For the first time in 17 years, the Grand Rapids Symphony has a new music director. Marcelo Lehninger — replacing David Lockington, who held the position for 16 years — was the symphony's guest conductor in both February 2015 and April 2016. 

Revue talked with Lehninger about his interests, his musical philosophy, and his plans for the symphony. 

Simple shapes, large swaths of color and quasi-patterns dominate the abstract landscapes of Jeff Kraus’ canvases. 

But the 31-year-old Grand Rapidian doesn’t want to tell you how to interpret his work. Rather, Kraus enjoys “the fact that each person can look at it and associate different things from their life onto it.” The art, which has been shown in galleries from Los Angeles to New York, is meant to be experienced rather than deciphered.

“The UICA has been a major reason why I enjoy living in GR, as it has been the most professional, inspiring, forward-thinking art institution outside of Detroit, as far as I’m concerned.”

Way back in 2007, a group of sculpture students at Kendall College of Art & Design embarked on a project that’s since grown faster and larger than they ever could have expected. 

That project, first known as ACTIVESITE and later called SiTE:LAB, has been making a name for itself in the local arts scene (and beyond). Revue talked with Amenta about plans for the future, why SiTE:LAB is important, and what the general public should get out of it all.