Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts Announces New Events

Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts announced today what new events and exhibits will debut at the upcoming June festival.  Festival, the largest all-volunteer event in the nation,  is June 3rd-5th, downtown GR. So what's new this year?

The Grand Rapids Art Museum is partnering with Festival, expanding the variety of exhibits and activities in and around the museum. GRAM will host the Festival 2011 Regional Arts Exhibition, the Indoor Classical concerts, the Festival 2011 Film Competition, and family activities on Wege Plaza by the GRAM Education Department. GRAM is also offering admission to the public during Festival weekend.

Festival will have 33 food booths this year! Just one of the things that makes Festival so unique is that all of the food booths are operated by schools, churches, booster clubs and other nonprofits. Food booth sales are a major source of revenue for both the sponsoring organization and for Festival. Some pretty delicious sounding new food options this year! :

Legends Performing Arts Association Bacon--Dusted Fries, Citrus Bbq Pulled Chicken Sandwich

Somali Community of Greater GR -- Somali Fajita, Somosa, Bahajia

LINC (formerly Lighthouse Communities Inc.)--BBQ Ribs, Rib Tips, Fried catfish

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre's Traveling Troupe will present a free performance of the play "The Stinky Cheese Man" on Saturday, June 4th at 2:00pm at the theater at 30 North Division.

Avenue for the Arts Market - The Avenue for the Arts is the South Division corridor between Wealthy and Fulton. During Festival, From 4 pm until 9 pm, experience the Avenue for the Arts Market that will feature local artists, musicians, and performers.

SiTE:LAB, a temporary gallery and exhibition space will be open for college-age artists to display their work. SiTE: LAB is located in the former Junior Achievement building at the corner of Fulton and Division.

StorySpinners, an organization of West Michigan storytellers is bringing the "Story Kettle" to Festival. Hand-crafted by local artist Marylu Dykstra, the Kettle will hold stories created by Festival visitors.

Student artwork of more than 400 area K-12 students will be displayed in the Kent County Courthouse at Ottawa and Lyon.

Stay tuned to The River for more Festival updates. With all the new and exciting stuff this year, we're thrilled to be a part of Festival! Come out and see us-- we'll be set up at the corner of Lyon and Ottawa.