View the September issue!

September marks a return.

It’s the return of school, of festivals, of fall — and most importantly for this issue, it’s the return of many arts organizations.

After a year of uncertainty and virtual events, the arts are back in full force. While we’re often known as “Beer City,” West Michigan is just as much an epicenter of quality cultural arts. Over a decade ago, ArtPrize helped shape the region’s modern approach to art, while organizations like UICA and Lions & Rabbits have led recent efforts to move the discussion forward and make art a bigger part of our lives.

We have the only professional ballet company in Michigan, multiple incredible symphonies, stellar arts museums, and an ever-growing presence of public art. 

With this year’s Arts Issue, we shine a spotlight on a small part of that scene, featuring a few artists who have helped make West Michigan beautiful. Many of them are involved in murals, which I’m happy to see take over our walls, streets and electrical boxes.

We also have our Season Previews back again, providing a handy guide to all the art events we currently know about for the year ahead! Theater, music, dance, visual art — it’s all there.

Speaking of returns, Skelletones is coming back, and we have a deep dive into how it all happened. Plus, a look at Selfie WRLD, Archival Brewing and Mortals Café, three new businesses bringing unique experiences to the community.

As we all get excited for the new and returning things coming in September, just remember we’re still living in a world of constant change (not to mention a labor shortage). As businesses and organizations “pivot” to make life work for you, consider doing the same for them, because we’re all in this together.

'Til next time,

Josh Veal, Managing Editor

On the Cover: 2021 Arts Issue

News: What's Going On

Arts Season Preview 2021-2022

2020
December: Last-Minute Gift Guide
November: The Holiday Issue
October: The Beer Issue
September: The Arts Issue
August: The Best of the West Issue
July: The Dining & Drinking Issue
June: Summer to Re-Discover
May: Feel the Love Issue
April: Cannabis Issue
March: The Funny Issue
February: The Sweet Issue
January: 50 Things to Do in 2020 

2019
December  |  November  |  October  |  September  |  August  |  July  |  June  |  May  |  April  |  March  |  February  |  January

2018
December  |  November  |  October  |  September  |  August  |  July  |  June  |  May  |  April |  March  |  February  |  January

2017
December  |  November  |  October  |  September  |  August  |  July  |  June  |  May  |  April  |  March  |  February  |  January

*For earlier issues, contact Courtney for the linked archive.