ignoring most venues and social graces for two straight days, my trusty photographer and I excitedly combined our favorite annual art contest with our favorite not-so-annual contest of drinking too much. We accomplished very little of our original intents, but saw anything worth seeing — according to us.
Audiences have come to expect this universal story at the core of many Broadway musicals. Often, however, it is not so much the romantic relationship that draws people toward a particular show. Rather, it is the packaging around the relationship—the exotic sets, spectacular costumes and dizzying special effects that reel in audiences.
Sometimes, you just got to dance. REVUE has compiled a rundown of West Michigan dance options for everyone.
Artful Exploration of the Practical MindA cultural study of the Midwest reveals an interesting trajectory. InThe Middle West: Its Meaning in American Culture, geographer James R. Shortridge notes around the turn of the last century, the Midwest enjoyed a prosperous time and was revered in the national consciousness as the most “American” part of the nation. The self-reliance of the inhabitants secured the region’s identity as the ideal America. There was a strong commitment to progressivism, with an emphasis on education, women’s rights and temperance.
Whether you realize it or not, you are probably already familiar with Carmen. One of the most popular operas in existence, the tempestuous tragedy has permeated American culture, with references popping up in everything from Doritos ads to the Pixar film, Up.
Artists often take inspiration from their environment. Georgia O’Keeffe moved to New Mexico for the light and landscape. Andy Warhol thrived on the constant buzz of New York’s social scene. Many a muse was found at the ballet for Edgar Degas.
Put red, yellow, brown, green and every shade in between together and you get the most fabulous coat on Broadway. Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat brings a vivid palette of breathtaking hues to Broadway Grand Rapids this month.
Q&A with Vicki Wright from the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts on its 90th anniversary and exhibition celebrating both KIA’s collection and local artists it inspires.
Con Artist Crew, an eclectic group of West Michigan artists, is giving audiences universal accessibility to shows. The group has developed ArtLustr, an interactive electronic still program that can be used anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection.
Picture this: you just bought the latest release from your favorite band. You can’t wait to listen to it from start to finish, to really let it unfold, to go back and give it another go after the first run through. Now imagine, would you do this on your tiny little laptop in a crowded space with lots of noise all around?
What makes ArtPrize successful is its ability to polarize the community. Is it legitimate art if anyone can enter? Just because the public likes the piece the most, does it actually make it the best? And why are there so many big-ass pieces of art? Like any big event, there are the hits, the misses and the things that just make you laugh out loud. We've found some of the best.
I don’t care if you’re the Queen of England, you have laughed at a fart joke. Let’s get real: adolescent humor tickles the funny bone of even the snobbiest snob on occasion. A little part of everyone is always irrepressibly drawn to free, unabashed silliness—humor that hits its mark because it’s just plain goofy.
You may have noticed, and perhaps participated in, First Friday events held in cities across the country: Albany, Anchorage, Bellingham, Chicago, Denver, Kalamazoo, Scranton, Phoenix, Tallahassee and many more. On the first Friday of each month, galleries and artists’ studios open their doors and encourage the public to explore the diverse offerings. Many are clustered within walking distance of each other. Sometimes there’s a trolley making the hop between arts areas and downtown hotels.
Never cross a scorned woman. But what happens when said scorned woman crosses herself? That's the basis of Christopher vanDer Ark's Feminine Tragedies on Grecian Themes or, The Scorpio Play.
