One Oh Six Gallery

Next Art Exhibition

June 5–27 Visible. Vital. Unignorable: Selected Works by LGBTQ+ Michigan Artists

Visible. Vital. Unignorable. Curatorial Statement

This exhibit celebrates the voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, non-binary, and two-spirit artists of Michigan. The artwork selected for this exhibit shares narratives rooted in the lived experience of the artists. At a time when LGBTQ+ lives and rights are being threatened, this exhibit amplifies, honors, and holds space for these stories. The artists speak on their own terms. Speaking out confers visibility. Visibility confers power. Collective visibility confers safety. While individuals may feel vulnerable, gathering in community can transform being seen into protection, affirmation, and strength. The works and events in this show are acts of collective defiance and love. They are testaments to the resilience, complexity, and brilliance of LGBTQ+ experience. This art reflects a community that refuses to hide, insisting instead on joy, beauty, and truth. This is not just an exhibition—it is a declaration: We are still here. We are not going anywhere. We will not disappear.

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• Friday, 6/5 6-9pm: Opening Reception as part of First Friday Art Walk

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• Friday, 6/5 6-7pm: Artist Talk with Thiago Porraz and Dee Rolffs

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• Friday, 6/5 7:30-8:30pm: Artist Talk with Tia Wierenga and Dee Rolffs

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• Saturday, 6/6 1-3:30pm: Our Hands, Our Stories: LGBTQ+ Cyanotype Workshop with Caroline Bell

Artist Caroline Bell will host a workshop for the LGBTQ+ community to learn about cyanotypes and print their hands and articles of interest. In the current political climate, which actively works to erase the rights and existence of LGBTQ+ individuals, this workshop serves as an act of documenting LGBTQ+ existence as resistance. Participants will also be invited to write a response to the prompt: "In a world that tells us to disappear, our presence is radical. Select an article of interest that represents your joy, your defiance, or your identity. Create a blueprint of your hand with selected object(s) to declare: 'I am here, I exist, and I resist.'" Handprints and answers will be hung up in the space near Bell's artwork. 

*Note: Participants do not have to bring an object or print with one if not desired. 

RSVP here to participate: https://tinyurl.com/our-hands

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• Sunday, 6/14 1:30–3:30pm: Queer Voices: Mini Zine and Collage Workshop with Sarah Lynn B.

Description: Learn how to make a mini zine while connecting with the queer community! The workshop will begin with a follow-along demonstration of creating a mini-zine. Participants will have time to create their own zine and contribute to a community zine to be displayed as part of Visible. Vital. Unignorable. The event will close with an optional show-and-tell to share your zine and voice with the group. 

RSVP here to participate: https://tinyurl.com/mini-zine

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• Thursday 6/18 6-9pm: Poetry Night Crockpot Poetry- Pride-teenth (Pride+ Juneteenth Theme)

Description: Join us for an evening of poetry and community at 106 Gallery, hosted by Carolyn Ferrari. This month’s theme is Pride-Teenth. On the third Thursday of each month, Crockpot Poetry brings together seasoned and emerging poets for a night of spoken word, connection, and creative expression in an intimate setting.

Whether you want to share your work or simply listen, enjoy an inspiring evening filled with heartfelt performances, thoughtful conversation, and community care. Social time begins at 6 PM, poetry starts at 6:30 PM, followed by a crockpot and potluck meal at 7:30 PM, with a final hour of poetry at 8 PM.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HAVCnZcn1/
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• Saturday, 6/27 1–2:30pm: Visible. Vital. Unignorable Panel Discussion 

Description: Join curators and exhibiting artists for a community conversation exploring the themes, stories, and lived experiences behind Visible. Vital. Unignorable: Selected Works by LGBTQ+ Michigan Artists. Through dialogue, reflection, and audience engagement, the panel will examine visibility, resistance, joy, and the power of queer art as collective witness and declaration.

Featuring artists and curators: Caroline Bell, Kate Kyman, Tia Wierenga

Facilitated by Dee Rolffs
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•Saturday, 6/27 2-5pm: Closing Reception

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