It’s estimated that only one out of every 100,000 elevator rides results in someone getting stuck. And when elevators do get stuck, it’s usually not for very long. You call for help, and help arrives.

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Sometimes the greatest dramas are the quiet ones that show us life is more than the sum of our external accomplishments: the real revolution comes with the painstaking triumphs of our internal struggles. 

Since its publication in 1904, it’s been an open question as to whether The Cherry Orchard—onstage at Kalamazoo Civic this month—is a comedy or a tragedy.

Arts exhibitions and performances have returned in full swing to West Michigan. 

No matter how many times we have encountered “It’s a Wonderful Life”, the story somehow deeply touches us. When we’re young, it feels like a fairy tale; when we’re adults, it can feel like a mirror. 

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When you’re a minority, the larger culture has a tendency of reminding you of that fact. Sometimes, that’s in direct and brutal ways. 

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The Grand Rapids Art Museum just announced a dynamic lineup of exhibitions on view during the fall and winter seasons. The exhibitions include a showcase of leading Black photographers from across the African diaspora through more than 100 works; a Michigan Artist Series video installation of collaged archival and found footage; and a sweeping presentation of over sixty landscape, seascape, and skyscape paintings from the Museum’s permanent collection.

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From now until January 11th, Art Nouveau: Age of Elegance will be on display at the Muskegon Museum of Art.

It’s in keeping with modern dance company Wellspring’s self-celebratory ethos that the kickoff concert for their 45th season is titled “Epic Moments”. The double entendre refers to works created in downtown Kalamazoo’s Epic Center, after the company relocated there from the Park Trades Center, presenting works created by Founder Cori Terry as well as current Artistic Director Marisa Bianan, who has led the company since last year.

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What is it about Christmas movies that we can’t seem to get enough of? The inevitable happy endings, no matter how high stakes the conflict; the coziness, symbolized by ubiquitous mugs of hot cocoa and shimmering decor; the flawed characters who transform for the better, are perhaps a start.

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