Calvin's Dance Guild Stuns our Students! 

This past Thursday, we were able to take 16 of our students from the Cook Arts Center to Calvin College to see their semi-annual Dance Guild presentation.  What a treat!  Such an incredible opportunity would not have been possible without the generosity of one of our very special volunteers, Noelle B.  A student herself at Calvin College, she worked with the institution so that our students could come and see the dress rehearsal for free.  A very special thanks to Noelle for thinking of us and our students.

As for what our students thought of the presentation, they loved it! Calvin students performed a variety of dances that ranged from hip-hop to interpretive.  It was so great to see our students responding with applause, cheering, and the collective "yeah!" when the break dancers did a front flip or when the ballerinas spun on their toes.  But most importantly, it was a time for our students to be encouraged to pursue their own artistic interests and talents--dance related or otherwise.  

Ly'nasia G. and Heaven posin' for the camera before the performance! 

Cook Arts Center students together with a Calvin performer! 

Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities administers the programs of the Cook Arts Center and the Cook Library Center.

     

Dia de los Muertos at GAAH!

In various parts of North and Central America, November 1^st and 2^nd are extremely significant dates that announce the arrival of “Dia de los Muertos” or “Day of the Dead.”  Dia de los Muertos is a celebration that seeks to honor loved ones who have passed on, as well as to celebrate the gift of living.  A common tradition during the Dia de los Muertos festivities involves constructing an altar where symbolic items such as candles, candy skulls and cherished belongings of the deceased are placed so that the spirit of the deceased may return home.  This year, we constructed our own altar and dedicated it to our dear friend, Andy Angelo, whose exemplary dedication to GAAH was truly invaluable.

The construction of our altar would not have been possible without the incredible help of one of our community volunteers, Monica Z.  Her creative talents and memories from when she herself was celebrating Dia de los Muertos as a child in Guanajuato, Mexico, enabled us to turn out an especially beautiful altar this year!  Thank you again, Monica!

If you have any spare moments this weekend, don’t forget to stop by the Grand Rapid’s Public Library main branch downtown during the hours of 9-6. Saturday and 1-4. Sunday to check out the impressive display of community altars—ours included! 

Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities administers the programs of the Cook Arts Center and Cook Library Center.