ArtPrize returns 

ArtPrize, an independent international art competition, begins on Sept. 15 and will last until Oct. 2. The event will take place throughout Grand Rapids, Michigan with art in various businesses, buildings and outdoor spaces. The event is free to the public and allows individuals to roam the city and view the art on display.

Grand Rapids African American Art & Music Festival

The annual Grand Rapids African American Art & Music Festival will take place on Sept. 17 from noon to 10 p.m. at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids. This event will feature food, art, music and vendors. There will be performances by MUSE, BBI, Xpressions of Praise and others. The event is free and is open to the public. 

Grand Rapids Symphony starts new season

Grand Rapids Symphony is set to perform from 8 to 10 p.m on Sept. 16 and 17 at the DeVos Performance Hall in downtown Grand Rapids.

They will perform Beethoven Symphony No. 5. The work will kick off the symphony’s performance season. The performance will also feature Bruch’s Concerto No. 1 and the world premiere of a piece entitled “Immortal Beloved” by Alexander L. Miller.

The tickets range from $19 to $104 and can be purchased online in advance. 

Written in Stone Gallery at Fredrik Meijer Gardens

“Mark Mennin: Written in Stone” is a sculpture exhibit that is going on at Fredrik Meijer Garden and Sculpture park in Grand Rapids, Michigan from now until Nov. 27.

Many of the art pieces are created out of reclaimed stone and slag from various quarries. The exhibit explores the material the statues are made out of through the various traits of each stone. One of Mennin’s pieces on display “Embedded” is part of the 2022 ArtPrize competition. 

“Wandering, Waiting, Watching” exhibit at Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts

The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts in Grand Rapids, Michigan is hosting a new exhibit entitled “Wandering, Waiting, Watching” created by Jessica Campbell. The featured work includes satirical drawings, comics and textile projects. These pieces work to reflect gender discrimination throughout history. The exhibit will be in the institute until Oct. 29. 

Grand Valley Opera Theater holds audition

Grand Valley Opera Theater is holding auditions for their production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” on Sept. 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The audition is open to all GVSU students and those interested can sign up to audition on the GVSU Music, Theatre and Dance website.

The performance of the production will take place in February at the Louis Armstrong Theatre on the GVSU Allendale Campus.