Michigan

Artist Spotlight: Kat VanderWeele, LimningHouse Illustration

by Dr. Jessie Voigts /
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Sep 29, 2020 / 0 comments

Rounding the corner at Grand Rapids Comic Con last year, we stopped in awe. In front of us was extremely whimsical, playful, creative art that made me smile with pure joy.

The artist? Kat VanderWeele, whose art makes us happy.

Home. From Artist Spotlight: Kat VanderWeele

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The Complete Guide to Kalamazoo Coffee Shops

Although Kalamazoo, Michigan is known as a craft beer town, it is also becoming known as a craft coffee town, to our great delight. We are lucky enough to have a slew of excellent coffee shops, creating artisanal, craft coffee drinks - think no chains (except one local), third wave coffee and small batch roasters. We have so many great options that it is hard to choose where to go! Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered.

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Love, Tears, Revolution: Why You Need To See Les Misérables

There are very few moments of joy in this musical, but you leave the theatre wanting more, after seeing such beauty onstage.

Such is the power of the musical, Les Misérables. Playing this week at Western Michigan' University's Miller Auditorium as part of the Zhang Financial Broadway series, this is one show you won't want to miss.

Here's what to pay attention to (besides the story, and the singing):

 

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Huzzah! Why You Need to Visit the Michigan Renaissance Festival

Have you been yet to the Michigan Renaissance Festival? Located in Holly, Michigan, it is well worth visiting, for a variety of reasons, but also...to travel back in time!
Huzzah! Why You Need to Visit the Michigan Renaissance Festival

Artist of the Month: Lara Smith

by Dr. Jessie Voigts /
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Aug 01, 2019 / 0 comments

We first met our friend Lara Smith at Grand Rapids Comic Con, at Artists Alley. After falling into discussion about her playful, creative art, we KNEW we had to share her work with our wandering educators. 

Artist Lara Smith

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Write This: Author Stacey Filak on Worldbuilding

There she sat, at a VERY popular Free Comic Book Day at Fanfare Comics, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Though her table was swamped, we still edged in to ask about her book, which has a gorgeous cover and an intriguing title. Enter author Stacey Filak (and her book) into our lives, and hearts. 

Write This: Author Stacey Filak on Worldbuilding

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Sondheim's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Announces Cast for Ann Arbor Production

Guess what we are seeing next month...and couldn't be MORE excited about?! Stay tuned for interviews with the production company, actors, and a review from opening night!

Runyonland Productions will present Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along, inspired by the Kaufman and Hart play of the same name, in concert on February 28th - March 1st at 7:30pm at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre in Ann Arbor, MI. Original Broadway lead actress Ann Morrison will be in attendance opening night, along with others from the 1981 production.

Artist of the Month: Bridget Fox

by Dr. Jessie Voigts /
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Sep 06, 2018 / 0 comments

I feel so lucky to live in Kalamazoo. This town is rife with creativity! Such is the case with our featured artist this month, Bridget Fox. She's just lovely in person, and her art? Well, it brings such joy. I especially love her paintings of water - they call to me, and soothe the soul. 

I love where I live!  Artist Bridget Fox
I love where I live!  

Photographer of the Month: Gregory Bozik

by Dr. Jessie Voigts /
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Aug 16, 2018 / 0 comments

It was the lighthouse, of course, that caught my attention. Those important beacons of light work even through the internet, apparently. I saw one of Gregory Bozik's photos, and was drawn in immediately. A Michigan photographer, he's got an incredible eye for sharing the beauty of our state - and, of course, of our deep love of the Great Lakes. 

Artist of the Month: Crystal Shaulis, Lake Michigan Book Press

by Dr. Jessie Voigts /
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Aug 02, 2018 / 0 comments

There is nothing more intriguing - and beautiful - than a handmade book. Created with care and skill, it invites endless possibilities...poems, stories, musings, sketches, watercolors - things that capture a moment. 

Imagine my pure delight at finding a bookbinding artist, Crystal Shaulis, here in Kalamazoo - through Instagram! I immediately fell in love with her work, vision, and dedication to her art.

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