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.

Francis Henshall has two bosses. His first is Roscoe Crabbe, a local gangster. His second is Stanley Stubbers, an upper-class criminal. Anxious to keep his dual allegiance a secret, Francis desperately attempts to prevent the two “guvnors” from meeting.

A remarkable exhibition, David Nash: From Kew Gardens to Meijer Gardens, is currently on view at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The exhibition hosts more than 25 works by this internationally renowned British sculptor. In addition, Nash will be creating and installing several new works at Meijer Gardens.

Many of us strive to be more compassionate, sympathetic human beings, yet true understanding and empathy can be elusive; walking a mile in someone else’s shoes is easier said than done.

Summer is on its way, which means it’s only a matter of time before your steering wheel is scorching your fingers and your patio is barbequing your toes. The interior of your SUV won’t be the only thing too hot to handle this summer, however, with the sizzling premiere of Mason Street Warehouse’s Steam Heat. A tribute to legendary Broadway director and choreographer Bob Fosse, the production features hits from favorites like Chicago, Cabaret, Sweet Charity and more.

Though traditional art seasons are wrapping up, the blazing heat has failed to dry up all opportunities for West Michigan artsy-fartsy fun. Summer theatres are drawing back their curtains, while year-round venues are lining up a diverse array of events and exhibitions sure to offer visitors more than just air conditioning.

Puccini's Madama Butterfly couldn't be more aptly named. Besides the fact that its main character's name means “butterfly” in Japanese, Madama Butterfly also has a fitting title in light of the opera’s history.

At the turn of the 20^th century, a debate was happening in the art world among scholars and crafts persons: are applied arts, handicrafts and crafts included in the visual arts?

Miller Auditorium is bringing a little Broadway to Kalamazoo with its PNC Broadway in West Michigan Series. The 2014-2015 lineup was announced today and includes Jekyll & Hyde, Sister Act, Elf The Musical and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The Broadway Plus Series includes shows like Blue Man Group and Peter and the Starcatcher.