Kendall College of Art & Design Juried Print, Drawing and Painting Exhibition Adornd DeVos Place Skywalk

The juried exhibition of Master of Fine Arts students from Kendall College of Art and Design opened on Monday, November 5, 2012 and is currently visible in the Skywalk of DeVos Place Convention Center at 303 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; (616) 742-6503.

Eddie Tadlock, Assistant General Manager of De Vos Place worked closely with the Curator of this exhibition, Kendall College of Art and Design Professor Margaret Vega, to showcase these Graduate students. Tadlock states, “DeVos Place is proud and excited to partner with Kendall College of Art and Design in presenting this juried show of graduate students. DeVos Place Convention Center is uniquely situated to showcase art in a public venue in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. We anticipate an audience of over 30,000 visitors will be afforded the opportunity to see this important exhibition of emerging artists. This exhibition will certainly add a new art destination for the cultural calendar in the region.”

Nineteen 2011-2012 Print, Drawing and Painting Graduate Students were chosen from their digital submission based both on craft and content. The final selection was made from the original work. The artists exhibiting are:

Megan Klco
Cody Erickson
Aneka Ingold
Mellissa Redman
Salvador Jimenez
Katie Moore
Linda Manguiat-Herzog
Taylor Overbay
Laura Hunt
Kari Friestad
Gabriela Amaya-Baron
Elizabeth Hubler-Torrey
Tatsuki Hakoyama
Dustin Rogers
Shannon McDonell
Marvin Dabideen
Steven Vinson
Sarah Knill
Lydia Larson

Megan Klco, MFA thesis Painting student, assisted in hanging the show and placing the work within the space. She is exhibiting her work in galleries and ArtPrize. The MFA Program at Kendall College of Art and Design is a rigorous experience involving studio and thesis level courses, Art History and seminars in philosophy and contemporary issues.

“This juried exhibition represents the commitment and dedication of our graduate students at Kendall. Students arrive to our MFA program with passion, expectations and expertise. They graduate with refinement and depth in their chosen field, combined with direction and preparedness for the challenging life of an artist. These artists will go on to teach, exhibit and share their work all over the world. It is an inspiration and privilege to work with these students,” said MFA Painting Professor Margaret Vega.
"Guided by skill and imagination and having only their courage and the media of the artist to accompany them, the Kendall graduate students set out into uncharted territories. They explore universes of experience, opening up new worlds from old ones and moving agilely away from the anesthetic of routine. As a viewer I find the works emotionally resonant, even as they produce the tension, challenge, and sometimes discomfort of changed perceptions and understandings. I come away from experiencing those works with my intellect excited, my emotions churned, and my whole being refreshed by what can only described as a visit to a new place. And when I come back to my old place from that new one, I feel immense gratitude for that journey and pride in the Kendall students. They are doing work that matters," stated Dr. David Rosen, President, Kendall College of Art and Design.

Megan Klco

ArtPrize '12 Recap: DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena Collaborate With Community While Talented Artists' Make Top 100

With another ArtPrize competition well done and over with, we at DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena would like to take a quick look back at the amazing artist accomplishments for which the entries at DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena were able to receive along with some of the great collaborations we were able to participate in.


With over 900 applicants desiring to display their work at one of ArtPrize’s premier venues year in and year out, only 58 were chosen to exhibit at DeVos Place with another two entries down the road outside our sister venue, Van Andel Arena, which is also where we kicked off our participation in this year’s contest.

Coincidentally, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Fully Charged circus was coming into town for their annual fall run of shows at the arena while ArtPrize was also ready to kick off. Combining the two occasions, Van Andel Arena was able to host a Pachyderm Painting Palooza on September 19th with special guest, Asia the elephant. Van Andel Arena also worked with the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority’s Community Inclusion Group to bring in a dozen children from local schools to paint with Asia, herself...using their "trunks", of course.

But Van Andel Arena wasn’t the only venue having all the fun that day. Over at DeVos Place, hundreds of the public browsed through the venue at DeVos Place's ArtPrize Grand Reception, where they were able to meet and speak with many of the artists themselves. The preview event was part of the Arena District’s preview series, involving many of downtown’s bars, restaurants and venues.

During ArtPrize, local teenagers from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Youth Grant Committee used the area in front of Van Andel Arena on September 29th for one of their annual volunteer projects. Using hundreds of canvas event bags that were supplied by DeVos Place, the Youth Grant Committee offered people walking downtown the opportunity to help children in need feel uplifted and inspired. By asking people downtown to simply decorate a lunch bag that was given to a child through Kids’ Food Basket’s sack supper program, all parties involved were able to utilize their resources for the benefit of the community.

As for the competition itself, DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena were happy to have 13 artists in the top 100 out of 1517 entries.

Cristina Fournier’s From Coast to Coast, Greg Rawls’ Sea Glass, Lis Bokt’s Earth, Scott William Bye’s Rush Docks, Tom Sheerin’s Bird Feeder and Kent Ambler’s Running Dogs all made the top 100. Cracking the top 50 were Peter Halasz’s rainscape from east broadway and canal, Read Lockhart’s The Allegory of the Cave, Clark Art Studio’s Verdigris, Kim Marie Rudolph’s Black Swan and Jody Williams’ Legacy.

Finally, a round of applause goes to Jessica Bohus’ Running on Air and Jack Nixon’s Studies In Light and Form—The Chicago Seven and Michigan Avenue Bridge Sculptures for making the top 25. Just the latest DeVos Place displays to make the top 25, DeVos Place has been well represented in the top 25 every year since ArtPrize started.

Congratulations to these great artists for making the top 100 and beyond. Lastly, thanks to all the artists that displayed their terrific work at DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena. Next year, we anticipate more great entries and look forward to collaborating with and for the community. See you next year!

Michigan ArtPrize Artists Well Represented Amongst International Artists

ArtPrize 2012 is officially underway and DeVos Place is once again hosting some terrific art ranging from pin-point drawings to flamboyant paintings to enticing sculptures. On Wednesday evening, hundreds of people showed up to our opening reception where a few of the artists were on hand to greet, meet and discuss. Last week, we highlighted just 11 of those artists and their work. Fifty-eight artists are displaying their work at DeVos Place out of 900 applicants. Just as the art ranges in style and topic, the artists themselves come from all over the world and range in background and motivation.


Scott Luce’s “Grand Illumination” (pictured above) stands nearly 7 feet tall and is constructed of an estimated 800 pounds of granite, stainless steel and antique glass. The body of the sculpture is literally carved from one of the granite steps of the city’s historic Civic Auditorium. The lanterns are made from the Italian glass ceiling lights which were also part of the former auditorium. “These building materials were meant to remind us of the grandeur of days gone by, while it’s clean and modern design mirror many of the design elements of our modern-day Convention Center,” Luce said. Luce grew up in Grand Rapids, receiving a BS degree from Central Michigan University. He also attended Kendall College of Art and Design. In ArtPrize 2010, Luce submitted a trilogy of three abstract sculptures.


Kim M. Rudolph came in the top 25 at ArtPrize 2011 with her sculpture “Lady of Dance.” This year, her entry is titled “Black Swan,” a life-size sculpture made from wall plaster. Rudolph’s work is done painstakingly by hand with no forms, models or casting used in the creation of “Black Swan.” From start to finish, Rudolph says an art piece like ‘Black Swan” can often take years to produce. Kim began her career in fine art doing painting, drawing, designing and carving, particularly enjoying creating art that’s realistic in form and styling. Her art shows a love for detail. Sculpting came later in life, landing in her lap accidentally. The passion she felt in this artistic medium was unsurpassed as it ignited a flame in her. As an artist she often feels like she’s walking a tightrope ever so gently combining 2D and 3D artistry in one, blending them effortlessly.


West Michigan artist Jessica Bohus had work in ArtPrize 2010 at the Douglas J Aveda Institute. But this year, Bohus is hoping that her spot on a DeVos Place wall will give her piece “some fabulous shadows.” The contrast between the two venues demonstrates something she likes about participating in ArtPrize, which led her to enter “Running on Air,” in this year’s competition. “The work I do is sculptural installation so the venue changes the viewer’s experience of the art and dictates how the horses appear or disappear” she said. Originally from the south side of Chicago and a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Bohus now lives near Fennville where she operates Blue Roan Studio. The Studio is in a two room schoolhouse built in 1889. She also works and has work on view at Good Goods Gallery in Saugatuck.


Artist and Grand Ledge-native, Mary Ann Southworth is displaying “Personal Medicine,” an acrylic and colored pencil on wood panel painting that’s a “warm reflection of the transformation and inner peace that happens when you grow comfortable with who you are.” Her paintings, sculptures and collages have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions, including those at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Mars Gallery in Chicago, Illinois; Jacqueline Burke Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Jayne Gallery in Kansas City, Missouri; Joan Cawley Gallery in Lenexa, Kansas; Synapse Gallery in Benton Harbor, Michigan; and Shibui Gallery in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Southworth attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago Illinois, and received a B.F.A. in 1989.


Photography is Nicholas Gregory’s calling, if you asked him. “Five years ago I set out with a simple goal—get to know the most misunderstood city in America. Detroit feeds my curiosity as an artist and learner.” The images in this compelling photo essay, “Split,” captures the sometimes forgotten stories so ingrained in this city’s roots–including the lingering scars of housing segregation and the construction of the Chrysler Freeway (I-75) through the onetime culturally rich black neighborhood known as Paradise Valley. The neighborhood, a vibrant entertainment center turned ghetto, was located in the heart of Motown and was home to thousands of Black families before it was buried by concrete. His work ranges from photojournalism in the streets of Barcelona to capturing majestic Pacific Northwest landscapes and portraits. But he aims to bring awareness back to one city. “I bring awareness to Detroit's history and the current challenges so we can make Detroit better."


Cristina Fournier’s watercolor and oil paintings are widely acclaimed internationally and in her native Costa Rica. Her many awards include the National Aquielo Echeverria Award, the prestigious Ancora Award and Honorable Mention at the International Show in Juivissy, Paris. Cristina is an enthusiastic artist-diplomat. Her vibrant paintings of native flora and fauna have long been favored by Costa Rican government officials as gifts for visiting dignitaries. One of her paintings was officially presented at the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations. Cristina is a dedicated and prolific artist. She has traveled extensively throughout the Americas and Europe, captivating the “feelings” of each region with her versatile, impressionistic brush. “From Coast to Coast” is a labor of love. Begun more than ten years ago, this enormous watercolor is an ambitious portrayal of the luscious and extremely variable flora of Costa Rica, from its Caribbean Coastal tropics to the dry forests of the Pacific.


Holland resident and Hopkins High School art teacher, Cassie Jo Krause Atallah’s ArtPrize entry is called “Fruit of the Mind and Work of Human Hands.” The work is a series of 12 wooden frames displaying hand casts doing a variety of everyday tasks, but for what could be very different characters. “It is an optimistic view of the job market and a tribute to all of the people who work hard every day.” The Hope College graduate chose the title as a commentary on how our jobs (past, present, and future) become parts of our identities and affect our lives in ways both subtle and profound. “As a teacher, I hope that my students will have the opportunity to work in careers that they truly enjoy,” she said, and “as a friend and family member, I am constantly in awe of the variety of things that the people in my life do on a daily basis. I appreciate people whose work has a positive effect on their communities. This project is a tribute to all of you.”


Yet Holland is not only represented at DeVos Place by Atallah. Michelle Calkins also resides in Holland and will be competing in her third ArtPrize. Moving from magnets and wood in her previous entries to oil paint and canvas, "Collage Color Study 64" is a study of color and texture and how they relate to each other. She says each little painting is inspired by unique color combinations and the nature around her. "Having been a professional picture framer since 1990, the presentation aspect of the art world is always on my mind. A great frame can do wonders. Owning Four Corners Framing Company in Holland, Michigan has afforded me a front row seat to many types & styles of art. It has been a great & constant inspiration and keeps me on my art toes." Michelle's media of choice are oil painting, sculpture and photography. "It's all about color," she says. "Lately I’ve been borrowing from one discipline to give to another which I think makes each one stronger." She feels she has come full circle with her piece for Artprize 2012.



For Kirstie Conklin, the decision to enter ArtPrize wasn’t simply about winning a competition. It was about paying tribute to her husband, who died of cancer on September 19, 2011—exactly one year before this year’s event began. Conklin recalls visiting ArtPrize in its first year with her husband, dreaming of someday entering the competition herself. But as a busy mother of a toddler with a full-time job, she didn’t think she had time. The following fall, life shifted gears. After a new baby and as her husband’s battle with cancer came to an end, she dug deep to find herself as she continued to raise her two children, work full time, and maintain a home. “Being a widow was a resentful fact of life, and the term ‘single mom’ never really resonated with me,” Conklin said. “But after a while I realized there were many ways to draw closure from the death of my husband. One was to fulfill my promise to take him to Italy. The other was to participate in ArtPrize.” She decided to create a painting from an image she photographed as a young art student—a scene of Perugia, Italy. Rendered almost as tight as a photograph, her 24”x36” oil on board painting is titled, “My Little Italy.” “My hope is that it will show others that even in the darkest of times, it is only from within we can draw our strength,” Conklin said.


Rebecca Zeiss studied painting and drawing at Delta College and then the University of Michigan School of Art and Design. During her time in Ann Arbor, she changed the focus of her work from painting to photography. She received her MFA in photography in 2005 from Central Michigan University and is now teaching photography and design at the University of Michigan-Flint, Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University. Her work embraces the crossover between photography and the tactile components of painting and drawing. Recently, her work in national and local exhibitions has been recognized by Bernice Steinbaum (pioneer for women artists), Joy Hakanson Colby (eminent retired art critic for the Detroit News), Deborah Willis (honored educator at the Society for Photographic Education), and Joseph Thompson, director of Mass MoCA, which he spearheaded to be the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the US. The oversize images of “Resonance of the Machinist.” which are printed on brushed aluminum, play with the viewer as the optical planes shift through what is revealed and/or what is concealed, creating perceptual illusions and allusions.



This is just a small portion of the artists exhibiting their entries at DeVos Place. Stay tuned for information on more artists. Please find a listing of all entries being shown at DeVos Place here.

More ArtPrize Artists Come From All Over to Grace DeVos Place With A Diverse Range of Entries

As the Arena District recently kicked off their second annual ArtPrize Preview in 24 different venues, DeVos Place is once again proud to host some more terrific and intriguing entries. This year, DeVos Place will play host to 58 different pieces shown throughout the venue. Just as the art ranges in style and topic, the artists themselves come from all over the world and range in background and motivation.


The motivation for artist Kent Ambler is a noteworthy one. A full-time artist since 1997, Ambler is pledging to donate $10,000 to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) should he win the 2012 ArtPrize top prize for his installation piece. “Dogs have added so much to my life that I feel a need to help. I donate work for auctions to benefit animal groups probably five or six times a year. I always wish I could help animal shelters more than I do,” says Kent. His work is a testament to his admiration for the four-legged friends who often appear as the main subject in his art. His ArtPrize piece “Running Dogs” is a massive expression of this adoration. With more than 100 painted, cut-out dogs captured in different forms of running, the piece spans the whole wall—eight feet high and sixty feet long. Out of South Carolina, Ambler received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ball State University and has appeared in art shows, festivals and galleries throughout the United States.


“Brothers Karamazov” is a piece created by Seattle-born Tom Nakashima during a reading of the novel by the same name. Nakashima is Emeritus Proffessor at The Catholic U. of America and Morris Eminent Scholar Emeritus at Augusta State University. His work is in the permanent collections of over 50 public collections, which includes the Smithsonian American Art Museum. His work has been reviewed or written about in international art magazines and news publications while being reproduced in The Paris Review, Elle, Southern Living, and House Beautiful. As with all of Nakashima’s work, the painting uses recycled paper which relates to his continuing commentary on deforestation of the planet.


“It all began with an invitation to my high school reunion, which they scheduled to coincide with an event called ArtPrize,” explains Jody Cramer, who grew up in Grand Rapids and is currently an artist living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Jody’s artwork, entitled “Tulip Mania Connecting the Dots,” consists of nine 2’ x 2’ individual wooden panels in a diamond configuration comprising nearly 3,000 three-dimensional dots of vibrant acrylic color and a holographic medium, which unite to convey form in a Gestalt of optical illusion. Jody developed her unique style over 30 years ago while completing her Master’s Degree at Indiana University. Her interest in art began at a young age, evolving from childhood classes at the Grand Rapids Art Museum into the pursuit of art as a career. Fond memories of enjoying the Holland Tulip Festival as a child also helped inspire her ArtPrize entry. “ArtPrize is such an innovative format and platform for artists, it will be exciting to participate and see my hometown again,” said Cramer, who will be here for the event.


From Beaufort, South Carolina, Greg Rawls has been creating kiln-formed (fused) glass for the past twelve years, studying extensively with many accomplished glass artists and developing techniques for taking kiln-formed glass in new directions, as with “Sea Glass.” For his direction, Rawls has won numerous awards, such as the Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition, while also appearing in several galleries within his state. Rawls’ artist statement states glass is an eternal medium that has been worked, in one form or another, for several thousand years. Fused glass art was found in ancient Egyptian excavations and was a revered art form. The technique was lost and rediscovered about 50 years ago. “I want my work to be simple and expressive, yet convey a sense of color and light in harmony. I have always been inspired by the colors of the Lowcountry. The marsh, ocean and incredible sunsets form my palette.” He pursues glass art full time with his company, specializing in kiln-formed glass for art and architecture.


Lily Lihting Li Kostrzewa is a contemporary artist who specializes in cross-cultural paintings. Born in Taiwan, Kostrzewa studied at National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei before moving to the United States. She utilizes many techniques from both the eastern and western art to enrich her work. Now residing in Michigan, her artwork has been exhibited in Ukraine, Jordan, Taiwan, Austria, Canada, Greece, Italy and many states in the US. Her formal education includes MFA degree in Modern painting, MA degree in Computer Graphics, BFA degree in Chinese Art and Art Education teaching certificate. Lily has taught painting, design and workshops in colleges, public schools and community art centers, including Lake Forest College, IL, Central Michigan University, MI and Marywood University, PA. “Don’t Wait For Tomorrow” has been shown in NYC’s Time Square and has been chosen to be published by Chicago Art Magazine, Open Studio Magazine (Boston) and Review Magazine (Saginaw).


Emmy-nominated filmmaker, artist, author and explorer of the PBS Documentary “In the footsteps of Marco Polo “, New York-bred Francis ODonnell says he was inspired by the Nazi Holocaust and “mankind’s refusal to learn from the past, which has led to other monstrous acts of genocide around the world since the end of WWII.” ODonnell’s piece “Guernica Redux—Holocaust of the Innocents” pays homage to (though he insists is not a copy of) Picasso’s famous antiwar masterpiece, “Guernica.” “I've painted it bold and simply, reminiscent of the propaganda posters of the 1930s/40s. To some extent, this softens the terrible images. To further remove us from reality, I've restricted my palette to the use of three colors—red, white and black with the exception of an old man who sits on his hands on a light blue military helmet. He represents the world and the helmet represents the United Nations knowing [of these acts] but unwilling act,” ODonnell describes.


Christopher Weed grew up in Philadelphia, PA, receiving a BFA degree from the University of Maryland, studied in Europe for several years, and has created over 20 public art commissions since 1998. Participating in last year’s ArtPrize, Weed is now introducing “Spores” to downtown Grand Rapids. Spores simultaneously suggests something playful yet threatening, natural yet out-scaled, organic yet industrial. Accordingly, the forms at-once appear as seed spores, tumbleweeds, thistles, and nautical mines. The sculptures are constructed of powder coated steel spheres with 400, to 475 solid half inch steel stems welded to each sphere. Weed’s entry form last year, “Portal” recently won first place in the 2012 Art on the Streets in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He’s also completed projects in Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Fort Collins, Lafayette, Colorado Springs and Superior to name a few. He is represented at A New Leaf Gallery in San Francisco, CA, and Shidoni Foundry, Gallery and Sculpture Gardens in Santa Fe, NM.


Though Haiti is the theme of his Artprize photo exhibit called “The Least of These,” Phil Niekerk is based a little closer to the area. Niekerk, local pastor and photographer from Ada, Michigan is displaying a series of 34 black and white photos surrounded in three frames of steel and metal grating. “Going on mission trips around the world has been one of the highlights of being a pastor. I always take my camera equipment no matter the circumstances. Photography is how I journal what I’m seeing and feeling when I’m in a new place like Haiti,” he says. “I always look for a theme to capture with my camera—something more than the typical vacation shots. It became obvious during my first couple of days in Haiti that faces were [the] theme. My camera gravitated to these beautiful faces I encountered. I think my photos capture a wide continuum of these human emotions; from joy to despair, from anger to contentment, from beauty to brokenness. ”


Dr. Ellen (Messner) Rogers, former wildlife veterinarian in Africa and star of Animal Planet’s docu-drama TV show Great African Wildlife Rescue, presents her animal-inspired artwork, “Darwin Called It Evolution,” for ArtPrize. She is a 2012 MFA graduate from Visual Studies Department at the University at Buffalo, as well as an alumnus of Harvard and Tufts University. She earned her BFA at the Maine College of Art, in Portland, Maine. Through her art practice, Rogers examines ideas about humans, animals, and Nature. Rogers spent years working in Africa hands-on with some of the most endangered, and dangerous wild animals on the planet. Based on her experiences working in wildlife conservation in Africa, Dr. Rogers uses art to explore how humans interact with and understand Nature. She seeks innovative visual methods to ask if people are a part of (or apart from) Nature. Her current artwork embodies hybrids of people and animals, asking how do people affect other beings? How do animals affect people? And ultimately, how do humans affect themselves through the environment? Rogers uses her sculptures to question the human/nature dichotomy.


Artist Read Lockhart is continuing in the visual arts tradition of his father and grandfather. With “The Allegory of the Cave,” Read Lockhart continues to dive into his paintings and drawings layering oils on canvas and graphite on paper to reveal undeniably compelling images. Although the visual arts were far from his mind during his undergraduate career at St. John's College, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Illinois-native soon discovered his love of drawing closer to home at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Lockhart has also studied drawing at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy before his apprenticeship back in the US assisting some of New York’s most established painters. To conclude Lockhart’s studies in New York, he received the Alma Schipiro travel grant and spent seven months making his way through Western Europe entranced by the works of the great masters. After Europe, Lockhart's wealth of experience and knowledge backed by years of study drew him back to New Mexico where he settled in Taos.


In the 2011 installment for ArtPrize, artist Dominic Sansone had a great response to his entry, winning his venue's Best in Show Award from the Michigan ACLU and finishing in the Top 25 in Hillside voting. This year with his piece "Just Short of the Shore,” Dominic is looking to reach a wider audience. Dominic is a native of Chicago and in 1997 received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in sculpture from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign before spending two years working for an aerospace company producing fabrication and assembly drawings for satellites, military aircraft, and mobile artillery units. He’s also worked in the tradeshow industry and has overseen worldwide exhibition programs for major multinational corporations. Since receiving a Master of Fine Arts degree at the Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis in 2010, Dominic has exhibited in group and solo exhibitions around the United States. He is represented by Fulton Market Gallery in Chicago and teaches at the Evanston Art Center.


This is just a small portion of the artists exhibiting their entries at DeVos Place. Stay tuned for information on more artists. Please find a listing of all entries being shown at DeVos Place here.

DeVos Place Nominated For 'Downtown Award', Committed To Sustainability

In 2007, an article in Tradeshow Week reviewed how “the tradeshow business [could] no longer turn a blind eye to its impact on the environment.” This came in response to statistical data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency which showed then that tradeshows and conventions accounted for the second most wasteful industry in the US.
Since then, venues (and even whole cities) have increasingly jumped on the green movement bandwagon with many becoming proactive in their approach to sustainability and green efforts. Grand Rapids and SMG-managed DeVos Place have been no exceptions.

Nominated by the Downtown Alliance for a 2012 Downtown Award in the ‘Sustainability’ category, the 253,000 square-foot DeVos Place Convention Center has been committed to the effort of caring for our environment by developing methods to reduce, reuse and recycle in our everyday routines. So what are those methods and how’d they come about?

Soon after that article was written, the City of Grand Rapids thrust itself into Consumer Energy’s Green Generation Program, Michigan’s first voluntary renewable energy program, which earned the city induction into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Leadership Club in December 2008. Along with DeVos Place, Grand Rapids put an emphasis on limiting the amount of waste that was produced while looking into making these entities more efficient.

Promptly in 2009, Grand Rapids was named the Green Generation Customer of the Year by Consumers Energy. "The action today on renewable energy is found in cities," Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell said then. "I'm proud that Grand Rapids has taken a lead in this field...”

A leader amongst venues, DeVos Place emphasizes reduce, reuse and recycle practices to become as energy efficient as possible. We have adopted the latest methodologies in sustainability into practice, such as automated faucets and flushing systems, as well as a membrane style roof that is light in color to help reflect heat away from the building, thereby reducing energy costs. To help minimize power usage, the building also uses a computer controlled lighting and HVAC system. The system is designed to control lights, heating and cooling during peak event activities. Here are some more ways DeVos Place has engaged in green practices:


REDUCE

• Recycled paper products in restrooms to minimize waste
• Low-flow toilets in DeVos Place
• Energy efficient HVAC system in DeVos Place Convention Center
• Employee energy conservation awareness program
• Compact fluorescent light bulbs in public areas
• Switching over to Environmentally green housekeeping products
• Energy Management Programming in building support systems
• Centralized off site use of heating and cooling services to reduce cost and impact to Grand Rapids
• Encouraging staff to use alternative modes of transportation and car pooling to decrease air pollutants
• Reserve office paper for only necessary use


REUSE

• Reuse recycled bond paper for non-essential DeVos Place Convention Center documents
• Disposable and biodegradable food and beverage containers
• Participate with local businesses in a city-wide composting program
• Provide DeVos Place Convention Center employees with reusable vessels for beverages while on break
• Donate computers to charity after office updates


RECYCLE

• Purchase recycled paper products for office use
• Promote an employee recycling program
• Recycle toner cartridges
• Participate in Grand Rapids’ surplus programs to reduce landfill use
• Continually research green practices relating to public venues to implement

Additionally, just this summer, DeVos Place introduced two electric vehicle charging stations inside the underground parking lot. Two CT2003 charging stations now adorn the northwest wall of the building’s basement level parking garage near the Michigan Street exit. The stations will provide power for the increasing amount of electrical vehicles from existing power panels. Parking signs, indicating and differentiating the spaces, are also installed.

So along with the city, DeVos Place Convention Center takes the environmental impact of meetings very seriously. Green/Sustainable meetings are about increasing economic and environmental efficiency by minimizing the use of resources and reducing the amount of waste produced from meeting activities. Trimming waste curbs costs, whether it is through the use of energy efficiency programs or recycling.
In July 2010, the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority was presented with a Green Venues Certification Plaque for DeVos Place by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.

"This accreditation is the mark of environmental responsibility of venues which are committed to ‘green’ business practices that make environmental and economic goals their top priority,” said DELEG Director Stanley “Skip” Pruss. “Green Venues Michigan is also helping to ensure the viability of our venues and the thousands of jobs related to Michigan’s hospitality industry."

The public can vote for DeVos Place and all other categories here and can place their votes through August.

American Quilter's Society Show & Contest To Display New Exhibit From Japan Right Here at DeVos Place

Don’t miss the new exhibition, “Japanese Color and Form: New Works by Fifty Japanese Artists” at the first-ever AQS Quilt Show & Contest in Grand Rapids, Michigan, August 22-25, 2012. Curated by Kokusai Art of Yokohama, Japan, this exhibit shares the unique artistry of Japanese traditional quilt design with modern flair.

You won’t want to miss this special exhibit at the AQS Quilt Show and Contest in Grand Rapids, Michigan, August 22-25, it’s called “Japanese Color and Form – New Works by Fifty Japanese Artists.” We’ll be showing you dozens of spectacular quilts from Japan, and you can only see them if you attend the show!

Japanese quiltmaking has evolved extensively over the past forty years. What was once influenced by Western and antique designs, many Japanese quilt techniques and designs are becoming a model for quilters across the globe. Entries in international quilt contests from Japan now include art quilts made with Japanese kimono fabrics and Japanese designs; others reflect uchikake costume shape or use traditional Japanese patterns. Quilters quickly grew to love these works reflecting Japanese culture in new, innovative ways.

The American Quilter’s Society mission is to provide a means for today’s quilters to expand their horizons in quilt-making, design, self-expression, and quilt collecting. Our magazines, books, products, shows, contests, and workshops all strive to inspire, instruct, and nurture the art and skill of quilt-making.

DeVos Place Leading Continued Green Efforts with Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

DeVos Place is expanding on their leading efforts to make the venue as ‘green’ as can be with the installation of two charging stations for electronic vehicles inside the venue’s basement parking lot.

DeVos Place has installed two CT2003 charging stations on the northwest wall of the building’s basement level parking garage near the Michigan Street exit. The stations will provide power for the increasing amount of electrical vehicles from existing power panels. Parking signs, indicating
and differentiating the spaces, are also installed.

We’re genuinely excited about having charging stations here,” Eddie Tadlock, Assistant General Manager said. “In keeping with the goals of our Sustainability Initiatives, we want to encourage cleaner transportation options for our patrons. Helping add to a nationwide network of charging stations in DeVos Place Convention Center is one way of doing that. We are taking progressive strides to expand our sustainability efforts and partnering with ChargePoint America was the next logical step. The City of Grand Rapids was instrumental in the brokering the grant application and continues to be a catalyst for a number of green projects in West Michigan. ”

ChargePoint America is a program sponsored by Coulomb Technologies to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure to nine selected regions in the United States. This made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the Department of Energy and the objective is to accelerate the
development and production of electric vehicles to substantially reduce petroleum consumption, reduce greenhouse gas production, and create jobs.

This past January, Mayor Heartwell announced the availability of five (5) other Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) charging stations at various parking ramps and on Ottawa Street in downtown Grand Rapids. Mayor Heartwell stated, “This is a great step for the community. Providing the
necessary infrastructure will encourage and support those choosing to own electric vehicles and support the auto industry and supporting industries both in the City and throughout Michigan.”

West Michigan Mom’s Sale Moves to DeVos Place and Adds Parenting Expo

The Midwest’s largest Mom-2-Mom Sale just keeps growing, and this spring the organizers are adding a Parenting Expo. The GR8 Parenting Event and the West Michigan Mom’s Sale will be held on Saturday, May 19, at DeVos Place. The West Michigan Mom’s Sale runs from 9am-3pm and the GR8 Parenting Event runs from 9am-5pm.

The GR8 Parenting Event will feature local businesses and non-profits that relate to family life. Free classes will also be offered all day long, including “Rethinking ADHD” and “Baby’s First Real Foods”. All classes will be offered by experts in the community. You may view available
classes and register to attend classes on the GR8 Parenting Event’s website, www.thegr8parent.com. Space is limited.

The West Michigan Mom’s Sale will offer over 250 booths filled with gently used children’s clothing (newborn-16), maternity wear, nursery furniture, baby gear, toys, and so much more, all at garage sale prices.

Admission is free for both events. Families with strollers are welcome. There will be activities for children, including inflatables, a butterfly tent, a reptile show hosted by Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park and puppet shows.

For more information or to register as a vendor at one of the events, visit www.westmichiganmomssale.com or www.thegr8parent.com.

The GR8 Parenting Event is sponsored by Gerber and Meijer.

Gospel Musical “I Need A Man” Cancels Several Dates Including Grand Rapids

T. Rose Entertainment has announced that Michael Matthews' Gospel Stage Play, I Need A Man, has cancelled their performance scheduled for Tuesday, April 24 at DeVos Performance Hall.

“After reviewing the current ticket sales for the Grand Rapids performance; Matthews Productions and the National Tour Directors of I Need A Man, stage play have decided to cancel the April 24 performance date,” they announced.

“T. Rose Entertainment appreciates everyone who auditioned; and showed support for the upcoming performance. Unfortunately, the sales and support was not progressing at a satisfactory level for the tours' National Directors.”

The Toledo, Saginaw and Cleveland shows have also been cancelled.

The production had held an open audition several weeks ago for community members to partake in one of I Need A Man’s scenes, something the play did in all of its receiving cities.

NICKELODEON’S THE FRESH BEAT BAND HITS GRAND RAPIDS ON OCT. 14

The Fresh Beat Band, Nickelodeon's popular preschool music group and stars of the hit TV series of the same name, are adding a second leg (50 cities, 70 performances) to their current sold-out nationwide concert tour and will play DeVos Performance Hall on Sunday, October 14 at 5:30pm. More than 200,000 fans will have seen the live show by the end of the first run making it one of this year’s most successful music tours. Tickets and Fresh Beat Band VIP packages will be available at www.freshbeatbandlive.com, the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, or charge at 800-745-3000 beginning Friday, April 13 at 10am for $29.50 and $39.50. Nickelodeon and Ticketmaster will offer pre-sale tickets and VIP packages beginning Thursday, April 5, at 10am local time in each city. Citi® card members will also have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Thursday, April 5, at 10am through Citi’s Private Pass Program at www.CitiPrivatePass.com.

“The Fresh Beat Band Live in Concert tour has ignited a fan frenzy and we’re thrilled that so many kids and parents want to come see the Fresh Beats perform live,” said Paula Kaplan, Executive Vice President, Talent Strategy and West Coast Operations, Nickelodeon Group. “The additional tour dates will give more kids across the country an opportunity see their favorite rock stars – Kiki, Marina, Twist and Shout.”

The Fresh Beat Band Live in Concert Tour Presented By Nickelodeon features Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer), Shout (Thomas Hobson), Marina (Tara Perry) and Twist (Jon Beavers) performing The Fresh Beat Band hits from seasons one, two and three of the Nickelodeon live-action music series that teaches preschoolers about music appreciation. Songs performed include “Here We Go, “A Friend Like You, “Bananas,” and “Just Like A Rockstar,” among others. The first-ever The Fresh Beat Band soundtrack – The Fresh Beat Band: Music From The Hit TV Show -- is currently available on iTunes and in stores everywhere.

Nickelodeon will premiere a new episode of The Fresh Beat Band, “Keeping It Green,” on Earth Day, Friday, April 20, at 1:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The Fresh Beat Band debuted in 2009 and is now in its third season on Nickelodeon. The Fresh Beat Band centers on four best friends – Kiki, Shout, Marina and Twist – in a band who love to sing and dance. In each episode, preschoolers sing and dance along as they help The Fresh Beat Band solve everyday challenges. Preschoolers learn the fundamentals of music such as melody, rhythm, tempo and performance styles and the importance of friendship, working together, and respecting each other’s differences. Ne-Yo, Justin Bieber and Jason Mraz have all hung out with the Fresh Beats and additional celebrity guests will appear throughout season three.

Yanni to Answer Questions from Fans during Live Webcast – April 11 at 1pm

After an incredibly successful webcast together last year, legendary composer and performer Yanni will be sitting down again with Emmy award-winning journalist and TV personality Lauren Sanchez for a LIVE webcast from Yanni’s studio in South Florida. Join them on April 11th at 1pm EDT as Yanni answers questions from fans and speaks to Sanchez –a Yanni fan herself – about his plans throughout the rest of the year including the upcoming April 17th release of CD/DVD Yanni: Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico (Sony Music) and a 75-date North American tour that includes a date at DeVos Performance Hall on May 7th.

Fans can submit questions via Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OfficialYanni, Twitter at http://twitter.com/yanni – tweet questions using #YanniWebcast – and at teamyanni@yanniwake.com. More details at www.Yanni.com or sign up direct on his channel: http://new.livestream.com/yanni.

Yanni: Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico – which made its nationwide PBS debut on March 3 – captures two sold-out concerts in December 2011 at the historic 16th-century Castillo San Felipe Del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico – the first-ever performances at this recognized UNESCO Heritage Site. Performing at the castle builds on the legacy of iconic global sites that have played host to Yanni’s concerts including the Acropolis in Greece, the Taj Mahal in India, and the Forbidden City in China.

The April 17th release date coincides with the kick off of Yanni’s North American Tour which runs through August. Tickets for the Grand Rapids date can be purchased at the DeVos Place or Van Andel Arena box offices, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 800-745-3000.

Yanni, whose contemporary symphonic music has inspired millions of fans around the world, completed a very successful webcast in March 2011 with Sanchez, who is best known as the host of “Good Day LA” and “Extra.” Sanchez’s experience as host of the premiere season of FOX's global smash-hit, "So You Think You Can Dance,” along with frequent guest appearances anchoring FOX-11's top-rated “Ten o'clock News” and contributing to hit shows like ““Larry King Live”, “The Talk”, “Showbiz Tonight,” “The Joy Behar Show” and “The View,” make her an ideal, poised and charming host.

After great reception for Yanni's “All Access” weekly episodic Web TV series, the program continues throughout his global touring campaign for the next two years. Episodes will focus on Yanni’s new family member, the adopted baby panda “Santorini,” who the Chinese government invited Yanni to adopt while touring in China this past year. Traditionally such an honor and privilege is reserved for countries rather than personalities. Other episodes will focus on tales from Yanni’s recent trip through Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Mexico.

HUMAN NATURE ANNOUNCES CANCELLATION OF GRAND RAPIDS DATE

Due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict, Human Nature: The Motown Show presented by Smokey Robinson, originally scheduled to perform Thursday, April 5 at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids has been cancelled. At this time there is no confirmed rescheduled date for the performance. Refunds will be available at point of purchase.

“We are so disappointed that we have to miss this show,” said Human Nature.

“Stay tuned to the website, www.humannaturelive.com for the latest news on the schedules for future shows.” said Madstone Productions the show’s national tour promoter.

Human Nature, Australia’s leading pop vocal group, pays tribute to the Motown sound. They deliver a classic yet modern take on Motown hits, featuring songs originally made famous by artists like the Four Tops, the Supremes, the Temptations and Stevie Wonder. Human Nature’s distinctive and authentic performances of these ever-popular favorites represent everything audiences love about the songs, performed by four supremely talented young men who sing and dance their way through the Motown hit list.

2012 Cottage & Lakefront Living Show/Grand Rapids Fact Sheet

Location: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; tel: 616-742-6500

Dates & Times


Admission
Friday, March 23
Saturday, March 24
Sunday, March 25
3 pm - 9pm
10 am - 9pm
11 am - 5pm

Adults: $9.00
Children (6-14): $4.00
5 & Under: Free

24-Hour Info: 1-800-328-6550 or www.GRCottageShow.com

West Michigan’s only Show that’s completely devoted to the Cottage Lifestyle!

Hundreds of exhibitors! Architects and designers; lakefront builders; cedar and log home builders; boats, docks, and lifts; interior design and cottage-style furnishings; landscapers, home improvement and more.

Three custom-built, fully landscaped cabins, including a two-story loft design, inside DeVos Place!

Tom Rademacher, columnist in the GR Press, leads the 2012 Weekend Project Center: how to build your own outdoor shower.

Professional sand sculptor Janet Moore Schrader, aka The Sandpirate, in the 1200 Sq. Foot “Monroe Street Beach”. Castle building all weekend, a castle-building contest on Saturday, and kids can “Storm the Castle” Sunday afternoon!

Cottage Fine Art Show, an art fair, featuring Michigan artists. Includes paintings, photography, sculpture, and more.

Shop the Lakefront Market Place with dozens of merchants selling all kinds of cool items for your cottage or home.

Try out an awesome state-of-the-art Fishing Simulator all weekend long, and don’t miss the seminars on how to get the most out of Family Fishing, courtesy of Sportpersons Ministries!

Watch Artists and Artisans at Work. Wooden boat builders and other artists will be creating works of art every day during the show.

Free seminars all weekend on Cottage Succession Planning, Birding, Cottage Security, Nature Photography, Cottage Landscaping for Shoreline Conservation, Great Lakes Invasive Species, and more.

John Mayer Tour Cancelled

Seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician John Mayer has canceled his recently announced U.S. tour and will take an indefinite hiatus from live performing due to the return of the granuloma in his throat.

Mayer was treated for the same condition and placed on extensive vocal rest in 2011. The 18-city tour was to be his first in the United States in two years. Ticket purchasers for his initial scheduled date at DeVos Performance Hall on April 12th should refer to their point of purchase for refund details.

His new album Born and Raised will be released as planned by Columbia Records on May 22, 2012. The album’s first single—“Shadow Days”—debuted March 5 and is available on iTunes.

“Nothing feels worse than having to break the stage down before the performance, and I mean nothing. I love this band you were going to hear, I love the guys and girls I work with, and the only thing that stops me from devolving into a puddle of tears is knowing that it's a long life, and the greatest gift in the world is being able to create music no matter what the circumstances,” wrote Mayer to fans via his tumblr blog earlier today.

Trace Adkins Offers ‘Songs & Stories’ to Loyal fans

One of the biggest country stars in the world, Trace Adkins, has announced the schedule for his upcoming Songs & Stories Tour. Adkins brings his highly anticipated tour to DeVos Performance Hall on Wednesday, July 18th at 7:30pm.

Tickets are $35.00, $49.50 and $69.50 and go on sale this Friday, March 9th at 10:00am. Tickets can be purchased at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets and charge by phone: 800-745-3000.

Adkins found inspiration for the Songs & Stories Tour after he released his 10th studio album, Proud To Be Here, last summer with a CMT Invitation-only special. The special featured new hits “Just Fishin” and “Million Dollar View,” a Q&A session and the most-loved songs from Adkins’ twenty-year career. The taping was so fun for Trace and his guests that he began laying plans for a tour.

“The point of this tour is to get together and share meaningful songs, stories and some laughs ‘around the campfire’ – it’s the Country music tradition.”

Fans can share their own stories, questions and the songs that have inspired or shaped their lives on the Songs & Stories page at www.traceadkins.com.

From humble beginnings as a small-town Louisiana roughneck, to a Country superstar with a twenty-year career of hits to his recent roles as outspoken author and actor, Adkins’ life parallels the songs he sings. His albums showcase a range of earnest tributes and party anthems with humor and depth – the Songs & Stories Tour promises to offer the same.

JOHN MAYER LAUNCHES NEW U.S. TOUR

Seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician John Mayer launches his first U.S. tour in two years on April 9, stopping in Grand Rapids just three days later on April 12 at 7:30pm. Mayer will take the DeVos Performance Hall stage as the tour leads into his upcoming fifth album Born and Raised, which will be released soon thereafter.

Mayer produced Born and Raised with Don Was, who worked on albums for acts such as the Rolling Stones, B.B. King and Bonnie Raitt. Rock legends David Crosby and Graham Nash provide vocals on the title song and musicians joining Mayer on the album and on the road include highly-regarded keyboardist/pianist Chuck Leavell—who has worked with the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and The Allman Brothers Band—as well as previous collaborators Sean Hurley on bass and Aaron Sterling on drums. Rounding out the touring band are David Ryan Harris on guitar and vocals, Doug Pettibone on guitar and Michito Sanchez on percussion.

Mayer recently previewed the album’s first single “Shadow Days” on his tumblr blog (http://jhnmyr.tumblr.com/). He debuts his new album with a performance at SXSW on March 17.

Mayer became passionate about supporting U.S. war veterans following a visit to the Marine Corps’ Camp Lejeune in North Carolina four years ago. He has since spent time with active military and veterans while touring, and partnered with the Northern California Institute of Research and Education (NCIRE) to provide veterans with a healthy reintegration into civilian life which will help heal the battle scars caused by the trauma they experienced.

Concertgoers can join Mayer in his support of veterans in two ways. A block of third-row orchestra seats will be made available for sale at a premium price exclusively through Tickets-For-Charity, with proceeds going to Mayer/NCIRE programs. At Tickets-For-Charity, fans pay the same or better price found elsewhere for high-demand seats, with 100% of above-face benefit redirected to charity. For more information, go to www.ticketsforcharity.com/johnmayer. And at http://celebrity.ebay.com/john-mayer, Mayer fans can bid on four front-row tickets, plus a chance to meet him, with proceeds also going to Mayer/NCIRE programs for veterans.

Mayer’s previous albums—Room for Squares, Heavier Things, Continuum and Battle Studies—have sold more than 11 million copies combined. He has been honored with seven Grammy Awards and an additional 11 nominations. He has also been included in Time Magazine’s annual Time 100 list of the most influential contemporary thinkers, leaders, artists and entertainers, and twice been featured on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine’s annual "Guitar" issue.
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 2 at 10am and are priced at $51, $76 and $86. Tickets will be available at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, ticektmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets including select D&W, Family Fare and Walmart locations or charge: 800-745-3000.

Brides, Grooms, Mothers, and Friends... The Most Beautiful Day in Your Life Deserves the Most Planning!

The Annual Spring Bridal Show of West Michigan March 9-11, the ONLY three-day bridal show in West Michigan downtown at beautiful DeVos Place on Monroe Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids. The show runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"This year's Spring Bridal Show will highlight a Garden of Wedding Gowns by Fantastic Finds, featuring designs by all of the biggest designers in all of the popular looks and styles," says Pam Glass of Kohler Expos. We have a few unique things at this year's spring event, like the Pedal Pub, which Premier's here! Brides will also have an opportunity to win a "Big Day Bag" purse. This is a must-have organizer for all brides-to-be. Vendors include:

• Bridal Gowns


• Banquet Facility & Catering


• Photographers


• Travel Destinations


• Floral & Decor


• Invitations


• Disc Jockeys


• Cookware


• Gift Registry


• Photo Booth


• Honeymoon/ Travel


• Limousine & Party Bus


• Home & Real Estate


• Pedal Pub - Premier's Here!


• Bachelorette Parties


• Weight Loss


• Wedding Venue


• Show Discounts From Vendors


• Register to Win CASH / Prizes

"Back by popular demand is our annual "Brides on the Run" cash contest. Two brides compete each day to win $200 cash. This was a lot of fun last year. And winners are always happy to win $200 cash," says Denise Kolesar. You must be pre-registered for your chance to compete on our grbrides.com website.

The event will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 10 and 11a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 11. Admission is at the door. Discount coupons are available on-line by visiting our website www.kohlerexpo.com.

Admission to the Bridal Show also offers crossover admission to the Women's Expo which runs the same weekend. "Bridal vendors are also available for corporate functions, anniversary celebrations and the like, so it just makes sense to offer this opportunity to all attendees that weekend," says Denise Kolesar, President of Kohler Expos, Inc.

About Kohler Expos, Inc.

Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., Kohler Expos is one of Michigan's leading exhibition companies providing five consumer shows annually: the popular West Michigan Women's Expo and Mid-Michigan Women's Expo, as well as Fall Bridal Show of West Michigan, Winter Bridal Show of West Michigan, and the Spring Bridal Show of West Michigan. Kohler has also launched GRBrides.com, an on-line engaged wedding planning connection. Additional information is available at www.kohlerexpo.com.

West Michigan Golf Show: A Good Walk Unspoiled and Inside!

Paraphrasing a famous line about golf, the 24th West Michigan Golf Show, February 10-12, 2012 is a good walk unspoiled. Void of ice and snow and inside the spacious and warm confines of DeVos Place, winter-weary golfers will walk the many aisles of the Show and receive a vicarious spring-like thrill by all of the exhibitors, events and seminars. Here are some of the highlights of this annual golf extravaganza:

• Widely acclaimed for its headliners, the Golf Show welcomes John Novosel Jr. of Tour Tempo, the cutting edge technology and teaching company, talking about “Golf's Last Secret Finally Revealed.” Also on the Fidelity Investments stage will be putting guru and PGA instructor Mike Shannon ranked #40 by Golf Digest in its listings of “America’s 50 Best Teachers.” Tour star Matt Kuchar’s putting coach, Shannon’s seminar is entitled: “What Great Putters Have in Common.”

• Ladies’ Night is on Friday and offers special events, seminars and giveaways just for women, including a seminar by Blythefield’s Patti Butcher and the 7th annual Executive Women’s Golf Association Fashion Show. And Swan Lake Resort is donating an overnight Spa package to the first 500 ladies. Also on Friday (only) there’s half-price off admission by donating a dozen (new or used) golf balls to the First Tee of West Michigan.

• The most popular attraction of the Show remains the Treetops Par-3 Challenge where patrons will compete for prizes (Treetops golf) at a fully landscaped par-3 and with a chance to win $25,000 while raising funds for Patriot Golf Day. Treetops is also offering a free golf round (a $64 value) to all patrons registering at its booth.

• It’s “try before you buy” at the demo club area where many top club manufacturers will have the latest equipment for patrons to hit inside the huge hitting net.

• The top golf courses and resorts in Michigan as well as destination courses in Indiana, Kentucky and Florida will offer pre-season values and teetimes.

• Courtesy of WZZM-TV and Treetops Resort, one lucky golfer will receive a 24-person overnight golf trip to Treetops, the Show’s grand prize drawing.

• Thanks to the Michigan P.G.A. and Boyne Resorts, golf pros will give free lessons all weekend, providing patrons with top-notch golf tips to start the season right.

• Presented by Core Golf Schueller, the $10,000 Putt & Long Drive Contests will entice deft putters and big hitters alike.

• West Michigan is known for its thrifty, savvy consumers and the Golf Show remains an ideal place to shop for golf balls, gloves, shoes, apparel and golf equipment at attractive prices.

• On a virtual golf course provided by RealGolf, golfers will compete in a closest to the contest to win prizes from Grand Haven Golf Club and to raise funds for Folds of Honor charity.

• Benefitting RacingAwareness.com and the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, there’s a Saturday morning pancake breakfast (for only $5) starting at 9 AM in the Grand Gallery at DeVos Place.

• Sunday is “Junior Golf Day” with the first 250 kids receiving hats, and with special seminars, door prizes, and manufacturers with junior clubs. All weekend, a junior golf area—staffed by The First Tee of West Michigan—will entertain and teach “wee tee golfers.”

Fidelity Seminar Stage: A Wealth of Speakers

One of the lasting hallmarks of the 24th West Michigan Golf Show has been the quality of its headliners and presenters. For the price of admission, show patrons are rewarded with a wealth of lessons, instruction and insights by the leading experts and topflight PGA teaching pros in the game. This year the Fidelity Seminar Stage features two distinct presenters, tempo expert John Novosel Jr. and putting guru Mike Shannon, both of whom are appearing at the Show for the first time on Feb.10-12 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.

Representing Tour Tempo®, the fast-emerging teaching and technology company that has revolutionized the understanding of tempo in the golf swing, Novosel will explain and demonstrate how a 3-beats-to-1-beat timing ratio between the backswing and downswing is the bedrock equation of a sound swing. His seminar is entitled: “Tour Tempo: Golf’s Last Secret Finally Revealed.” Although it may sound esoteric, Novosel’s seminar promises to deliver results for everyday golfers. “Unlike certain Tour swing fundamentals, a good tempo is easily within the grasp of the average golfer,” said Novosel, a past presenter at the PGA of Sweden, the PGA of the Netherlands and the World Golf Fitness Summit. A long drive champion, Novosel lives in Overland Park, Kansas.

Also on the Fidelity Seminar Stage will be the celebrated putting guru and PGA teaching professional Mike Shannon, ranked recently by Golf Digest as #40 in its listing of “America’s 50 Best Teachers.” Part of the highly touted instructional team at Sea Island Golf Learning Center in St. Simons Island, Georgia, Shannon counts PGA Tour star Matt Kuchar as one of his many short game students. “I’ve worked with Matt on his putting for the past two years and it’s gratifying to see his success,” said Shannon. “Recently, we’ve worked on Matt switching over to a belly putter.” Shannon’s seminars are entitled: “What Great Putters Have In Common” and “The Evolution of Putting (and what happens when you don’t evolve with it).”

Providing added local and state support to these headliners are a number of well-respected golf teaching professionals. Blythefield CC’s Patti Butcher, the 2010 LPGA National Professional of the Year, will be on stage Friday with “Diva Golf: Be Comfortable on the Course and Play Better Golf, for ALL Skill Levels.”

On Saturday, Boyne’s Director of Instruction Brian O’Neill’s will cover “Getting the Most of Your Practice Time.” Later, "Your Short Game" will be addressed by Brian Natzel, Director of Instruction at Swan Lake Resort.

And on Sunday, Kevin McKinley, Director of Golf at Treetops, will share “Best Lessons of the Treetops Golf Academy.”

West Michigan Golf Show Tees Off on Friday

What:

24th Annual West Michigan Golf Show with hundreds of exhibits from courses and resorts to clubs and merchandise. Also, fabulous door prizes, free golf lessons, clinics, and the Treetops Par-3 Challenge (a real grass golf hole indoors!) where one lucky golfer might win $25,000!

When:

Friday, Feb. 10, 4 pm-9 pm
Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 am-7 pm
Sunday, Feb. 12, 10 am-5 pm

Where:

DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, downtown Grand Rapids

Tickets:

$9 for adults; $4 for children ages 6-14; children 5 & under free.
Tickets at the door and online at www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com
Bonus: All Golf Show attendees can receive a free round of golf at Treetops just by registering at its booth. A $64 value!

Parking:

Best place to park is under DeVos Place. Enter off Michigan St NW or Lyon Ave. NW. The Rapid line 11 bus stops in front of DeVos Place

Seminars:

Representing Tour Tempo®, the fast-emerging teaching and golf technology company, will be John Novosel, Jr. Teacher, coach and international presenter, Novosel will explain how to develop a consistent, Tour-like tempo or pace of the swing. Also on the Fidelity Seminar Stage will be celebrated putting guru and PGA teaching professional Mike Shannon, ranked recently by Golf Digest as #40 in its listing of “America’s 50 Best Teachers.” Part of the highly touted Sea Island Golf Learning Center in Ga., Shannon counts PGA Tour star Matt Kuchar as one of his many students. Other PGA teaching pros on stage will be Boyne’s Brian O’Neill, Blythefield’s Patti Butcher, Swan Lake Resort’s Brian Natzel, and Treetops’ Kevin McKinley.

Specials:

With a free overnight Spa package at Swan Lake Resort to the first 500 women, Friday night is Ladies Night with the 7th annual Executive Women’s Golf Association Fashion Show. And all weekend: a $10,000 Putting Challenge--one putter might sink a 50-foot putt for ten grand. Free golf lessons c/o of Boyne Resorts & Michigan Section PGA. And courtesy of Treetops and WZZM 13, a grand prize drawing of a 24-person golf trip to Treetops Resort.

Sponsors:

Treetops Resort, Fidelity Investments, Srixon, Golf Association of Michigan, Boyne Resorts, Michigan PGA and Swan Lake Resort

Other:

The first 100 people entering the Show each day and anyone purchasing tickets online will receive a free 2-pack of Srixon golf balls. On Friday get half-price off admission by donating a dozen (new or used) golf balls to the First Tee of West Michigan. Saturday: To benefit RacingAwareness.com and the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a pancake breakfast for $5 at 9 AM @ Grand Gallery. Sunday is “Junior Day”—first 250 juniors receive a golf hat by Capnlogo, and special clinics and prizes.

Charities:

Several local charities will benefit including Patriot Golf Day and RacingAwareness.com to benefit the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

24-Person Golf Prize: A Personal ‘Ryder Cup’ at Treetops?

In a word association game, “twenty-four” may elicit the following responses: hours, seven, or even Bauer, as in Jack Bauer the hero of the hit Fox TV series, 24, starring Kiefer Sutherland, that ended an eight-year run in 2010.

But to golfers attending the 2012 West Michigan Golf Show, “24” means “prize” as in the grand prize for the 24th edition of the Show, held Feb. 10-12 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. This year, that prize is a 24-person (that’s six foursomes!) golf trip to Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Mich. In concert with media partner WZZM-TV 13, the Treetops trip is the largest prize ever given away in the history of the show.

“We wanted to do something extra special this year to let golfers know when they’re thinking about planning a guys’, gals’ or couples’ getaway or tournament for them to think of Treetops,” says Kevin McKinley, Director of Golf. “2012 is also a Ryder Cup year so some lucky winner could be inspired to form two 12-person teams and make a memorable and fun event out of it.”

Golf Show Manager Carolyn Alt is thrilled with the grand prize. “Our patrons tell us in our surveys they love coming to the show and having a chance at great prizes,” says Alt. “We’ve never heard of a similar prize at any other show around the country so this one really stands out.”

The details of the prize are as follows: 36 holes of golf with cart for 24 players with one overnight stay at Treetops based upon double occupancy or a maximum of 12 rooms. The two courses will be the Tradition and one of their choice among five courses, based upon availability. The overnight is limited to Sunday through Thursday.

To be eligible, golfers may sign up online at www.wzzm13.com or register at the Show.
Along with its grand prize giveaway, Treetops is a major sponsor for the West Michigan Golf Show. It continues to sponsor the Treetops Par-3 Challenge where a fully landscaped golf hole, complete with actual grass, sand and a water hazard, will invite golfers to compete for prizes and a chance to win $25,000 as a finalist on Sunday. This year’s charity recipient will be Patriot Golf Day, the initiative that provides college scholarships for the children and spouses of fallen or wounded military personnel. And this year, every Show attendee will receive a free midweek round of golf—a $64 value—by registering at the Treetops booth.

Produced by Showspan Inc., the West Michigan Golf Show will attract thousands of Michigan golfers to hundreds of exhibits and will feature free clinics and lessons, putting contests, junior golf instruction, swing analyzers and an unmatched shopping opportunity with countless “golf show specials.” Sponsors include Treetops Resort, Fidelity Investments, Golf Association of Michigan, Boyne Resorts, Michigan PGA, Swan Lake Resort and Srixon. Show hours are 4:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. First 100 attendees each day will receive a two-pack of Srixons. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at www.westmichigangolfshow.com

West Michigan Golf Show At-A-Glance

What:

24th Annual West Michigan Golf Show with hundreds of exhibits from courses and resorts to clubs and merchandise. Also, fabulous door prizes, free golf lessons, clinics, and the Treetops Par-3 Challenge (a real grass golf hole indoors!) where one lucky golfer might win $25,000!

When:

Friday, Feb. 10, 4 pm-9 pm
Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 am-7 pm
Sunday, Feb. 12, 10 am-5 pm

Where:

DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, downtown Grand Rapids

Tickets:

$9 for adults; $4 for children ages 6-14; children 5 & under free.
Tickets at the door and online at www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com

Bonus: All Golf Show attendees can receive a free round of golf at Treetops just by registering at its booth. A $64 value!

Parking:

Best place to park is under DeVos Place. Enter off Michigan St NW or Lyon Ave. NW. The Rapid line 11 bus stops in front of DeVos Place

Seminars:

Representing Tour Tempo®, the fast-emerging teaching and golf technology company, will be John Novosel, Jr. Teacher, coach and international presenter, Novosel will explain how to develop a consistent, Tour-like tempo or pace of the swing. Also on the Fidelity Seminar Stage will be celebrated putting guru and PGA teaching professional Mike Shannon, ranked recently by Golf Digest as #40 in its listing of “America’s 50 Best Teachers.” Part of the highly touted Sea Island Golf Learning Center in Ga., Shannon counts PGA Tour star Matt Kuchar as one of his many students. Other PGA teaching pros on stage will be Boyne’s Brian O’Neill, Blythefield’s Patti Butcher, Swan Lake Resort’s Brian Natzel, and Treetops’ Kevin McKinley.

Specials:

With a free overnight Spa package at Swan Lake Resort to the first 500 women, Friday night is Ladies Night with the 7th annual Executive Women’s Golf Association Fashion Show. And all weekend: a $10,000 Putting Challenge--one putter might sink a 50-foot putt for ten grand. Free golf lessons c/o of Boyne Resorts & Michigan Section PGA. And courtesy of Treetops and WZZM-TV, a grand prize drawing of a 24-person golf trip to Treetops Resort.

Sponsors:

Treetops Resort, Fidelity Investments, Srixon, Golf Association of Michigan, Boyne Resorts, Michigan PGA and Swan Lake Resort

Other:

The first 100 people entering the Show each day and anyone purchasing tickets online will receive a free 2-pack of Srixon golf balls. On Friday get half-price off admission by donating a dozen (new or used) golf balls to the First Tee of West Michigan. Saturday: To benefit RacingAwareness.com and the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a pancake breakfast for $5 at 9 AM @ Grand Gallery. Sunday is “Junior Day”—first 250 juniors receive a golf hat by Capnlogo, and special clinics and prizes.

Charities:

Several local charities will benefit including Patriot Golf Day and RacingAwareness.com to benefit the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

Info:

Produced by ShowSpan Inc., call 800-328-6550 or visit www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com

GRAND RAPIDS EXPERIENCES BANNER YEAR IN 2011

Grand Rapids/Kent County experienced a banner year in 2011 with continued growth in hotel performance, occupancy, and room revenue and record attendance at area attractions.


Nashville, Tenn.-based Smith Travel Research, a leading provider of hotel performance data, reports that Kent County hotels earned $114.4 million in room revenue in 2011. Kent County hotels increased occupancy by nearly 7 percent and revenue per available hotel room by nearly 11 percent. Occupancy outpaced national and state growth in all of these categories.

"In an industry that has experienced its share of challenges throughout the past three years Kent County has maintained its momentum in the tourism market both nationally and statewide," said Doug Small, president of Experience Grand Rapids. "For the second consecutive year, Kent County reported double digit growth in hotel revenue and outpaced national and state growth averages in occupancy."


Small also noted that the cities of Grand Rapids and Detroit are leading the State of Michigan's hotel revenue growth. Small added: "This is also the third year in a row that our staff has booked more than 125,000 future convention, sports and group tour room nights throughout Kent County. The cooperative spirit from our hotel partners, other industry partners and a refreshed brand image played a major role in these positive, encouraging outcomes."

Blockbuster Events and Exhibits Attracted Record Crowds


New and returning high-profile events such as LaughFest and ArtPrize contributed to a surge in attendance at area attractions and economic activity in 2011. The inaugural LaughFest comedy festival attracted more than 55,000 people to 228 ticketed and free events, including big name touring artists Betty White and Bill Cosby. Nearly 36,000 tickets were sold during the 10-day festival, which launched with a rubber chicken toss that set a Guinness World Record.

The third annual ArtPrize competition experienced another year of great success. A new economic impact study conducted by Anderson Economic Group revealed the event added $15.4 million to the local economy, attracted more than 320,000 visitors and created more than 200 new jobs during its 19 days.


An impressive collection of world-class exhibits resulted in record crowds at downtown museums. Diana: A celebration at the Grand Rapids Art Museum welcomed nearly 100,000 visitors. The Bodies Revealed exhibition at the Grand Rapids Public Museum drew more than 171,000 people, making it the second-best attended exhibition in the museum's history.

Overall attendance at these and other local cultural institutions multiplied in 2011 as well. UICA's new facility experienced the most growth from 2010 to 2011, with an increase of nearly 60 percent. GRAM saw a 27 percent rise in visitors throughout the year, and attendance at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum grew by more than 21 percent during the same time period.


"2011 was another phenomenal year for tourism in West Michigan," said Ed Wilson, Experience Grand Rapids board chair. "In the last year, Grand Rapids has moved forward with a stronger entrepreneurial spirit than we've ever known before. We have certainly raised the bar with the addition of LaughFest to our city's entertainment scene, yet another amazing year of ArtPrize and record turnouts at area museums and attractions."

Award Winning Work Showcases Grand Rapids as Premiere Destination


The creative efforts of the Experience Grand Rapids marketing team led to award-winning work in 2011. The redesign of the Experience Grand Rapids website earned an outstanding achievement award from the Web Marketing Association, a prestigious Davey Award from the International Academy of the Visual Arts, and high honors from the Michigan Society of Association Executive, including best in show.

"We are thrilled with the recognition we have received last year for our new website. Acknowledgment from such prestigious organizations speaks volumes about our creative marketing efforts to brand Grand Rapids as an experience for our visitors," said Small.

HUMAN NATURE ANNOUNCE INAUGURAL U.S. TOUR WITH THE MOTOWN SHOW PRESENTED BY SMOKEY ROBINSON

HUMAN NATURE, Australia’s #1 pop vocal group with millions of albums sold worldwide, is storming America with their first-ever U.S. National tour, a new album release, The Motown Record, a spectacular PBS TV Special and a new DVD. But West Michigan residents can get a first-hand look at the theatrical sensation when they stop by DeVos Performance Hall on Thursday, April 5 at 7:30pm.

The chart-topping quartet and their seven-piece band, The Funk Foundation, is embarking on a U.S. tour this spring. “Human Nature: The Motown Show presented by Smokey Robinson” kicks off March 24 in Detroit and will travel to 33 U.S. cities. This outstanding evening of hit-driven entertainment features Motown's greatest music, inspiring audiences young and old to be “dancing in the streets” and the aisles.

Tickets go on sale January 27 at 10am and are priced at $32 and $59. They can be purchased at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 800-745-3000. For complete tour schedule and ticket information, visit www.humannaturelive.com.

This cross-country tour follows the incredible success of the TV special, “Human Nature Sings Motown with Special Guest Smokey Robinson,” which premiered in December 2011 on PBS stations nationwide.

The new Human Nature album, The Motown Record, (set for release March 6, UMe) is a classic yet modern take on the Motown hits that influenced generations, featuring songs originally made famous by artists like the Four Tops, the Supremes, the Temptations and Stevie Wonder. Human Nature brings their fresh soulful vocal style to classics like “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “My Girl,” “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” and “Stop! In The Name Of Love.” Paying tribute to the Motown sound, Human Nature’s distinctive and authentic performances of these ever-popular favorites represent everything audiences love about the songs, delivered by four supremely talented young men who sing and dance their way through the Motown hit list.

Hailing from Sydney, Human Nature features brothers Andrew and Mike Tierney and fellow high-school classmates Phil Burton and Toby Allen. While still in school, they were captivated by the harmonies of soul, gospel and R&B. Since forming Human Nature, these four friends have forged one of the most successful careers in Australian music history, releasing nine albums, five of which went to No. 1. They have toured internationally, and opened for Celine Dion and Michael Jackson in Europe and Australia.

Human Nature opened the Summer Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000 and their 2005 Motown tribute, “Reach Out,” went platinum five times over, attracting the attention of Smokey Robinson. The legendary singer recorded “Get Ready” with Human Nature at Las Vegas’ Imperial Palace, where they consistently have played to sold-out crowds for more than two years.

Legendary Alternative Rock Band Jane’s Addiction Announces Theatre of Escapists Tour

American alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction has announced the dates for their upcoming Theatre of Escapists Tour. The tour, beginning in February, will be making a stop at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall on Wednesday, March 21.

Tickets go on sale Friday, January 20 at 10am and can be purchased at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets or charge: 800-745-3000. Ticket prices are as low as $29.50.

Jane’s Addiction helped pioneer alternative rock and culture through genre-defying classic songs and a cinematic live experience. Helping inspire peers like Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Smacking Pumpkins, Pearl Jam and Tool among others, the LA quartet merged alternative and rock like never before.

Perry Farrell stands out as one of music’s most forward-thinking and enigmatic frontmen, and his vocals soar with vibrancy, vulnerability and vitality. Guitar god Dave Navarro conjures simultaneously psychedelic and epic riffs. Stephen Perkins’ tribal stomp remains hypnotic and transfixing. In 2010, Jane’s Addiction began writing songs for the new album. By 2011, recording began on what would become The Great Escape Artist, an October 2011 release on Capitol, to be supported with a worldwide tour in 2012.

The band and producer Rich Costey (Muse, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol) added TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek to the creative team. Sitek, best known for his production work on TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Foals, is writing and playing bass on the new album.

The group’s first single “Irresistible Force” is a cosmic love story. According to Rolling Stone, the song “comes on like an art-metal freak show set on some distant planet.” Spin Magazine went further on to say “frontman Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro both put in stunning performances; It sounds like a band revitalized."

Golf Show Headliner’s Putting Tips for 2012

OK, as we were saying last time: Although winter has set in, die-hard golfers never stop thinking about their games. In fact, the off-season is often the ideal time for many to set new goals and to even start some practice drills ahead of the 2012 golf season. That’s why the headliners for the 24th West Michigan Golf Show are offering some helpful tips now ahead of their appearance on Feb. 10-12 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. Today’s tips are courtesy of headliner Mike Shannon, renowned putting guru and PGA teaching pro at the Sea Island Golf Learning Center, recently ranked by Golf Digest as #40 in its listing of “America’s 50 Best Teachers.”

With PGA Tour star Matt Kuchar as one of his many students, Shannon offers four key putting fundamentals to start the new season:

# 1: Take your address

For a proper setup which leads to perfect aim, start this way: holding your putter, stand up straight and extend your arms. Then, draw your elbows in snug to your rib cage; this keeps your arms and torso "connected" and promotes a consistent, one-piece, pendulum-type motion. Then, tilt your upper body forward until the putter head rests behind the ball. And put a little flex in your knees. You don't want to putt with stiff legs.

# 2: Find your ball position

How close you stand to the ball is key — it frees you to make a relaxed, pendulum-like stroke. Stand too close and the putter will work out-to-in, which will result in a pulled putt. Stand too far away and you'll push putts to the right. How far away should you stand? On average, Tour pros have 2.5 putter head lengths from their toe line to the near side of the ball. Use trial-and-error to find your ideal distance.

Next, you have to find where to play the ball in your stance — center, forward or back. It's different for everyone. To find out, ask a buddy for help. After finding a straight putt, take your address and aim, with your friend standing a few paces behind the ball. Have him or her tell you if your putter head is aimed right, left or dead straight. If you're aimed left, you're playing the ball too far forward and need to move it back a bit. Aimed right? Move the ball forward until your friend tells you that your putter head is dead square.

# 3: Aim your putter

You may be aiming wrong on the greens and not even know it. Correct aim is the foundation of good putting. In my research, I’ve found aim is influenced by your vision and your dominant eye. Depending on ball position, when many players look down at address they see a perceived line that's actually right or left of the true line. This misperception costs them strokes. I've found that every player has a unique front-to-back ball position.

# 4: Make the stroke

With all the hard work done, don't think too much. You're aimed perfectly. Simply make a smooth, unhurried stroke. You now have the technique of a Tour pro. Soon, you'll have the confidence of one, too.

****

Based at Sea Island Resort in Georgia, Shannon will be traveling to Grand Rapids and provide free clinics on the Fidelity Seminar Stage at the Golf Show. He’ll be joined by John Novosel Jr. of Tour Tempo, the innovative teaching and technology company that stresses the scientifically proven importance of a consistent swing tempo.

Held continuously since 1989, the West Michigan Golf Show will attract thousands of Michigan golfers to hundreds of exhibits and will feature clinics, putting contests, junior golf instruction, swing analyzers and a “one stop” golf shopping opportunity with countless “golf show specials.” Sponsors include Treetops Resort, Fidelity Investments, Golf Association of Michigan, Boyne Resorts, Michigan PGA, Swan Lake Resort and Srixon. Several charities will benefit from their involvement with the show including Patriot Golf Day.

Produced by ShowSpan Inc., the West Michigan Golf Show’s hours are 4:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at www.westmichigangolfshow.com

Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show

It may be the shortest month, but February starts big when Michigan’s largest RV show rolls into DeVos Place. With a dozen dealers showing off over 100 RV lines, the Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show is the place to see everything from ultra-light RVs to luxurious motor homes. And, there’s nowhere better to shop all the latest camping equipment and RV accessories, or to explore hundreds of the best campgrounds and travel destinations – all under one roof!



“We’ve got more dealers, RVs, equipment and destinations than ever before,” says Show Producer Mike Wilbraham. “Much as we hate to do it, we’ve actually had to turn some exhibitors away this year because space is sold out.”



Wilbraham also says that for the first time, the show will include a full-service Secretary of State branch office. “If you buy an RV at the show, you can get it registered right there,” he says. “If you want to buy a Michigan Recreation Passport that will get you into state parks and recreation areas, you can get it here. Anything the Secretary of State offers will be available at the show.”



Plus, the show features free expert seminars on Full-Time and Extended RVing with Howard and Linda Payne, virtual RV tours of the US and Canada by award-winning cinematographer John Holod, and a fantastic vintage RV display by local collector Ken Faber.



Discount weekday adult admission coupons are available online at GrandRapidsRVShow.com and at participating Wendy's Restaurants. Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-14, and free for children ages 5 and under.


Dates & Times

-Thursday, February 2: 3 pm - 9:30pm

-Friday, February 3: Noon - 9:30pm

-Saturday, February 4: 10 am - 9:00pm

-Sunday, February 5: 11 am - 6pm

Simple as 1-2-3: Golf Show Headliner’s Tempo Tips for 2012

Although winter has set in, die hard golfers never stop thinking about their games. In fact, the off-season is often the ideal time for many to set new goals and even start some practice drills ahead of the upcoming golf season. That’s why the headliners for the 24th West Michigan Golf Show are offering some helpful tips ahead of their appearance on February 10-12 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. Today’s tips are courtesy of headliner John Novosel Jr., a past presenter for the PGA of Sweden, the PGA of Holland, and the World Golf Fitness Summit.
Representing Tour Tempo, the innovative teaching and technology company that stresses the scientifically proven importance of a consistent swing tempo, Novosel offers three basic tempo tips:


Tip #1: Use the 3:1 ratio on full swings

“In their full swing, Tour-level professionals’ tempos have three parts backswing to one part downswing,” says Novosel. “In other words, if the backswing takes .75 seconds, then the downswing should take .25 seconds. This is the 3:1 time ratio of backswing to downswing.” According to Novosel, most amateurs’ tempos are in the 4:1 category or worse.

Novosel adds: “An ideal way to check your tempo is by taking video of your swing. When viewed later in the editing mode, the video will show how many ‘frames’ it takes you on the backswing and then how many on the follow through. This comparison is your ratio.”



Tip #2: Use the 2:1 ratio for short game shots


“In our research,” says Novosel, “we discovered that short game shots use a 2:1 ratio of backswing to downswing. This includes half wedges, bunker shots, chip shots, and putting. So when golfers are not making full swings, they shouldn’t try to create too much speed by using a 3:1 ratio. These shots are about precision and the 2:1 ratio gives you that precision.”


Tip #3: Practice your tempo


Novosel says most golfers don’t practice tempo and when they do, they don’t work on the correct things. “Set aside time to work on just tempo,” says Novosel. “An easy way to do it correctly is to use (yes, a shameless plug) Tour Tempo. Tour Tempo’s three audio tones tell you when to start your swing, when to change directions at the top and, when you should be at impact. It’s simple and it works.” Novosel adds: “The bonus here is that once you learn the tones, you have a hard time forgetting them.”


Based outside Kansas City, KS, Novosel will traveling to Grand Rapids and provide free clinics on the Fidelity Seminar Stage at the Golf Show. He’ll be joined by Sea Island’s (GA.) Mike Shannon, a renowned putting guru and PGA teaching professional recently ranked by Golf Digest as #40 in its listing of “America’s 50 Best Teachers.”


Held continuously since 1989, the West Michigan Golf Show will attract thousands of Michigan golfers to hundreds of exhibits and will feature clinics, putting contests, junior golf instruction, swing analyzers and a “one stop” golf shopping opportunity with countless “golf show specials.” Sponsors include Treetops Resort, Fidelity Investments, Golf Association of Michigan, Boyne Resorts, Michigan PGA, Swan Lake Resort and Srixon. Several charities will benefit from their involvement with the show including Patriot Golf Day.


Produced by ShowSpan Inc., the West Michigan Golf Show’s hours are 4:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at www.westmichigangolfshow.com