This spring, Art.Downtown. will captivate Grand Rapids on Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 12-9 pm. Grand Rapids’ ultimate local art experience will feature several hundred artists in dozens of galleries, businesses, and studio spaces around downtown GR. Expanding from the Avenue for the Arts corridor in the Heartside Neighborhood to Kendall College of Art and Design and Devos Place in central downtown, this one-night event features several hundred artists in dozens of galleries, businesses, and studio spaces around downtown Grand Rapids.
Here’s some of what to expect, rain or shine: artists and musicians exhibiting and performing at a variety of unexpected locations from U-haul trailers, the art museum, parking lots and private studios. Come early and stay late, for a night on the town with family and friends.
Grand Rapids Trolley will provide free transportation to all the major areas of Art.Downtown. Volunteers and maps will be on-site to help guide you to various sites, restaurants, and parking locations. Meet and speak with artists, curators, and shop owners about everything from artistic methods to collective movements. Join the excitement and see what our downtown arts community has to offer!
Stay updated on Art.Downtown. information by attending planning meetings at 307 S. Division Ave, and by visiting our website. Follow @AveForTheArtsGR on Twitter, and join the event conversation by using #ArtDowntown. Connect with Avenue on Facebook for detailed updates about Art.Downtown. and special event postings.
On Thursday, October 16, the Grand Rapids Public Museum will host the world premiere of the new made in Michigan film, “Pirate’s Code: The Adventures of Mickey Matson.” The film, produced by 10 West Studios and EMC Productions and filmed in Manistee and Muskegon, will be distributed domestically by Pure Flix Entertainment and internationally by The Highland Film Group of Los Angeles.
The movie premiere will be a fundraiser for the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and will kick off the institutions month-long celebration of their 160th Anniversary and 20th year at the Van Andel Museum Center.
In “Pirate’s Code,” heroes, Mickey and his best friend Sully, are forced to take on a mission to save our country from the evil plans of Admiral Ironsides. The Admiral and his motley crew of modern day pirates have taken control of a large merchant ship with plans of deploying a new type of weapon that could destroy every electronic device on earth. If Ironsides succeeds, it could be the end of the world as we know it. The film is perfect for families, and is recommended for ages 6-14. The film stars Christopher Lloyd, Frank Collison, Disney star Kenton Duty, Nickelodeon star Savannah Jade, Francesca DeRosa, and West Michigan’s own Derek Brandon as Mickey.
The premiere will begin starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 16. The first showing of the film will begin at 5:45 p.m. followed by a red carpet event where the actors from the film will join the festivities at the GRPM. The second showing will begin at 8:30 p.m. Following both showings, all ticket holders will be invited to take part in a reception with the actors/actresses, producers and sponsors.
The premiere is a fundraiser for the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Tickets are $100 each; tickets for children for the first showing at $50. Tickets include return passes for “Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship” exhibition, opening Saturday, October 18 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Premiere tickets are limited, and can be purchased online at grpm.org or by calling 616.456.3977.
Sponsors for the Premiere include: Varnum LLC, BIGGBY Coffee, Keller Ford Kia, Huntington Bank, Williams Kitchen and Bath, Vi-Chem, Amway Grand Plaza, and The Image Gallery.
“The Grand Rapids Public Museum is thrilled to be partnering with 10 West Studios to premiere this film at the Museum as part of our celebration of 160 years,” said Dale Robertson, President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Varnum Partner and Executive Producer Stephen Afendoulis stated: “As a West Michigan film studio, my clients are proud to bring a little Hollywood to town to celebrate our museum’s 160th year of serving our community. Of some historical significance is the fact that our museum was created shortly before President Lincoln established the Secret Order of the Patriot.”
Prior to the Premiere at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, “Pirate’s Code” will be shown through a special partnership to all patients at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Additional events planned during this time of celebration at the GRPM include: Opening weekend festivities for “Real Pirates” – October 17-19, Native American Culture Days for schools – November 6 & 7, and the 6th Annual Jay and Betty Van Andel Legacy Awards Gala – November 13. Additional details can be found at grpm.org.
