Update and Repost: Dimensional Fashion on Display in Grand Rapids

So I went back to the GRAM for another look at Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion

(yes it is interesting enough to warrant a second look!)

And I took the time this time to watch the footage of her runway shows. On mannequins, the dresses have a beautiful fascination, but when you watch someone try to move in them, you get a grasp of their absolute absurd ridiculousness. 

Honestly, these women look so uncomfortable and miserable. Mostly it's the shoes. The insane heelless shoes. I simply cannot get over them. I can't stop watching these 9-foot-tall toothpicks wobbling down the runway. And when someone is concentrating that hard on simply walking forward, it becomes less sexy and more degrading. 

So please, go see the show and enjoy it as art and sculpture, be awed by the materials, but I'm going to stop referring to the pieces as clothes now!

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Original post published December 22nd, 2016  

If you find yourself in Grand Rapids during the next few weeks, I must urge you to check out the Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion exhibit at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

On display, are about 100 innovative pieces from Iris van Herpen, a cutting-edge fashion designer from the Netherlands. The stunning craftsmanship of Van Herpen's work is not overshadowed by her use of unorthodox materials, such as umbrellas and metal screens. But she is perhaps best known for creating the world's first 3-D-printed couture fashions.

The 3-D printed clothes, don't look particularly comfortable and I don't anticipate seeing them hanging in our closets anytime soon, but they don't fail to enrapture. The futuristic styles compliment the human form in an organic manner, yet create designs that function more like sculpture than apparel. 

Van Herpen revealed her first collection in 2007, after graduating from the ArtEZ Institute of the Arts in the Netherlands. Since then, her work has appeared on international runways and she has designed couture pieces for fashion powerhouses such as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Bjork.

Van Herpen believes "Wearing clothing creates an exciting and imperative form of self-expression." This exhibition features outfits, while outrageously "different", are undeniable beautiful. 

The GRAM exhibition continues until January 15th. I cannot recommend a visit strongly enough. For a listing of hours of operation, visit artmuseumgr.org.

8th Annual Recycled Art Market at City High

This Saturday is the 8th Annual Recycled Art Market at the City High/Middle School (1720 Plainfield). This is our favorite show of the year — this year there will be more than 70 booths showcasing goods made from primarily recycled materials. 

Every year, we like to debut at least one new product, this year it will be kitty bowties. Bows are made from recycled neckties and fabric scraps. These dapper accessories are perfect for all you're cat's upcoming formal holiday occasions!*

We will also have most of our standard items available too. Last year the booth was full and the day was busy. We're looking forward to seeing many familiar faces again this year. 

Items are one-of-a-kind and of limited quantity, so get there early for first dibbs! Generally, 11 am to 1 pm are the busiest hours, so if you want to avoid the crowds, plan accordingly! See you Saturday!

*Miss the show or want a sneak peek at some ties, check out ScrappyLynn.etsy.com

Little Gert, Big Deal

Three local historians spoke at the Grand Rapids Public Library as part of an Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council event last month—profiling the Berkey & Gay factory girls and the first woman on the Kent County Commission, Grace Ames Van Hoesen. 

The third speaker, Drew Damron, a local librarian, historian and cartoonist, spoke about Gertrude Van Houten, one of the first female cartoonists in the nation–and the first to cartoon for a local audience. 

I had never heard of "Gert", but I figured I would be able to Google her when I got home and find a whole history and archive of her work. But, wow, the only information available seems to be as it relates to Drew Damron and June's speaker event. Looks like Damron may have a market for some very niche Grand Rapids history.* 

Here's what I learned about Gert. Gertrude Van Houten started work at The Grand Rapids Press in 1917 and quickly became a local celebrity. Her work often appeared on the front page of the paper and touched on a broad range of local, societal, and political topics. 

In the corner of every cartoon, Gert added "Little Gert", who often added a punchline or quip to the frame. The mark became well known locally and the character was later used to endorse retail products.  

Grand Rapids Press – 10/31/1918

During World War I, Gert was sent to Washington DC to draw on location and to keep Grand Rapids informed of wartime developments. After returning to Grand Rapids, she worked at The Chronicle, owned by George Walsh, and later began a career in advertising and fashion illustration. 

The Interpreter - 1970s

Gert's other local claim to acclaim, is designing (not sculpting) the John Ball statue at the John Ball Zoo entrance. For this design, she was paid $20 (in the 1920s... about $250 today).

Eventually, Gert left Michigan, living in New York and California for a time before returning to Grand Rapids in 1970 at the age of 80 and once again, working for George Walsh at The Interpreter.

I hope Damron continues to explore Gert's life and someday offers Grand Rapids a more extensive retrospective. Without his curiosity, this amazing career may have been lost to the archives.

*Damron does currently have a booklet on Gert available for purchase.

UICA Visit: 2016 Color of the Year

2016 is the first year that Pantone® has released TWO colors for it's annual Color of the Year.

PMS 13-1520 Rose Quartz and PMS 15-3915 Serenity are a soft combination of warm and cool. 

When choosing a Color of the Year, Pantone chooses a color that will resonate around the world. Rose Quartz and Serenity are very contemporary, meant to inspire a soothing, peaceful feeling.

The 2016 colors are much calmer, more relaxed colors than the previous 12 years. This is in response to modern day stress and our hectic lifestyles. The colors are a calming antidote to everyday demands. 

The colors also blur traditional gender associations. This social trend toward gender fluidity has led to an increased comfort with using color as a form of expression.

The UICA in downtown Grand Rapids has a X-Rite Pantone Color of the Year exhibit on until Sunday, July 31, 2016. A row of gorgeous gowns line the main hallway, visible from the long windows along Fulton. These dresses drew me inside. All are made from light, flowing, soft materials. They create an airy feeling, a simple display of beauty and comfort. 

Several of the exhibition pieces incorporate a gentle, windy feeling or actual blown elements.There's a tranquil feeling throughout the entire exhibition— I was the only visitor in the gallery (this is not unusual at the UICA) and a quiet lull of indie music followed me throughout. 

Overall, they definitely achieved a peaceful space, and I feel like the 2016 color choices are very modern, quiet, and mature. They are a fresh step forward, away from the past palette which has tended to scream "Look at me!" 

Could that really be the direction society is heading?? 

Stop by and see for yourself, now thru July 31st.

Wild Things Happening at the GRAM

When I used to baby-sit perpetually, Where the Wild Things Are was a book that I could recite by heart:

"The night Max wore his wolf suit, and made mischief of one kind and another, his mother called him 'Wild Thing' and Max said "I'll eat you up!", so he was sent to bed without eating anything."

A compilation of work by children's author and illustrator Maurice Sendak is currently on exhibition at the GRAM, and features dozens of original Wild Things sketches. 

The beloved children's classic was published in 1963 and transformed the genre of children's literature—portraying children as individuals, with real moods and emotions.

Sendak originally pitched the story idea as Where the Wild Horses Are—the editor loved the idea, but Sendak soon realized he couldn't draw horses. When he told his editor*, she asked: “Maurice, what can you draw?”

“Things,” he said.

The "Things" take on the personas of some of Sendak's aunts and uncles, who he remembers having crooked teeth and hairy noses. His child-like and literal understanding of things they often said frightened him, "How fat you got, you look so good we could eat you up," they'd say.

Since its release, Where the Wild Things Are has been animated, made into an opera (that Sendak designed the set for), and a feature length film. 

But that wasn't Sendak's entire legacy. He also wrote the book and lyrics for the children's musical, Really Rosie. I did not know this before visiting the museum today, but I remember seeing this play as a kid, and wearing the hot pink t-shirt for YEARS afterwards. So thanks, Maurice Sendak. 

Sendak was born the same year as Mickey Mouse, and the mouse was very influential in Sendak's childhood, inspiring him to draw and tell stories. Often sick as a child and confined to bed, Sendak's astounding imagination took over. He often showed tribute to the mouse via illustration. 

Self Portrait

This Sendak original is currently for sale online for $11,000. 

Google even honored Sendak on his 85th birthday with this impressive Google Doodle.

The exhibition at the GRAM continues now thru May 22nd and contains about 50 sketches. If you have fond memories of Max in his wolf suit, I suggest you check it out. 

*This editor was also responsible for a few other classics like The Giving Tree, Goodnight Moon, Harold and the Purple Crayon and Charlotte’s Web among others.

Le Bon Appétit

A gorgeous 75 degree day like today, really invites you to get out and enjoy your city. So it was on our wandering exploration of Cherry Hill today that I finally made it to Le Bon Macaron at 951 Cherry Street.  
It wasn't until last year, during our hunting trip to New Orleans, that I learned that macaroons could be adorable as well as tasty. And the confections at Le Bon Macaron are perfection - the suburb balance of crunchy and soft. Enjoyed with a side of Lavender Italian Ice, it was a splendid treat for a summer day. 

Le Bon Macaron is a family owned business, and the Grand Rapids location, which opened in 2015, is actually their second. The first opened in East Lansing in 2010. 
The shop is adorable, and I fell in love instantly. Clean, chic and pink, it was like stepping into a daydream full of tiny treats. The artwork on the wall, which I immediately commented on, is by Grand Rapidian Jasmine Wisz. A watercolor artist who also does custom pet portraits. All of the decor created a lovely ambiance, and really made the beautiful macaroons a centerpiece. 

Having now discovered Le Bon Macaron, it's going to be hard to stay away. I look forward to sampling more of their offerings and also in trying their afternoon tea. In the meantime, I will simply drool over their instagram feed. 

Uncle Goose and his Bag of (well designed) Tricks

I was in Detroit when I discovered an amazing Grand Rapids-based company.

Uncle Goose makes (beautiful/intricate/creative/handcrafted/designer) wooden blocks right here in GR. The materials (fast-growing sustainable basswood) are sourced from the around the Great Lakes and everything is 100% produced in the USA. Oh, and the ink is non-toxic and child-safe too.

That's cool.

But look at these blocks you guys. THEY ARE AMAZING. I'm really just lost in wonder over them. And I'm an adult (sort of).

The first set I saw was at The Detroit Mercantile, and it was the Invisible Creature's Odd Galaxy set. You guys, I went nuts over these blocks.

This goes way beyond ABC blocks to a whole realm of stacking potential. Check out Stack and Scare Rodney, many of his pieces aren't typical square blocks. And that is awesome.

As I turned to Google I discovered the enormity of the Uncle Goose collection. In terms of basic alphabet and teachablity, they have ABC blocks in Chinese, Swahili, Ukrainian and every other conceivable language (is it still called the ABCs for other languages???)

And you can just keep on learning with Presidential blocks, USA blocks, nursery rhyme blocks, musical chord blocks, nautical flag blocks, periodic table of elements blocks, and Braille blocks. Honestly, you're going to have the smartest kids ever.

And of course the designer in me FREAKED OUT over their House Industries (type foundery) sets... including an Eames set?? No way. Is it ok for an adult to play with blocks? That wouldn't be weird.... would it?

Clearly, these blocks are for design-centric parents and not really their kiddos. But while the parents are going FLIP OUT over these blocks, the kids are going to think they're pretty cool too. The colors are stimulating, the patterns intriguing, and the possibilities endless.

I'm telling you, you guys — Get ready for a generation of smarter, cooler kids... with an appreciation for typography.

The Return of Prohibition in Grand Rapids

From 1920 to 1933, America experienced the colorful era of Prohibition—when the dry intentions of the Temperance movement led to the Roaring '20s. 

And while it took over 60 years for Prohibition to be ratified, it took only 13 years for it to fail. In a town with such a passion for beer, I am not surprised Michigan was the first state to sign for the repeal of the 18th Amendment.

The first amendment to ever come undone, the exhibit "American Spirits"—now showing at the Grand Rapids Public Museum—explores how Prohibition changed America. The exhibit was created by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and will be visiting Grand Rapids until January 17th.

Prohibition was clearly an overwhelming failure, but without this constitutional blip, we'd have missed a culturally significant era of American history. From the fashion of the flappers, to the big band sounds of the speakeasies, race and gender lines began to blur and interact.

But organized crime and corruption reigned, and as America entered the Great Depression, the economy demanded prohibition come to an end. 

The "American Spirits" exhibit is a stand-out museum production— informative, beautifully designed, and interactive in creative and appropriate ways. It includes drink recipes, dance tutorials, ipad quizzes and photo ops.  I'm impressed with how museums have evolved beyond trinkets in glass cases with boring small print signs—into exhibitions that involve all the senses.

And though I went to the museum specifically to see American Spirits, I just couldn't help myself—I just had to walk through old-timey Grand Rapids. The streets were all decorated for Christmas with a display of Santas from around the world. In our ever changing city, it's nice to look back on where we came from and imagine it as it was.

So sneak into the Grand Rapids Public Museum before the holidays and you'll get a bonus — Beautiful old Santas on the streets of old Grand Rapids as well as American Spirits: The Rise and fall of Prohibition.* 

And then head out in Grand Rapids to have a cocktail at one of your favorite bars. Just because... you can. 
  
*There may also be a King Tut exhibit on, but i didn't make it all the way upstairs. 

Holidays on Rails

I love the city my town has become. But what I like even more than looking at what Grand Rapids is, is looking at what Grand Rapids was. And our local Christmas legend gives us an amazing opportunity to do that.

Grand Rapidian Chris Van Allsburg wrote The Polar Express in 1985, inspired by childhood memories of the holidays in Grand Rapids.

Back then,  Herpolsheimer's and Wurzburg's department stores were basically the Macy's and Gimbels of GR.

"When you went downtown to do your Christmas shopping, you always had to make a choice to go to Wurzburg's or Herpolsheimer's," Van Allsburg remembers.

Today, the Grand Rapids Art Museum is located on the former site of Wurzburg's. And the GR police department sits on the somewhat iconic corner of Monroe Center and Division, where Herpolsheimer's once was.

Before shopping malls, and certainly before the internet, shopping was a different experience, and department stores reigned. And for the kids, visiting the shopping at Christmas meant a visit to Santa Claus.
During the Christmas shopping season, Herpolsheimer's operated the "Santa Express"—a miniature train on a monorail suspended from the ceiling in the basement. While it looks cheesy and somewhat dangerous to me now, back then I'm sure it felt futuristic, like something straight out of the World's Fair.

The train in The Polar Express was based on a 482 Baldwin Steam train. When they made the movie, the train they referenced was the Pere Marquette, which is the rail line between Grand Rapids and Chicago. And the train they studied.... #1225 of course.

I myself, have very early holiday memories of The Polar Express, specifically because of the Breton Village Mall, where they always had an elaborate train set up, and the story was illustrated annually around Santa's Village.

In a season where tradition reigns, Grand Rapids looks a little different than it did when Van Allsburg was growing up. People head to the suburbs (or their desktop) to shop. But his story will continue to delight for as long as children have the ability to believe.

Read Her Like a Book: Artprize #7

ArtPrize 7 kicked off last month and I've spent the last couple weeks trying to play nice with #artprize. 

For someone who spends a lot of time in downtown Grand Rapids, ArtPrize has became an annual struggle between being a joy and a burden. 

But yesterday I finally found a piece to get excited about — Jacqueline Baerwald's Melondy  in Fountain Street Church, has completely captured my attention.

Painted on thrifted and found books, the series addresses insecurities that imprison teenage girls every day, such as diet, heartbreak, rivalry, and addiction.

The 20+ sculptures are created from books which were selected specifically for their titles, and when read together create a poem  and arranged to create a poem. It's the partnership of the mages and words that makes this piece so successful. 

The stocking footed paintings of "Melondy"represent the average teenage girl, dealing with high school, fears and her own frustrations. Her body language aptly depicts these insecurities.

To see more of Baerwald's work and read more about Melondy, visit hoursof.me.

You have until midnight Saturday to vote for your favorite ArtPrize pieces in Round 1. Be sure to check out Melondy at Fountain Street Church and if it strikes you, as it has me, vote for #61997.

And if you find yourself out artprizing in search of an unique, inspiring and well-curated venue worth visiting, try Processing Fibers at 250 Monroe, which features traditional and nontraditional art made from diverse fiber materials. I was impressed with basically every piece in this space — though a may have a bias towards textile and fiber arts. 

Anyhow... Stay Calm and #ArtPrize On ....

My Morning Coffee, Loaded with Custard

I've lived in Grand Rapids (essentially) for 30+ years. So I am amazed and delighted when I discover hidden gems.

Sandy's Donuts had been on my list to check out for a year or so, and I'm really quite disappointed in myself for not stopping sooner! It's everything a donut shop should be — completely old school with black coffee and enamel tables. The smell of fresh baked donuts welcomed me as soon as I stepped out of the car.

Sandy's has been a mainstay on the northwest side (2040 Leonard St.) for generations, with recipes handed down over the years. I couldn't find any formal information on its history, but it's the type of place I dream of having down the block. Someplace I could visit weekly, read the paper and drink my coffee. Looking around the diner, it was obvious that the gentlemen customers had been meeting here for years. The traditions present clearly went beyond the donuts.

For $2.50 I had donut and a large coffee. My eclair was fresh — nice and airy, it was filled with copious amounts of custard. Basically, my perfect donut. 

It feels like sacrilege to say it, but I would be inclined to call these Grand Rapids' best donuts. (Above Van's... and possibly followed by Dart's Donut truck — more research may be required on the subject to formally rank ;) )

Then again, perhaps it would be better for my waistline if I'd never found Sandy's... 

Feeling Zen in Grand Rapids

The much anticipated Japanese Garden addition to Frederik Meijer Gardens opened in June. The 8-acre space surrounds two ponds and is rather tranquil and serene. 

The space give the gardens an international upgrade. Planned by landscape desginer, Hoichi Kurisu, it includes a tea house, zen garden, bonsai garden, waterfalls, and fine art sculpture. 

Rocks, water and plants are essential elements in a Japanese style garden. FMG includes plants native to both Japan and Michigan. What matters most is the  manner in which the plants are planted, pruned, maintained, and sculpted. The plants here need time to mature, but have the potential to be a botanical wonder.

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"The sacred lotus flower represents spiritual growth, enlightenment and purity of body, speech, and mind. The flower emerges clear and bright into the warmth and light of the sun, like an awakened mind grows naturally towards the warmth and light of truth, love and compassion. The strong but flexible plant keeps the lotus flower ‘anchored’ but clear above the muddy waters that symbolize impure attachment, craving and ignorance." Source