sculpture GARDEN INCEPTION: 2024

Art Takes Root in Grand Rapids 

The Grand Rapids Arts Council has always believed that art isn’t just something to admire—it’s something that transforms. It breathes life into spaces, sparks conversations, and brings people together. 

Inspired by communities across the country making room for public art, we knew Grand Rapids deserved to be on the sculpture map. Thanks to generous donors and sweat equityof our devoted board members, our vision is coming to life.

This wouldn’t be possible without a plot of land, donated by a fellow citizen who shares our belief in the power of creativity. With a signed agreement and a lot of gratitude, we’re off and running.

A standing ovation goes to Craig Hamilton, our Treasurer and his creative mind behind the garden’s layout. Not only did Craig design the space, he also selected native, drought-tolerant plants to keep it environmentally friendly and beautiful year-round.

Our commissioned mural back in 2020, across from Huntington Bank has become a favorite photo stop for locals/visitors alike. Now, we’re adding something new to love: a rotating sculpture garden that invites people to wander, reflect, and be inspired.

Just this month, we’ve installed 3 sculptures. A big shout-out to Ryan Woodring for his skid-steer skills, and to Gary Fitch, Craig Hamilton, and Terry Green for rolling up their sleeves to help us place the pieces safely & securely.

And we’re thrilled to welcome sculptor Richard Allen of Wauseon, who brought a new piece—on loan, with no fee—today, June 27. His generosity and love for art are the heart of what this project is all about.

As we grow, we’re also planning improvements: we are currently exploring how to make the sculpture garden accessible for all, so that everyone can enjoy what’s taking shape. To everyone who’s dug in, donated, dreamed with us—thank you.

The garden is just beginning to bloom. 

2024 GRAC JAZZ & ARTS FESTIVAL

August 18, Grand Rapids from 2-dusk
River wildlife & fisherman in their waders listened to soothing jazz along our beautiful towpath.

• Artists were displaying/selling along the towpath

• Jazz performers:

 The Lake Erie Jazz Band, Morgen Hammer Quintet,

6th Edition, and Keigo Hirakawa were our talented musicians.

• Tim Tiederman was the Emcee, local Grand Rapids jazz talent

            Thanks to our numerous community volunteers who

worked to make this day a success.

We couldn't have done this without you!

Thank you to all our donors and sponsors as well, especially Suzanne Carroll & Georgette Kohn, of the Optical Shop

SCULPTURE GARDEN BEGINNING

JULY 18, 2024: INITIAL WORK PREPARING THE GROUND

Our new sculpture garden is in the vacant lot between Fernando's & Waymaker's.

The space was offered to us at no cost, and a contract was drawn up with the owner. We’ve been working on this behind the scenes for 2 years, going on field trips to Perrysburg and Gibsonburg's sculpture gardens. 

We are very excited to bring our dream to fruition, thanks to the support of the

community GRAC members and the Village Council.

Rapids Rally Days GRAC FuN. Thanks to all who made this a blast!

thanks to artist, Teeth419 for painting our duck

& thanks to Craig Hamilton, GRAC's treasurer, for constructing the duck!

2024 GRAC ARt Camp, June 10-14

"Critters on Our River"

40 campers 1st-6th grade

Pop-up Art GAllEry, Otsego Park, Thursday, May 23, 4-8 pm

20 artists applied and sent pics.  30 artists showed up!  We set up originally for 20,

Thank you for being understanding; we did not expect this.

Thank you for donating to the Gala!  We couldn't have done this without you.

2023 Sunset Jazz & Arts Festival

We haven't had this festival since 2019!

River wildlife, a fisher in his waders, and canoes in the canal listened to wonderful jazz that evening.

Artists along the towpath; 'Jazz Giant', Gene Parker, was the headliner & celebrating his 80th birthday;

Suzanne Carroll was the Emcee, past host of the Sunday jazz show on 101.5, the River.

                          Thanks to all the GRAC & community volunteers who worked

to make this a success.

Thank you to all our donors and sponsors as well.

Brenda Hynell, winner of the 2023 Jazz Fest Carruth raffle-

 Thank you Brenda for coming to our Jazz Festival!

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