Tag Archives: ArtRat

Clothes, coffee and more are all part of Heartside’s OTONO

January 27, 2023Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Business, Local EntertainmentArtRat, Heartside, OTONOJoanne

The new lounger’s area features a commercial-grade espresso machine. (Courtesy, ArtRat)

Since it opened in November 2021 at 317 Division Ave. S, OTONO hasn’t stopped innovating. The second-hand store doubled its floor space in August when it expanded into a neighboring storefront; now owners Emmanuel Ibarra and Alana Sawicki have carved out a space for visitors to gather for conversation and caffeine.

OTONO’s new lounge area features a commercial-grade espresso machine and comfortable seating.

Drinks are on the house (although the team gratefully accepts tips). According to Emmanuel, the space creates a much-needed hangout for visitors to OTONO and the other SoDiv businesses near Wealthy Street.

“I wanted to share something that I love, as well as add to the experience of OTONO,” he said. “We love selling clothes, but we also want to offer something more. Being associated with coffee helps us build up our reputation. People can get to know us and grow with us as we work to become a full-fledged, licensed cafe.

What Started as Pop-Up Grew Into Something More

The new lounge space at OTONO is a much-needed hangout for visitors. (Courtesy, ArtRat)

“OTONO started as my pop-up project,” Emmanuel continued. He started hosting pop-ups in 2019 at a variety of spaces, including Heartside’s own Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge, 100 Commerce Ave. SW. In the process, he crossed paths with Alana, whose handmade spoon rings are featured at their shop. “She has amazing taste and style,” Emmanuel said.

Alana told ArtRat she looks to another Heartside merchant for business advice: Her older sister, Melissa Looman, owns Echo Salon at 24 Sheldon Ave. SE. “I’m inspired to push further than expectations, and to take risks.”

OTONO prides itself on fitting all sizes and budgets — with clothing that ranges from XXS to 4X, frequent sales and a $5 rack. Its curated second-hand clothing includes tons of basics, neutrals and unique finds as well as name-brand activewear and home goods. “We do our best to keep our prices affordable,” Alana told ArtRat. The shop also hosts free events such as mending workshops with Betel Box Design.

The Power Duo of Alana and Emmanuel

Alana said the new coffee area helps promote OTONO’s mission to create community. “When we opened OTONO, it was partially because we wanted to be interconnected, to meet the cool young people of Grand Rapids,” she said. “After the pandemic, we felt our sense of community had suffered. And I missed talking to people!”

Alana and Emmanuel in the new OTONO lounger. (Courtesy, ArtRat)

With Alana and Emmanuel working side by side, OTONO has grown “faster than expected,” Emmanuel told ArtRat.

“We had to work hard, to learn how to communicate with each other, how to work together, ” Alana said. “There were a lot of growing pains — but it worked out.

“We both have our roles that we play, our responsibilities, our strengths. Emmanuel does all the paperwork and the hard stuff, and I do the social media and keep positive relations with our sellers, always making sure we have stock,” Alana said. “We can’t believe we get to do this,” Emmanuel exclaimed. “This would not be possible without both of us.”

Future Plans Include Growth

Looking ahead, OTONO’s plans include additional seating and a possible new business venture.

“We’re excited to grow into a more formal cafe, and to spark more conversations and create new experiences.” Emmanuel said.

OTONO is open Thursday 4-8pm, Friday and Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-4pm. It shares SoDiv’s vintage district with Zabház (222 Division Ave. S), Decaydence Vintage (71 Division Ave. S) and Second Vibess (13 Division Ave. S). OTONO is on the same block as Cocoon Art Space (327 Division Ave. S) and a 5-minute walk from ArtRat Gallery (46 Division Ave. S).

This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.

Local singer/sonwriter Drew Nelson comes to ArtRat Gallery

January 14, 2023Entertainment, Local EntertainmentArtRat, Drew Nelson, musicianJoanne

By ArtRat Gallery

This Sunday, Jan. 15, ArtRat Gallery welcomes storytelling songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Drew Nelson to Americana Sundays,ArtRat’s monthly concert series. The show runs 3-5pm at 46 Division Ave. S in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. (Admission $15; tickets available on Eventbrite.)

Drew Nelson performs at ArtRat Jan. 15. (Courtesy, Drew Nelson)

A native of Kent City, Michigan, Drew “writes as a witness to the lives and journeys of those he has met along the way, mixing Americana and roots-rock with traditional folk styles.”

Ahead of Sunday’s show, he graced ArtRat with an interview about his process and literary influences.

At the top of your bio, you mention your Navy service. How did that part of your life influence your creative vision?

I think being a veteran changes my perspective in so many ways. Seeing so many places and meeting so many people across the ocean from the small town where I’m from opened my eyes and heart to the larger world around me. Now, as an adult, it has once again opened my eyes to listen and hear from younger veterans about their experiences and struggles with what they’ve been through. It may seem counterintuitive, but I’m definitely a more compassionate person because of my military experience.

A native of Kent City, Nelson has been performing his storytelling songs throughout Grand Rapids for many years. (Courtesy, Drew Nelson)

Your life experiences and exposure to different places inform your storytelling. Can you talk about how you spot themes that inspire you?

The great American writer Flannery O’Conner said, “A writer needs a great sense of space.” My favorite writers have a wonderful way of looking at the great big world through the lens of the geography they know. (Jim Harrison, Annie Proulx, Michal Perry and Mary Oliver are fine examples.) I’ve done my best to start my stories from this place in my heart.

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic changed musicians’ plans around the world. How did you adapt?

COVID was so hard for so many people. I had stopped touring nationally a few years before, when my son was born. By the time the lockdown started I had two small kids, and we did our best to get through virtual kindergarten. I’m not sure I was very good at pivoting! (lol) The first gig in front of people with my band was like a big, wonderful sigh after a long day of work.

West Michigan is a thriving center for roots music. What makes it a special place for Americana?

We in West Michigan are rich in Folk/Roots and Americana music for sure. That is definitely not the end of the story. There are so many great musicians from so many different genres. It seems like a magical place. I have no idea why that is, but I’ll take it!

Kelso is know for his folk/roots and Americana-style of music. (Courtesy, Drew Nelson)

On Jan. 15, you’ll be accompanied by Michael Robertson. What’s the history of your collaboration, and what can the audience expect?

Michael Robertson is one of the best guitar players I’ve ever had the privilege to hear, bar none. He is also one hell of a songwriter! When we play together I just do my best to get my part done, get out of his way, and let him have space to cast his musical spells. On a side note, he is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I’m really so glad we’re friends. Oh, the history of our collaboration: I was performing at the Noreast’r festival and saw Michael play with my friend Eric’s band. The next morning I was having an early morning coffee with Eric, and just said, “I feel really bad for you.” After he asked why, I said, “Because I’m stealing your guitar player!” It was all in good fun.

What do you like about performing in downtown GR?

I love Grand Rapids. I live downtown, and it’s just amazing how it’s changed in my lifetime. It’s so fun to be a little tiny part of that change. I’m so looking forward to playing at ArtRat!

A local artist uses her creativity to give back

November 21, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, RecreationArtRat, gallery, PoetryJoanne

By Maddy Visscher
ArtRat Gallery

Journeè Evans’ passion for Grand Rapids art, poetry and community gained new perspective in January 2022, when she relocated downtown from the city’s southeast side.

“I wanted to know my surroundings more, to expand,” she told ArtRat. “That’s why I love living in Grand Rapids: You’re always going to run into a different crowd and new culture that you can explore and bring in knowledge and connections. We have something special, something a lot of people are searching for.”

Bringing communities and cultures together is central to Journeè’s work. In our neighborhood alone, Mama Sol’Ja has performed at 106 Gallery’s Thing to Do Thursdays, at GRNoir’s Vino & Verses reading series, and at The Hai-Cuu Experience and Saturday Musicians’ Co-op here at ArtRat. On Nov. 4, she co-hosted Pass the Mic GR at the Wealthy Theatre at the invitation of co-founder Shayna “Akanke” Marie.

At ArtRat, she has sourced West Michigan artists and artisans for ArtRat’s Holiday ArtMart, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 and noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Also during ArtRat’s Third Thursday event Dec. 15, she will host a poetry paint-and-pour as part of her new Sol’s Sessions performance series.

“I met some of the most loving, caring and amazing people” at Pass the Mic, Journeè said. “It was one of those opportunities that you don’t get unless you know that this is something you’re supposed to bring to the world. There’s so many amazing things that come through Grand Rapids, and a lot of people don’t get to see them.”

Journeè has also become an ambassador for C4 (the Community Collaboration on Climate Change),a grassroots organization that is working to make Grand Rapids a model city for climate-change mitigation, adaptation and climate justice for its residents.

In her role with C4, Journeè will work closely with the residents of Grand Rapids to learn the specifics of what our community needs to move forward. (You can download more information on C4 here and here.)

Sol’s Sessions

Her experience at Grand Rapids’ art venues inspired Journeè’s latest project: Sol’s Sessions, a collaborative forum for the city’s emerging artists, poets, singers and dancers that she plans to host throughout the city. “The idea was actually born out of the idea for a dance group,” she said, “but I fell back in love with writing poetry. So it became a space for everything: You can come and speak, listen, cry, dance, even paint or sketch!

“Creativity doesn’t take from anything, or anyone — it simply gives. When you gain creativity, you gain freedom and independence. It gives you the courage to live on without fear.”

Mama Sol’Ja will host a “Sunflower World” edition of Sol’s Sessions on Nov. 18 at the Wealthy Theatre Community Media Center. The event begins at 6pm with performances by six West Michigan poets, leading into an open mic. “I want anybody who has a talent to come and show it so they can get their flowers and that love,” she said. “That’s what the Sunflower World is about.” To keep the flame lit as we head into dark winter months, you’re invited to dress in yellow and join the celebration.

Bringing it all to ArtRat

In December, Journeè will apply her community-building talents to ArtRat, introducing new vendors to the gallery at the Holiday ArtMart, then hosting a Sol’s Session that features poetry alongside participatory painting. “I get to bring in this great community of people who became entrepreneurs in their own right,” she said. “They went out and they actually did something! It’s so amazing to me to see that grit.

“COVID really just stopped a lot of things. Now that people are up and running, I want to really encourage us to gain as much as we can gain because we all went through so much. I was thrilled to be able to give people that opportunity, whether it’s local artists, or younger people who want to pursue creative endeavors.

“I’m thrilled that I get to be able to bring people a new, positive way,” Journeè said, “just to show themselves and be able to express whatever thoughts they have on their mind. We’re definitely going to change it over here. It’s important to give voice to change — and that’s what we’re doing here.”

Local gallery looks to share the hidden gem of Heartside

November 18, 20223-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local BusinessArtRat, Business, Division, galleryJoanne

By Jodi Miesen
WKTV Contributor

Sounds of music, song, and poetry rang out for close to three hours in the cozy, art-filled space known as ArtRat.

The event, known as “Saturday Musicians Co-op,” showcased local artists, giving them a chance to practice their craft in front of a live audience and on this fall day, about two dozen people came out to watch singers, musicians and poets all take their turn at the mic.

It is only a sample of the array of activities that has been taking place at Division Avenue’s newest tenant, all of which are designed to highlight just what a hidden gem the Heartside District is.

Heartside’s Renaissance

The Heartside neighborhood has gone through a transformation in recent years. Prices for retail space is very reasonable making it attractive for unique specialty shops and eateries that now dot the landscape of the Division corridor. Once such place is ArtRat.

ArtRat owners Nancy Tobin and Matthew Rothenberg. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

Owned by Matthew Rothenberg and his wife, Nancy Tobin, ArtRat, 46 Division Ave., opened up to the public a little over a year ago. Rothenberg said Tobin, a painter, had already been using the space when the couple saw its potential to build community.

“So Nancy first started using this as her studio in 2018,” Rothernberg said. “And then we realized what a beautiful space this would be to have a gallery. So last year, we renovated the space and opened just before ArtPrize 2021.”

Tobin is a Grand Rapids native and graduated from Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design in 1981. She eventually made her way out West, where she met Rothenberg. Years later, the couple moved back to be closer to Tobin’s family.

Having spent several years living in bigger cities, like New York and San Francisco, Rothenberg said Grand Rapids has its own unique vibe. One he digs.

“It’s got the kind of intensity and vibrancy that we look for in cities,” Rothenberg said. “Nancy and I are city people. Our kids are too. This feels like that.”

Building the Community

But it’s not just art and artists’ performances taking center stage at ArtRat. To get people more engaged in the community, ArtRat is hosting more civic minded events. The gallery held a voter registration event in the fall and partnered up with PROACTIVE Project to try to get more citizens registered for the recent midterm election.

ArtRat audience enjoys an evening of music and poetry during the Saturday Musicians Co-op. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

ArtRat was also one of four sites picked to host a voting event for Participatory Budgeting GR. Participatory Budgeting GR was an initiative that allowed citizens to vote on proposals created by residents in order to spend the $2 million that the City was allocated to get because of the American Rescue Plan Act. Residents were asked to come up with ideas on how to spend the federal funds and then they got to vote on their favorites.

ArtRat has also been mixing art with song, music, poetry, and other live performances in an effort to bring in patrons and local artists alike. They’ve hosted ‘The Hai-Cuu Experience’ at the gallery about once a month. The Hip-Hop poetry experience is a collaboration with Cuu JoSama and Kenneth Cortez Productions.

It’s just the cool place to be

Starting in November, a new monthly event, ‘Americana Sundays’ will showcase individual singer-songwriters and bands performing in American roots music styles.

Rothenberg said he hopes events like this will help make people aware that this hip, cool scene is happening in the Heartside neighborhood. A vibrant and diverse area that’s starting to attract younger artists and people who enjoy the arts. Rothenberg said he’s confident once people see the potential this neighborhood has, they’ll be back.

“People may not be aware that it has a thriving retail scene with lots of unique things for people to do,” said Rothenberg. “There’s plenty of parking, cool businesses, cool people. Just a cool community to be a part of.”

Building a community through the Arts

Madyson Visscher, a local artist, works for the gallery as its social media manager. The 22-year-old moved to the neighborhood a year ago and like the owners she works for, she fell in love with the area and what it has to offer. She said Heartside has seen an explosion in the art scene, making the gallery a perfect hub for the community and herself.

ArtRat is located at 46 S. Division Ave. in the hear to the Heartside District. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

“I feel at home here for sure,” said Visscher. “There’s even this strip now. With all of the new retail and like resources that are here. Whether it’s a little space, so someone like me, an artist, I can go work in there. It’s a co-working space, plenty of cafés. We got the new vintage stores that are up and I’ve been spending way too much money in those.”

Visscher has been writing features on behalf of the ArtRat gallery showcasing some of the businesses in the area. The stories are published via email once or twice a week. She’s also been talking and getting feedback from residents in the neighborhood. Visscher said the gallery hopes it can break the stereotype that it only caters to people of a certain status.

“I think some art galleries can be a little uppity or sophisticated,” said Visscher. “But we’re definitely trying to change that narrative and be a space not only for artists, but just for the community too.”

Open Mic Night a Success

Rothenberg, a musician, said he wanted to give artists a place to hone their skills thus that is how the “Saturday Musicians Co-op” came to be.

Eli Winkelman, on drums, was excited to showcase his talent during a recent SaturdayMusicians Co-op. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

That opportunity to showcase his craft is why 18-year-old drummer Eli Winkelman came. The recent high school graduate of Grand Rapids has played a few times in front of people but mainly for school related events. He said the owners are a friend of his dad’s. He said he was happy for the opportunity to jam.

“It was actually really fun,” Winkelman said. “Because like, we actually got like, a lot of people, and it was pretty cool. Made me feel good.”

Some more seasoned performers took part as well. Journeé Evans, 23, is no stranger to performing. Evans is an artist and poet. The audience sat in silence, drinking in the words falling from her lips. She was met with the roar of applause afterwards. Evans said she was happy to be a part of the experiment.

“I feel like it is very unique”, Evans said. “And it’s very innovative, bringing in two genres that aren’t usually together, and then making an experience that everybody can enjoy. I feel like that’s a very balanced and awesome way of bringing attraction to any place.”

Journeé Evans, receives around of applause after her poetry reading. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

And that for Rothenberg was the whole point.

“Something I can do is create opportunities for people to come here”, Rothenberg said. “And perform here and interact here. You know, just get them down here and they can see the opportunities for themselves.”

For more information about ArtRat’s events, you can follow them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/artrat.us

For ArtPrize 2022, several organizations focus on a single artist’s work

September 19, 2022Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming EventsArtPrize, ArtRat, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, John Ball ZooJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Quality over quantity might be a theme for this year’s ArtPrize as several of the large institutions are featuring a single artist’s work.

This is the observation we saw as we pulled together the releases of several groups on their ArtPrize entries this year.

Grand Rapids Art Museum

The work of Mark Chatterly is featured at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Grand Rapids Public Museum/Mark Chatterly)

The Grand Rapids Art Museum‘s ArtPRize 2022 contribution is Andrea Dezsö’s “Family and Friends.” The large-scale mural on th eMuseum’s exterior and in the Museum’s lobby is comprised of imaginative creatures created by the artist during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, Dezsö conserved materials by cutting leftover scraps of handmade Japanese paper creatures she saw as protector sand companions during the pandemic. In total, she created 117 unique characters, which she has continued to explore over the past few years through woodblock print, wood carving, and now mural installation. The ArtPrize piece by Dezsö will be up through Jan. 14, 2023. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is located at 101 Monroe Center St. NW.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum

This year, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is featuring the work of sculptor Mark Chatterly for its ArtPrize exhibit. Chatterly specializes in large-scale figurative sculptures in ceramic that focus primarily on the figure with a metaphysical theme.

Chatterly’s “The Wall” is located outside of the museum on the north lawn. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is at 272 Pearl St. NW.

John Ball Zoo

The John Ball Zoo is hosting Disc Art, an interactive disc golf course featuring nine scrap metal features. Guests are invited to play the course for free and explore the large-scale art works. Discs will be provided or guests may bring their own.

Artist Stacy Rhines said she had the idea for about fives years and this winter, she actually had enough time to work on the piece. Each of the five goals are metal art sculptures made from repurposed. Rhines said she placed the tee and the goal about 80 feet apart, much less than a normal course, so that everyone could enjoy the activity. The John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 W. Fulton St.

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

A piece for the upcoming ArtPrize exhibit featuring the work of Mark Mennin. (Supplied)

The work of Mark Mennin will be featured as the Meijer Garden’s ArtPrize 2022. The exhibit, entitled “Embedded,” features three oversized stone beds situation outdoors on the Frey Foundation Plaza leading into the Welcome Center. This trip plays with perception of hard and soft, heavy and light.

Mennin’s ArtPrize piece will be up through Oct. 2. Mennin’s work is also featured in a fall exhibition at the Gardens, entitled Mark Mennen: Written in Stone which runs through Nov. 27. Frederik Meijer Gardens is located at 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE.

ArtRat

ArtRat, located at 46 S. Division, will be hosting several free events throughout ArtPrize. Upcoming are The Hai-Cuu Experience, which features poet and hip-hop musician Cuu JoSama, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22 and 29. On Friday, Sept. 23, will be a hands-on reception for Dean Hunt’s “evolutionARy,” an ArtPrize entry. The event is from 7 – 9 p.m. Sunday. Sept. 25, will be am music and dance performance from 5 to 6 p.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 2, will be the ArtRat’s ArtPRize wrap party will be from 2 – 5 p.m