with Hogwarts-themed backdrops were set up throughout the zoo, as well as interactive “Quidditch Training Camps” for visitors to test their skill at the magical sport. 

DeVos Center features artwork from MRC artWorks

The newly finished DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health is showcasing the importance of recognition, celebration, and understanding in health care education through artwork. 

MRC artWorks, a program of MRC Industries, Inc., is an art gallery, studio and retail store located on the Kalamazoo Mall in downtown Kalamazoo. 

The gallery offers individuals with disabilities a way to use self-expression to create artwork that is meaningful to them and promotes self-confidence and growth.

Pieces featured at the DeVos Center are “Monster” by Allen Portera, “Picture 1” by Larry Paynter and “Zane’s House Plant” by Scott Yukio Fergus. 

Frederik Meijer Gardens offer downtown mural walk

The Frederik Meijer Gardens are hosting a walking tour of the murals of downtown Grand Rapids led by muralist Eliza Fernand and Curator of Arts Education Amber Oudsema.

On Sept. 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. members and nonmembers alike are welcome to join in group discussion while walking through downtown, diving deeper into the visual elements of the murals.

The group will make a stop at Fernand’s mural to hear a firsthand account of her artistic choices and technique while creating the mural. 

Participants are encouraged to prepare for a significant amount of walking and standing, and are recommended to bring a water bottle and be prepared for the weather. 

The group will meet at a central downtown location to begin the tour. 

Tickets to attend the walking tour are $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers to be purchased through the Gardens’ website.