As the second installment of a three-year, three-exhibition partnership with the Whitney Museum of American Art, the GRAM opened its doors to Real/Surreal Oct. 19.

Visit the theater and the ballpark all in one night this September. Mitch Albom, bestselling author, playwright and journalist, is bringing his newest play, "Ernie," to Wealthy Theatre for a special 12-performance run from Sept. 12-23.

Each year, ArtPrize has been a catalyst for conversation and change and for its fourth competition, and in 2012, you can expect more of the same. This year, the contest hosts nearly the same number of artists and venues as the 2011 competition, but will operate minus the presence of former Executive Director Catherine Creamer.

Throughout the years, opera has fallen into a certain stereotype: Fancy, expensive, formal, elite and ritzy. But Opera Grand Rapids wants to show the community that opera is not just a fat lady in a helmet with horns; nor is it custom for attendees to wear Victorian wigs, top hats or spectacles.