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Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park welcomes new exhibit

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park welcomes new exhibit

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will open a new exhibit May 24.

“Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan” features the work of Chinese artist Zhang Huan. Huan is a sculptor, painter, photographer and installation artist. His exhibit focuses on the themes of Chinese history, spiritual tranquility and the importance of Buddhism in his own life.

The chief curator of Meijer Gardens calls Huan’s exhibit the first of its kind in the American Midwest.

“Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan”  will remain on display until August 25. However, a featured piece, the "Long Island Buddha," will remain at Meijer Gardens after that.

Ada Spring Arts Festival May 11

Ada Spring Arts Festival May 11

ADA, Mich.-- Rain or shine, the community is invited to visit Bronson Street in downtown Ada this Saturday for the Spring Arts Festival.

This year's Festival will be located behind Ada Township Hall, between Ada Drive and the covered bridge.  The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , and will feature more than 50 boths containing creations from about 60 artists, performing musicians and arts groups.  Throughout the Spring Arts Festival, visitors may enjoy children’s activities, a variety of food selections and live entertainment.

For more information, visit http://www.adaarts.org/ .

Learn how to use Michigan plants in your garden May 8

Learn how to use Michigan plants in your garden May 8

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich.-- Gardeners can learn how to use Michigan plants during the Kent Conservation District's Native Plant Workshop May 8.

Vern Stephens will answer questions about how to use Michigan plants during the presentation, which runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The workshop is also your last chance to place a native plant order. Pick-up, along with a "Cash 'n' Carry Sale" is Friday, May 10 from 3  p.m. to 7p.m.  Visitors can look at all the plants offered and check out a few of Vern’s surprises.

The Kent Conservation District is located at 3260 Eagle Park Drive NE, Suite 111 in Grand Rapids. To register or for more information, go online to www.kentconservation.org or call (616) 942-4111, Ext. 100.

Win a makeover for your school from the Detroit Pistons

Win a makeover for your school from the Detroit Pistons

(Detroit Pistons) – Does your library or gym need a new look?

Here’s your chance to win a makeover in the School Makeover contest from the Detroit Pistons and NBA Live, Learn or Play, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance.

The School Makeover, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance and the Detroit Pistons, is accepting submissions from elementary and middle schools in the state of Michigan, through June 1. Submissions at www.nba.com/pistons/farm-bureau-school-makeover should include at least four images of the school’s library or gymnasium to be considered in the selection process.

“Farm Bureau Insurance agents are involved in their local communities all across the state. Michigan isn’t just a market for us, it is our home,” said Vic Verchereau, Farm Bureau Insurance vice president of Marketing. “We firmly believe in supporting safe and clean learning environments for our youth.

Western Michigan University singer wins opera competition

Western Michigan University singer wins opera competition

GRAND RAPIDS (Opera Grand Rapids & WZZM 13) – A record number of students entered Opera Grand Rapids’ annual Collegiate Vocal Competition, but only nine though made it to the competition’s Final Round Concert on Sunday, April 14.

At the end of the parade of opera arias, Chelsea Helm, a soprano from Western Michigan University, took first place.   Andrea Fleming of Grand Valley State University claimed second place, and Hope College’s Jenna Buck took home third place.


Nearly 200 people turned out for the free final round concert at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center. Divided into two divisions, the annual competition provides an opportunity for regional vocal students to compete in a professional atmosphere, while gaining valuable feedback from the judges. This was the first year Western Michigan University was eligible for the regional competition.


Final round judges:
Dr.

Forest Hills Northern students heading 'Back to the Eighties'

Forest Hills Northern students heading 'Back to the Eighties'

FOREST HILLS, Mich.-- Students at Forest Hills Northern High School are heading Back to the Eighties with their newest production.

Back to the Eighties follows the graduating class of William Ocean High School as they go through the joy, heartbreak, love and loneliness that growing up brings.  The show is set to some of the biggest hits of the 80s. 

The performance will take place inside the Northern High auditorium on April 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at the door will cost $6 for students 18 and under and $8 for adults. 

Writers Conference Aims to Encourage New Talent - April 20

Writers Conference Aims to Encourage New Talent - April 20

Writers Conference Aims to Encourage New Talent

Kent District Library will host “Celebrate the Mitten” from 9 AM to 2:30 PM on Saturday, April 20, our second annual Michigan writers conference aimed at highlighting the state’s home-grown literary talent and encouraging new talent.

This free, half-day event, at the Cascade Township branch’s Wisner Center, features local publishing insiders and authors who will lead sessions on:

  • How to market your book
  • Out-of-the-box ways to make money as an author
  • Traditional vs.