GVSU Arts Celebration to offer engagement with top artists

The GVSU Arts Celebration will present a fall slate of free curated events highlighting written, visual and performing arts for the Grand Valley and West Michigan communities.

Those attending the events will have an opportunity to engage with renowned artists and meaningful art experiences.

"The Arts Celebration provides Grand Valley students and the community with the opportunity to learn from world-class artists, writers and performers," said Donovan Anderson, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "Engaging with professionals in creative roles inspires new perspectives, artistic pursuits and critical thinking — all of which are hallmarks of a liberal arts education."

Here is more information about the GVSU Arts Celebration events .

A Single Thread: Being Latinx in West Michigan / Un Solo Hilo: Ser Latine en Oeste Michigan

Allendale Campus (GVSU Arts Celebration Event)

Haas Center for the Performing Arts Gallery

August 26 - November 8

Opening Reception: September 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Grand Rapids

AllArtworks, 333 Cesar E Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids

October 26 - November 9

Opening Reception: October 26, 6-8 p.m. 

Nathan Kemler, GVSU director of Galleries and Collections, described this exhibition:

 “'A Single Thread'” opens a door for us into the diverse experiences of our Latinx community. Being Latinx is not a singular experience. Our hope is that this exhibition aids us in unpacking our relationships with race, immigration systems and shifting demographics. Being Latinx is an ever-changing narrative amid a larger cultural reckoning. Therefore, the artwork in this exhibition tells a wide-ranging story, including Indigenous histories, hip-hop culture, immigration stories, queer community, agriculture, climate change, disability, identity, trauma and racism in sports.”

An appearance by Devon Glover, who performs Shakespeare's sonnets through hip-hop

October 7 at 7 p.m.

Reception to immediately follow the performance

Haas Center for the Performing Arts – Louis Armstrong Theatre

James Bell, professor of theater and managing director for the Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival, described Glover's multi-prong visit to GVSU:

"Devon Glover will be performing for the Arts Celebration but will also be appearing in the biennial Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival production of 'Romeo and Juliet.' Glover will appear as Prince Escalus throughout the run of 'Romeo and Juliet,' including for the special secondary school matinees. 'Romeo and Juliet' opens October 4 and runs through October 13 . This is a very exciting opportunity for our theater students in the cast to work with Glover while he is here to perform for the Arts Celebration and for the community to see him perform his work and to perform in our production."

An appearance by Paisley Rekdal

October 24, 7 p.m. 

A book signing will follow the presentation

Wealthy Theatre - 1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids

Todd Kaneko, associate professor of writing, described this presentation:

"Paisley Rekdal is a writer and essayist who writes about identity, history and American culture, among other things. She is low-key one of the finest literary minds of our time, I think, and we are so lucky to have her visiting GVSU and our local community. The audience will enjoy her mix of wit and intellect as they get to see how poetry can be as fun as it is emotionally stimulating."

Image Making and Political Movements, a presentation by Josh MacPhee

October 29, 6:30-8 p.m.

Haas Center for the Performing Arts – Louis Armstrong Theatre

A Conversation About Culture as a Tool of Transformation

October 30, 1:30-3 p.m.

Haas Center for the Performing Arts – Louis Armstrong Theatre

Brett Colley, professor of drawing, printmaking and foundations, described these events:

"Attendees of both events will be introduced to four distinct artists who’ve each made movement building and collective liberation a central part of their creative practice. Each of our presenters serves as an ideal model of liberal arts education, in the sense that their work moves seamlessly between design, writing, curating, organizing, self-expression and collaboration. All four inspiring artists lead multi-faceted careers that emerge from their intellectual curiosity, community engagement and desire to leverage their abilities for positive social change."