Hard Femme brings together more than 15 artists that each explore themes related to femininity, and promises to be much more than a salute to the ever-inspiring lady lumps.

Curator Miranda Sharp said the Aug. 10 show contains work that shows you don’t have to be weak to be feminine. “The work deals with having feminine traits but still being kick ass,” she said.

Just in time for the summer slump, Mason Street Warehouse introduces a cool breeze of originality to Michigan’s theatre scene.

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park transforms into Chinese Contemporary artist Zhang Huan's world throughout the end of summer, featuring a diverse body of work that contrasts and blends two sides of the globe.

"Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan" is now on display at the Gardens and will run through Aug. 25. The retrospective explores the work of Huan both thematically and artistically through his sculptures, photography and installations, and is the first of its kind in the American Midwest.

A big personality is coming to the Grand Rapids Civic, and she's bold, beautiful and blond — very blonde.

Devoted slave to everything pretty, pricey and pink, Legally Blonde's Elle Woods is a celebratory spoof of all things young and girly. Accessorized by catchy pop tunes, bubblegum-colored sets and a divalicious Chihuahua, Elle couldn't be happier with her life as a sorority queen bee.

From the iconic 'wherefore art thou' to the dagger's final plunge, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet delivers enthralling moments that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. This classic tale of forbidden passion returns once again with Grand Rapids Ballet's season finale, Romeo & Juliet.

Discovering an area's artful offerings can be challenging, whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime resident. Questions of where to go and what to see abound, but there's one type of event that can easily help provide some answers: a gallery hop.

Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium announced its 2013-14 lineup and made season subscriptions available. Here is a rundown of the season.

Lasting one night only April 12 from 6-11 p.m., Art.Downtown. has more than 30 downtown venues featuring more than 300 artists. A broad range of artwork is displayed, including ceramics, painting, photo, performance, music, film and more.

"I think that the thing to know about the event as a whole is that it's very eclectic," said Jenn Schaub, coordinator for Avenue for the Arts.

The abilities of art are endless. It can teach, inspire, challenge, and in the case of local organization Artists Creating Together (ACT), it can heal. ACT has been bringing art to children, youth and adults with disabilities since 1986 and is the largest organization of its kind in Michigan.

There's no hero more unlikely than the Wicked Witch of the West, who is arguably one of the most epic villains ever. This iconic baddie arrives at the Miller Auditorium to tell her TRUE story in the smash hit musical Wicked, Broadway's highest-grossing show for an unprecedented eight consecutive years.