GVSU Arts Celebration returns to feature events for 'reflection on the human condition'

The GVSU Arts Celebration is returning to share free arts-related events with the community throughout the year.

Grand Valley's community arts celebration extended beyond the fall for the first time in 2021-2022 to also feature events during the winter semester.

Organizers are assembling a series that represents diverse, compelling and thought-provoking artists, musicians, dancers and writers, said Amorak Huey, associate professor of writing and chair of the celebration's steering committee.

"As always, the goal of this series is to bring national and world-class art and artists to our community," Huey said. "The series is called an arts celebration because we want to celebrate the work art does in the world — how it brings people together, and creates space for reflection on the human condition."

Huey said working with committee members to organize the series is a joy and expressed gratefulness to Jennifer Drake, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, for championing the arts, "a crucial component of our work as a university." CLAS representatives are leading the celebration's planning.

At this point, the fall slate of events is set. Visit the GVSU Arts Celebration website for updates on 2023 events and additional information.

The 2022 events:

As Is: Beauty and the Body in Contemporary Art

Aug. 26 – Nov. 4

Opening Reception: Sept. 22, 5-8 p.m.

GVSU Art Gallery, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus

South Chicago Dance Theatre: Energy | Power | Grace

Nov. 7, at 7 p.m.

Louis Armstrong Theatre, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus

Holiday Concert: "And on Earth, Peace"

Dec. 5, from 7:30-8:45 p.m.

Fountain Street Church

24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503