Arts and Culture

Pictured from left to right: Saugatuck Township Treasurer Jon Helmrich, Saugatuck Township Trustee Brenda Marcy, Saugatuck Township Manager Daniel DeFranco, and Maryjo Lemanski, founder of the Saugatuck Douglas Fennville Arts Initiative.

Saugatuck Township’s first public art seen as ‘start of something bigger’

A bold new sculpture in Saugatuck Township blends safety, art, and vision, marking the community’s commitment to beauty and innovation.

Latest in Arts and Culture
Sanilac County CMH CEO Wilbert Morris presents iPad to Sanilac County Sheriff Paul Rich
Meeting rural Michiganders’ mental health care needs

Michigan’s rural residents face different challenges when accessing mental health care than residents of urban areas. Transportation issues, loneliness, and limited group therapy options can compound their mental health needs. To address these challenges, community mental health (CMH) agencies like Sanilac County Community Mental Health innovate community-based solutions that meet their populations where they are at.   

Held in Grand Rapids, the Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival features artists from across the country.
Grand Rapids mural festival blends art, ecology, and creative mentorship

KCAD students and alumni join national artists to create murals spotlighting endangered species during Grand Rapids' Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival.

The Gentex Block Party is a free, family-friendly celebration packed with games, giveaways, food, and live music.
Gentex brings community together with street performers, block party

The Gentex Block Party, a free family event with games, giveaways, food, and music, will be held Aug. 14 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Holland Civic Center Place.

Monica Smith, Yevgenia Gazman, and Christine Sauvé, MIRC Detroit Office.
Ataques a las familias inmigrantes y lo que eso significa para la educación temprana

En 2024, los educadores de la primera infancia en el suroeste de Detroit observaron una caída significativa en la inscripción preescolar tras el aumento de la actividad de control de inmigración. Aunque el descenso no fue documentado oficialmente en ese momento, las organizaciones comunitarias informan que aproximadamente el 15% de los estudiantes fueron retirados de los programas preescolares del área en cuestión de semanas.  

Garage sale gold trim: great deal, until handwashing sparks dish-duty drama.
Myron Kukla: Surviving fancy garage sale dishes

Humorist Myron Kukla discovers that bargain dishes come with gold trim, handwashing, and a surprising amount of marital diplomacy.

Stevens Hotel in 2012.
Fennville’s agritourism sector to be complemented by $4.8M ‘regeneration project’ of historic hotel

“The regeneration project will provide new jobs and tourism, boosting the local economy and helping to support Fennville as a premier West Michigan destination,” says developer Dori DePree.

The 20,000-square-foot Next Center in downtown Holland symbolizes Lakeshore Advantage's evolution over the past two decades and its enduring commitment to fostering innovation in Ottawa and Allegan counties.
Foundation awards nearly $800K to strengthen Ottawa County community

Nine local organizations receive Community Impact Grants to support mental health, economic development, youth programs, and essential community services.  

Community collaborations help coordinate shelter, food, clothing, and other basic needs alongside behavioral health services. Community Action of Allegan County home-delivered meals drivers.
Mental health agencies strengthen services through community collaborations

Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are expanding their reach through partnerships with local organizations that address housing, transportation, and other barriers to care. These collaborations aim to create a more coordinated and accessible mental health system, particularly for individuals with complex needs.  

Colorful dancers are always a highlight of the LAUP Fiesta week, July 14-20 in Holland, which also includes live music, food, and more.
LAUP’s 61st Fiesta celebrates Latino culture, unity, and community pride

Happening July 16–20 in Holland, LAUP Fiesta celebrates Latino heritage with music, dance, food, and family-friendly events that unite the community.

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