culture and the arts « Grand Rapids Learning Exchange

Grand Rapids Public Museum's Online Collections

Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Online Collections Site Provides Access to Museum Artifacts

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is pleased to announce the public release of its online collections catalog. This new, easy to access service allows users to find and research a wide variety of the Museum’s items – including those not currently on display. With approximately 90% of the Museum’s collections in storage at any given time, the public will now have electronic access to never before displayed artifacts.

The GRPM collections catalog currently contains over 160,000 records. More are being added weekly. The idea for maintaining an online database has evolved from past record maintenance systems–including card catalogs and off-line data bases–into the new system. Alex Forist, Collections Curator, describes the change as occuring “over time as technology and the needs of staff and customers have changed.” This dynamic online collections catalog is the latest in a series of upgrades to the system and just one of the ways that the Collections staff is working to increase public assess to the Museum’s massive collections.

For easy access to the online collections catalog visit www.grmuseum.org/collections and click on the “collections catalog” icon. Once there you can search for artifacts by keyword, artisan or medium, etc. Visitors can even type in their last name to find any artifacts donated by family members! In addition to the new database, site visitors will also find information on featured objects, photo galleries, archival collections, stories and more.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a collector of treasures, a motivator and resource for life-long learning, and a community partner in the pursuit of insight and understanding. The Museum is open Tues 9-8; Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat 9-5; and Sunday Noon-5. For more information call 616.456.3977 or visit grmuseum.org.

KDL’s April Events

For All Ages

International Storytime
Enjoy stories, crafts and tons of fun in a language you speak or would like to speak. Run by bilingual volunteers, these programs are entertaining and educational for families with children of all ages.
Thursday, April 1, 6:30 PM – Cascade Branch – Spanish
Saturday, April 17, 10:00 AM – Cascade Branch – Mandarin
Thursdays, April 8 – May 6, 10:15 AM – Plainfield Branch – Call for language information

Lego Family Block Party
The library is the place for Lego fun! Drop in and make your own special Lego or Duplo creations. All materials are provided by the library. So come, design and create!
Wednesday, April 7, 2:00 PM – Plainfield Branch
Thursday, April 8, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Saturday, April 10, 2:00 PM – Walker Branch
Saturday, April 17, 10:00 AM – Tyrone Township Branch
Saturday, April 24, 1:00 PM –Grandville Branch

Harry Potter Wizarding Fun
Enter the magical world of Hogwarts and Harry Potter with crafts, games, potions, charms and other magical fun! For all ages, wizard and Muggle alike! Come in costume to enter the costume contest.
Thursday, April 8, 2:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch

Spring Break Family Movie Matinee
Enjoy a family film during your spring break. Call or visit the library to find out what is showing. For all ages.
Thursday, April 8, 2:00 PM – Kentwood Branch

Used Book Sale
Great used books at bargain prices! Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Kentwood Branch Library. Join the Friends and enjoy a special preview sale. Membership forms are available at the library.
Saturday, April 17, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM – Kentwood Branch

Stamp-Making Art Workshop
Try out a variety of methods for creating stamps, and create your own designs and patterns with them. Sponsored by the Friends of the East Grand Rapids Library. For kids of all ages.
Saturday, April 17, 10:00 AM – East Grand Rapids Branch

Special Storytime for Special Needs Kids
Your special needs child may practice his/her circle time and gross motor skills in this special storytime with their peers. Please join us for stories, songs, and fingerplays. ALL kids are welcome. Registration is required and participation is limited.
Monday, April 19, 6:30 PM – Grandville Branch

Used Book Sale
Pick up some great books at bargain prices. This book sale will be part of the Alto Area Garage Sale Days. Book sale only on Friday, April 23, as the library is closed Fridays.
Friday, April 23, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Alto Branch
Saturday, April 24, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM – Alto Branch

El día de los niños / El día de los libros
¡Bienvenidos! Celebrate the Day of the Child with some traditional Mexican crafts, music, and other activities.
Sunday, April 25, 1:30 PM – Cascade Branch

Huge Book Sale
Visit our Annual HUGE Book Sale at the VFW Hall on the corner of Fifth and Lake. Books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, videos, and more at great prices. Donations are appreciated. Sponsored by the Friends of the Sand Lake/Nelson Township Library. Call 616-636-4251 for information.
Thursday, April 29, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM – Sand Lake Branch
Friday, April 30, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Sand Lake Branch
Saturday, May 1, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Sand Lake Branch

For Children (AKA – Great activities to keep the little kids busy while you grab the week’s homeschooling books)

All branches offer weekly storytimes for children. Please visit www.kdl.org for more information.

Ruff Readers
Ruff Readers is a unique read-aloud program that pairs kids ages 6 and up with trained therapy dogs and handlers who love to hear a good story. Registration is required and participation is limited. Call 616-784-2007 to register for a 15-minute session. Presented in partnership with the West Michigan Therapy Dog Association.
Thursdays at 6:30 PM – Plainfield Branch
Monday, April 12, 6:30 PM – Grandville Branch

Captain Underpants Extra Crunchy Library Program
Celebrate our favorite underwear-clad hero, CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS, and have an extra crunchy good time with games and creative activities. Registration is required and participation is limited. For ages 6 and up.
Monday, April 5, 2:00 PM – Cascade Branch
Monday, April 5, 2:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch
Tuesday, April 6, 2:00 PM – Kentwood Branch
Tuesday, April 6, 3:00 PM – Englehardt Branch
Tuesday, April 6, 4:00 PM – Spencer Township Branch
Wednesday, April 7, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Wednesday, April 7, 3:00 PM – Caledonia Branch
Thursday, April 8, 2:00 PM – Plainfield Branch
Thursday, April 8, 6:30 PM – Byron Township Branch
Thursday, April 15, 4:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch

Big Kids Book Club
A special storytime just for big kids, featuring stories, crafts and lots of fun! For ages 6 and up.
Mondays, April 12, 19 and 26, 4:15 PM – Cascade Branch

Japanese Manga Club
Calling all experienced Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Bakugan players – join our Japanese Manga Club to play, trade and meet with other fans of these popular games. For ages 6 and up.
Wednesdays, April 14 and 28, 6:30 PM – Englehardt Branch

Library Arts Travel Around the World!
Explore different art techniques from around the world to create art and learn about diverse cultures. Sponsored by the Kiwanis of Caledonia and presented by Caledonia Community Schools art teachers. Registration is required and participation is limited. For ages 6 and up.
Saturday, April 24, 10:00 AM – Caledonia Branch

Creative Playtime
Meet your friends for a play date at the library with fun activities that encourage creative play and early literacy. For children ages 6 and under with a caregiver.
Thursdays at 10:00 AM – Kentwood Branch
Friday, April 9, 10:00 AM – Englehardt Branch

Bright Beginnings Playgroup at the Byron Township Branch
Valerie Dykstra, Bright Beginnings Parent-Educator, will be offering playgroups on select Fridays this spring. For ages 6 and under.
Friday, April 2, 10:00 AM – Byron Township Branch “Raindrops and Rainbows”
Friday, April 16, 10:00 AM – Byron Township Branch “Duck, Duck, Goose”

Rhyme Time Music and Movement
Move and groove together with action rhymes, songs, games, and hands-on musical activities that will help children develop motor, listening, and literacy skills. For children ages 6 and under with a caregiver.
Fridays, April 2, 9, and 16 at 10:30 AM – Wyoming Branch
Wednesdays at 11:00 AM – Byron Township Branch
Wednesdays, April 14, 21 and 28, 6:30 PM – Sand Lake Branch
Friday, April 23 and 30, 10:00 AM – Kentwood Branch
Wednesday, April 28, 10:30 AM –Krause Memorial Branch

What a Wonderful World
Bring Louis Armstrong’s song to life with crafts, activities and fun designed around the beautifully illustrated book by Ashley Bryan. For ages 6 and under.
Monday, April 5, 10:15 AM – Plainfield
Monday, April 5, 2:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Tuesday, April 27, 10:30 AM – Alpine Branch
Wednesday, April 28, 6:15 PM – Caledonia Branch
Thursday, April 29, 10:30 AM – Caledonia Branch

Drop-In Craft Time
Drop in at the library for some creative fun with this self-directed activity. For children ages 6 and under with a caregiver.
Mondays at 2:00 PM, Englehardt Branch
Wednesday, April 7, 2:00 PM – Tyrone Township Branch
Wednesday, April 7, 1:00 PM – Alto Branch (ages 6 and up)
Saturday, April 24, 10:30 AM – Sand Lake Branch

Dance Party
Join us for pure dancing fun as we rock out to tons of kid-friendly music! Burn off a little energy, have a lot of fun and share special time with your child. Come and go as you please. For families with kids 6 and under.
Wednesday, April 7, 6:30 PM – Sand Lake Branch
Monday, April 26, 10:00 AM – East Grand Rapids Branch

For Teens

Teen Zone
Join us every Thursday afternoon as we play games, complete crafts, discuss books, and enjoy snacks. For grades 6-12.
Thursdays, 3:00 PM – Grandville Branch

Teen Gaming
Play the Nintendo Wii, try out some board games, hang out and eat snacks. For grades 6-12.
Thursday, April 1 and Friday, April 2, 3:00 PM – Cascade Branch

Anime Club
Learn, share, and expand your knowledge of anime and Japanese culture at our monthly Anime Club meetings. For grades 6-12.
Thursday, April 1, 4:00 PM – Gaines Township Branch

Build Your Own Pizza for Teens
Join us to make your own pizza and customize it exactly as you like. Registration is required and participation is limited. For grades 6-12.
Tuesday, April 6, 1:15 PM – Plainfield Branch

Super Smash Bros. Tournament – Wii @ KDL Series
The KDL Teen Video Gaming Tournaments continue with Super Smash Bros Brawl, snacks, prizes and more. Many will enter, only one will be crowned champion! The tournament will be held at the Cascade Township Branch at 2870 Jacksmith Ave SE. For grades 6-12.
Saturday, April 10, 12:30 PM – Cascade Branch

Food Fest for Teens
Different types of international foods every month to test out and enjoy. Each month’s food will be announced prior to the event. Check with the library for details. For grades 6-12.
Thursday, April 15, 5:00 PM – Cascade Branch

Manga Club and Video Games
If you’re into manga or video games, this is for you! Join us at the library to talk about manga, watch anime and play video games. For grades 6-12.
Thursday, April 22, 5:00 PM – Cascade Branch

Teen Gaming
Play the Nintendo Wii, try out some board games, hang out and eat snacks. For grades 6-12.
Thursday, April 29, 5:00 PM – Cascade Branch

Sculptors Celebrate the Legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer

June 4, 2010 – January 2, 2011

Through the generosity of Fred and Lena Meijer, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has assembled one of the world’s foremost collections of Modern and Contemporary sculpture. In honor of the Meijer legacy and in celebration of the namesake institution’s 15th anniversary, contemporary sculptors represented in the permanent collection will be displaying new work in this unique gallery exhibition. From Louise Bourgeois and Deborah Butterfield, to Mark di Suvero and Antony Gormley, to Claes Oldenburg and Tom Otterness, many artists have developed a special affinity for Meijer Gardens and the Meijers themselves. This exhibition individually examines the present endeavors of numerous iconic masters from across the contemporary scene and collectively commemorates the breadth and depth of the permanent collection developed with the support of Fred and Lena Meijer.

(Taken from Meijer Garden press release.)

Chihuly at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: A New Eden

April 30 – September 30, 2010

The work of renowned artist Dale Chihuly will be the subject of a large-scale outdoor exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Fourteen monumental glass sculptures will be sited in locations as diverse as the English Perennial Garden, Woodland Shade Garden, Children’s Garden, and Sculpture Park as well as several wetland areas and the great lawn fronting the landmark Tropical Conservatory. Chihuly designed the exhibition specifically to respond to the horticultural focus and natural conditions of each of the respective sites.

Chihuly at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: A New Eden celebrates the efforts of one the world’s foremost artists across the campus of one of the nation’s most unique cultural organizations. In addition to the exhibition, two permanent installations are on display: Gilded Champagne Gardens Chandelier in Meijer Gardens’ Atrium and the newly installed Lena’s Garden suspended from the ceiling of the Café.

(From Meijer Gardens press release)

GVSU Educator’s newsletter

If you love the programming on the WGVU PBS channel but, like me, forget to check what’s on and when then you’ll be interested in getting the WGVU monthly newsletter. To subscribe, just visit http://www.wgvu.org/education/. When you open up the newsletter, be sure to grab your calendar so that you can write down a reminder to yourself about all the great shows you won’t want to miss!

Thanks to Hilary for letting me know about this one.

Spirit and Form: Michele Oka Doner and the Natural World

January 29 – May 9, 2010

American artist Michele Oka Doner is widely celebrated for her sculpture, installations and public art projects, and is similarly acclaimed for her prints, jewelry and functional objects. Among the most versatile artists working today, the inspiration she draws from nature is the defining factor and unifying force across her repertoire in both formal and spiritual terms. This exhibition, Oka Doner’s largest to date, examines the breadth of her endeavors from recent figurative projects in bronze and on paper to iconic functional objects in bronze and silver. Of special note will be her site specific installation of more than 1,500 recently completed ceramic soul catchers completed during her residency at the famed Nymphenburg porcelain studios in Munich, Germany. This exhibition is timed to coincide with the completion of Beneath the Leafy Crown, the expansive 1,200 square foot bronze and terrazzo floor commissioned by Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

(From Meijer Garden press release)

Grand Rapids Public Library Events for January 2010

All events are free of charge.

Also, see the Community Calendar for listing of things to see and do in the GR Metro area.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs DVD Release Party
Tuesday, January 5, 2010, 5:00 pm
Main Library – 111 Library St NE
Families can come and watch the blockbuster film “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” on the big screen. Bring your pillow and favorite studded animal and enjoy the movie. Free and open to the public.

History Detectives: Following Clues to Michigan’s Past
Saturday, January 16, 2010, 1:00 pm
Main Library – 111 Library St NE
Historic preservationist Rebecca Smith-Hoffman and education historian Laurie Catherine Perkins will join GRPL staff member Jennifer Morrison in teaching participants how to discover more about Michigan’s history. Topics will include “The Peck Building: Searching for the Story of a Landmark,” “Adventure, Romance and Mystery: Cookbooks at Mid-Twentieth Century,” and “Talking Tombstones: Exploring the Mysteries of Oakhill Cemetery.” Registration is required. Visit www.grpl.org/register or call 988-5400 to sign up. Free and open to the public.

Teen Advisory Group
Saturday, January 16, 2010, 2:00 pm
Main Library – 111 Library St NE
These monthly meetings gives teens the opportunity to give input on developing GRPL library programs and services. Teens will get volunteer hours for participating and free food at the meetings.

GRPL Anime Club
Monday, January 18, 2010, 6:30 pm
Main Library – 111 Library St NE
The GRPL Anime Club will be showing one Japanese Animation, or “anime” film each time we meet, along with enjoying refreshments. This month’s screening will be “Evangelion 1.01 You Are (Not) Alone.” For ages 11-18.

Teen Book Discussion Group
Tuesday, January 19, 2010, 4:00 pm
Main Library – 111 Library St NE
Teens ages 11-18 can come and discuss books they love. Come prepared to talk about the selected book and pick up a copy of next month’s book to read. This month we will be discussion “Life as We Know It” by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Free and open to the public.

Game Design Workshop
Saturday, January 23, 2010, 1:30 pm
Seymour Branch – 2350 Eastern SE
Students will have the opportunity to discover the fundamentals of game design from ‘what makes a game fun’ to the discovery of game art. Taught by Ferris State university students and staff from their Digital Animation and Game Design Programs, students will explore 3d modeling, digital imaging, and 3d game engine applications. Students are expected to have a solid familiarity with a Windows PC computer environment. For ages 13-18. Limited to 10 students. Registration is required – sign up at www.grpl.org/register.

Global Warming: Changing Course
Wednesdays, January 6 through February 3 at 7:00 pm
Main Library – 111 Library St NE
Sharon Rydzewski, a member of the Northwest Earth Institute, will facilitate a five-week course for people interested in global warming and personal change. The program will explore the history and science of global warming, personal values and habits as they relate to climate change and personal actions to curb the effects of global warming. Participants are encouraged to read the book “Global Warming: Changing Course” before attending the sessions.

Branch Out and Enjoy the Fun!

A drop in event for families with children ages 5-12, each month select GRPL branches will have a variety of activities and surprises, including book-based celebrations and crafts, Wii gaming, and visits from community organizations.

Thursday, January 7
4:00 pm Ottawa Hills Branch – 1150 Giddings SE
4:00 pm West Side Branch – 713 Bridge NW

Thursday, January 14
5:00 pm Madison Square Branch – 1201 Madison SE

Saturday, January 16
2:30 pm Van Belkum Branch – 1563 Plainfield NE

Winter Storytimes
January 11 – March 6, 2010
Let the little ones join in with stories, songs and play activities while the older kids pick out their weekly books.

Tuesdays
11:00 am – Babytime (ages 0-18 months)
Main Library – 111 Library St NE

1:30 pm Storytime (ages 3 and up)
West Leonard Branch – 1017 Leonard NW

Wednesdays
10:30 am Storytime (ages 3 and up)
Madison Square Branch – 1201 Madison SE

10:30 am Babytime (ages 0-18 months)
Seymour Branch – 2350 Eastern SE

10:30 am Babytime (ages 0-18 months)
Yankee Clipper Branch – 2025 Leonard NE

11:00 am Storytime (ages 3 and up)
West Side Branch – 713 Bridge NW

11:00 am Toddlertime (ages 18 months – 3 years)
Main Library – 111 Library St NE

11:00 am Babytime (ages 0-18 months)
West Leonard Branch – 1017 Leonard NW

6:45 pm Storytime (ages 3 and up)
Ottawa Hills Branch – 1150 Giddings SE

Thursdays
10:30 am Storytime (ages 3 and up)
Seymour Branch – 2350 Eastern SE

10:30 am Storytime (ages 3 and up)
Yankee Clipper Branch – 2025 Leonard NE

Fridays
10:30 am Storytime (ages 3 and up)
Van Belkum Branch – 1563 Plainfield NE

Saturdays
11:00 am Family Storytimes
Main Library – 111 Library St NE

A Whale of a Tall Tale Writing Contest
January 1 – February 28, 2010
All Library Locations
Kids – want to tell a “whopper” of a story? Write a story about an ordinary event in your life, or a fictional event, and then stretch that story into a “whopper” of a tall tale. Three winners will receive a $10 gift card to Pooh’s Corner Bookstore and will be featured on the GRPL website. To enter, submit your original story at www.grpl.org/kids. Limited to kids ages 5-12. Limit one story per author. Entries should be no longer than 500 words.

Special Exhibit – Creating a Legacy: The Women of Grand Rapids
January 11 – August 31, 2010
Main Library – 111 Library St NE
This exhibit challenges that myth that women had little impact on public life in the city. This exhibit is not intended to showcase the most influential or outstanding women in Grand Rapids history, rather these individuals represent many time periods and areas of endeavor in which women have helped give our community its distinctive way of life. Meet Dr. Pearl Kendrik and Grace Eldering who created headlines across the nation when they developed the vaccine against whooping cough. Read about Elizabeth Eaglesfield, the first women to practice law in Grand Rapids. (She later obtained a captain’s license and ran a Great Lakes shipping company with her son!) Consider the accomplishments of Evangeline Lamberts, the first woman elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission in 1961. These and many others created a living legacy for the City of Grand Rapids.

Spring 2010: Intern with Grand Rapids Symphony

What goes on Behind the Music?

This just in for students aged 16 and over with an interest in promoting music and learning more about the inner workings of the Grand Rapids Symphony:

We will be interviewing as soon as we receive resumes and want to solidify the position as soon as we find the right person. Internships available in Marketing, Education, and Development.

Marketing Internship
More Information
College credit with perks | resume required | age 16+

We fit your involvement to your experience; we can help build a portfolio for Masters students or just provide projects to fill High school service hours!

Join the Symphony Marketing department mid January or February through May and learn the “ins and outs” of marketing and promoting orchestral concerts, from The Music of Elton John to Verdi’s Requiem. Exercise your creativity on special projects, in important meetings, and in concert operations! Let us know where you’d like to focus: Public Relations, Graphic Design, Research, Statistics, etc. Duties also include research, data entry, literature distribution, internet marketing, and more. All majors can apply. Send your resume and cover letter to Jacalyn Huizenga and Anne Kraley at jhuizenga@grsymphony.org and akraley@grsymphony.org as soon as possible.

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