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 90^th 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.

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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.