Fourth installation of GV Writer’s Series sets stage for poetry reading

Rebecca Hazelton, an award-winning poet, writer, critic, and editor, will be doing a virtual poetry reading for the fourth event of the 2020-21 Grand Valley State University Writer’s Series.

Hazelton’s works have received numerous honors, ranging from the Wheeler Prize from Ohio State University for her first book, “Fair Copy,” to the publishing of her poems in numerous literary journals and national magazines. Her work can also be found in the Pushcart Prize anthology and Best American Poetry. 

Currently, Hazelton is working on a new book of poems centered around the role of the “husband” in contemporary marriages and American masculinity. She is also working on some experimental essays about the #metoo movement, bisexuality and experimental essays. 

The reading will be taking place on Wed., March 17 from 7:30-8:45 p.m. and those who wish to attend are asked to contact the Department of Writing for the Zoom link. 

Women’s Way Initiative in Grand Rapids features new street sign, mural

The Women’s Way alley activation initiative was first announced by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. a year ago in March 2020. Although much work has been done, they still plan to continue with their aspirations to elevate the awareness of important historical narratives and local women leaders while rejuvenating overlooked public spaces. 

The most recent installment is new street signage featured in Grand Rapids for “Harriet Woods Hill Way” placed in the previously nameless alleyway off of Louis Street NW located near the Grand Rapids Police Department. 

On the alleyway wall there is a mural painted of Harriet Woods Hill, the first Black woman to serve as an officer in the Grand Rapids Police Department. 

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. has also announced that an original mural of Maurilia Ortiz Blakely will be the focal point of the next installment in the initiative. 

GV Art Gallery installs new exhibition

There are currently four small atypical gallery spaces featured across campus that the Grand Valley Art Gallery changes out multiple times throughout the year. 

The most recent exhibition, installed March 11, is located in the Eberhard Center Wall Gallery on the Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids and features photos from the “2020 PIC PICS Study Abroad Photo and Video Contest.”

The contest was offered to any and all GVSU students who had studied abroad and documented their journey through unique photos. The first place winner received a GoPro Camera, the second place winner received a GVSU jacket, the third place winner received a GVSU sweatshirt and honorable mentions received GVSU apparel.