Avenue for the Arts hosts twelve local art Events A year in Grand Rapids’ largest community art gallery, the One Oh Six Gallery.
One Oh Six Gallery
Next Art Exhibition
September 4–26: Connect
A group show of art, poetry, and hip hop inspired by the poetry
of Carolyn Ferrari. Listening to the album of her spoken word
poems while taking in artwork made in response to her words.
• Opening Reception: Fri Sep 4, 6–9pm as part of First Friday
• Crockpot Poetry Night: Thursday, Sep 17, 6–9pm
• Closing Reception: Saturday Sep 26, 2–6pm
Find future art exhibitions at our One Oh Six Gallery page.
Monthly programming at the 106 gallery
1st Tuesdays: Show & Response
Critique nights take place from 6:30–9:00 pm and are hosted by the Veil Collective. They are a free way to get feedback on your latest work or give advice to a fellow artist as they embark on a new piece.
3rd Tuesdays: Art Workshops
Hosted by VEIL at 106 Gallery from 6:30–8:30, these workshops are free and open to the public. Some supplies are provided, and bringing supplies is encouraged. RSVP here.
- 7/21 - Block Carving
- 8/18 - Collage Night
- 9/15 - Cyanotype Printing
- 10/20 - Collagraph Printing
- 11/17 - Paper Casting
- 12/15 - Modge Podge Prints
Break IT Down | Make It Better
The longest-running professional development conference for artists in West Michigan, it's a time for our region's artists to gain new skills, form connections with one another, dream together as a creative community, and find inspiration in the journeys of others.
This year’s theme was The Action of Art and explores how artists turn ideas into action through practice, collaboration, experimentation, and community-building.
To learn more visit: breakitdownmakeitbetter.org
Rapid Art Movement
Our one-of-a-kind arts festival Where the art, music, and dance happens on a moving city bus.
Rapid Art Movement occurred for the third time on January 30th and 31st of 2026 and is gearing up for 2027. It’s an an arts festival that embraces the unique setting and culture of Grand Rapids. Passengers will board a DASH bus transformed through drawings, sculpture, poetry, and performance and take a ride like they’ve never experienced before. It’s all part of World of Winter, the largest winter festival in the US.
Visit the event website for more information and photos of prior year’s events.
Last Year…
Looking Back | Moving Forward: The avenue Turns 20
Curated by Annamarie Buller, Ethan Ross, and Zachary Trebellas
Opening Reception of Looking Back | Moving Forward
Friday, November 7 • 6–9pm*
Twenty artists whose lives have intertwined with the Avenue over the decades showed their work at the 106 Gallery in our largest group exhibition of the year. Food, music, activities, and community stories from throughout the Avenue's history were on display.
Show Ran: November 7–22
Open Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am–4pm, Saturday 11/22 1–5pm, and by appointment
Arty Party
Saturday, November 15 • 4–7pm
We held our biggest bash of the year and honored Jenn Schaub, the longtime program manager of the Avenue. In addition we presented the first-ever award Arty Awards, honoring nine Grand Rapids artists who’ve made a difference in our city. Winners below.
CMY-Kudos Award for a graphic designer whose work in the past year is outstanding and deserves recognition.
Winner: Derek Mohr
Community Champ Award for an individual who in the past year has made a positive impact in the community with art.
Winner: Zachary Trebellas
Cultivator Award for an arts educator who in the past year has made a positive impact through teaching.
Winner: Shayna Haynes-Heard
Legacy Award for an individual who has made a long-lasting impact on our city’s artists and residents.
Winner: Jenn Schaub
Notable Hustler Award for an artist who has been noticeably productive over the past year in creating and exhibiting work.
Winner: Thiago Porraz
Next Generation Award for an artist in college or within two years of graduation whose work is outstanding and deserves recognition.
Winner: Abby Haywood, Soso-Akalesh
Rising Star Award for an artist or arts worker under thirty whose recent work is outstanding and deserves recognition.
Winner: Eddie Chaffer
Seven Bridges Award for an artist or arts worker who in the past year has helped connect different people or groups by embracing collaboration.
Winner: Monk
Small Wonder Award for a small arts business or non-profit (10 or less employees) that has been doing remarkable work in the past year.
Winner: Grammatones
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