ArtPrize 7: DeVos Place houses four Top 20 finalists

DeVos Place ® is home to four finalists in ArtPrize 7, the international art competition that began on September 23 and ends October 11. Of the Top 20 public vote finalists, four installments are located in and outside of the Grand Gallery and cover a variety of platforms.


Here are the four finalists that you can find at DeVos Place:

Kurt Swanson, “The Race”
Kurt Swanson’s piece is a three-dimensional installment located inside of convention center. The piece includes three bicycles made entirely of wood with a portrait of the artist riding his bike into the “future.”

According to the artist, a variety of woods were used in creating the piece, including oak, mahogany, maple, bamboo, and aspen. This artwork is located on the skywalk level of the Grand Gallery.

Kurt has worked as a craftsman for over 25 years and owns Always August Designs, a wooden furniture company based in Grand Rapids.



Randall Libby, “Michigan Petoskey Stone”

Boasting the title of “World’s Largest Petoskey Stone Display,” this piece by Randall Libby represents the beautiful state of Michigan with Petoskey stones and fossil. The two-dimensional piece can be seen in front of the entrance to the Grand Gallery.

The piece portrays all 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Randall Libby creates unique Petoskey Stone and Fossil artwork through The Petoskey Art Studio.

Shawn Michael Warren, “In a Promised Land…”

Shawn Michael Warren’s “In a Promised Land…” recreates the chaos after the Tulsa race riot of 1921 that left affluent black communities in ruins. Shawn Michael Warren strives to create awareness of the often omitted event and bring attention to historically one of the most devastating moments of racial violence.

You can find this artwork on the skywalk level of the Grand Gallery.



Breakthrough Team, “BREAKTHROUGH”

This piece, located outside of the Grand Gallery main entrance, is creating awareness and fighting stigma surrounding mental health wellness and empowerment. The artwork is comprised of broken pieces of ceramic and formed into the shape of a phoenix rising amidst fire.

The community is welcome to join in on the creation of art by attending the “breaking studio” in which they are able to break ceramics in a symbolic gesture of acceptance and leaving behind judgments or shame.



The final day to vote is October 8 and the winner will be revealed at the ArtPrize Awards October 9. Check out these finalists at DeVos Place through October 11.

Five Reasons to be excited for Grand Rapids Comic-Con 2015

With the second annual Grand Rapids Comic-Con being held at DeVos Place in October, spectators can expect a fun-filled experience during the three day event. With costume contests, celebrities and vendors galore, attendees can expect to be entertained October 16th – 18th. Here are five reasons to be excited for Grand Rapids Comic-Con:

#1: Hall of Heroes Comic Book Historical Display

Comic book fans will rejoice at Comic-Con this year! Courtesy of the Hall of Heroes Museum located in Elkhart, Indiana, the Hall of Heroes Comic Book Historical Display will be in Grand Rapids! The Display has a variety of comic books and memorabilia for all the comic book lovers out there. Hall of Heroes is the only superhero and comic book museum in the entire world, and with items from DC and Marvel, this exhibit isn’t one you want to miss!

#2: A list full of Comic-Con V.I.P.s!

Whether you like comic book art, film, TV or Cosplay, you’ll be entertained with special guests from all realms. With an exclusive list, such as comic book artists from both DC Comics and Marvel, you’ll get to experience an up-close look into what it takes to make it in the industry. There will also be Hollywood guests from shows such as Star Trek: The Next Generation, Stargate SG-1, and many more! Be sure to check the full list here.

#3: Represent your Fandom here!

Are you a Jedi? A Trekker? A Whovian? Whatever fandom you belong to, Comic-Con will boast tons of memorabilia from Star Wars, Star Trek, DC/Marvel, Transformers, Doctor Who, Homestruck and so much more! From a life size replica of the Hulkbuster from The Avengers 2: Age of Ultron to a fully functioning Dalek from Doctor Who, be sure to represent your fandom and interact with your favorite groups at Grand Rapids Comic-Con!

#4: And the best costume award goes to… YOU!

Do you have what it takes to make the best costume? With a Best Costume contest in four different categories, you have a chance to get creative, show off your best garb, and win prize packs for each category! So stitch together your favorite character’s look and dress to impress. Show off you craftsmanship with the next best costume!

#5: Family Fun at DeVos Place!

Invite the little ones! Comic-Con can be a family affair! There will be family friendly exhibits, events and speakers that everyone can enjoy. Dress your family as your favorite superhero (or villain) troupe or sit in on a panel discussion about your favorite TV show or video game. For children, there will be a costume contest, face painting, and other activities. Parents are advised to stay with their children to monitor appropriately.

To get your tickets, please visit here! Haven’t been to a Comic-Con in the past and not sure what to expect? Check out Grand Rapids Comic-Con’s handbook for first time Comic-Con attendees. See you there!

Inspirational Chorus coming to Grand Rapids

Young@Heart is a twist-n’-shout group of energetic and talented singers who will be gracing the DeVos Performance Hall stage on August 11th. With a long history of entertaining audiences of all ages, Young@Heart has brought their unique sound and inspiring story to a variety of venues for the past few decades.


The chorus covers a variety of genres in their music, with performances including classic rock to modern day pop hits. Young@Heart have also toured around the world and even gave a touching performance for prison inmates. This versatile group of compelling performers has always put on a show and brings fun for music lovers of all ages.


Organized in 1982, the original members of the chorus came from an elderly housing project in Northampton, Massachusetts. From there, years of stellar productions and an award-winning documentary titled Young@Heart won the hearts of millions across the globe. With members aged between 72-93, these entertainers show the world that they’ve “still got it.”


The documentary, which was released in 2007, followed the 22 members of the chorus as they prepared for a concert in their hometown. Since the release of the film, the chorus has been featured on a variety of television shows such as The Daily Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and many more!


Don’t miss out! Buy your tickets to the Young@Heart Chorus presented by Porter Hills, live at DeVos Performance Hall here.

DeVos Place & Grand Rapids: 10 Years Strong-Part 4

DeVos Place celebrates 10th Anniversary with Celebration

Open House, Saturday, June 13th from 10AM - 5PM. 

#FBF: 10 Years of Fun

DeVos Place® wasn't always the grand convention center in the heart of Grand Rapids that it is now. The ground upon which it was built was once treaded on by Native Americans, ironmongers, factory workers, retailers and shoppers. With such an important part in Grand Rapids history, the land and area that DeVos Place is built upon has a vibrant history all its own.

Something New

In June 1997, Grand Action, a nonprofit organization that identifies downtown revitalization projects and building, presented information regarding a convention center expansion on the Grand Center. With Grand Rapids growing into a cultural hot spot, conventions would bring business and people to the city. Through a variety of fundraising efforts, the Convention Center Ceremonial Groundbreaking took place in August 2000. The Convention Center would be named DeVos Place. In 2003, the Grand Gallery and Meijer Exhibition Hall were opened with the final addition to the building being completed in 2005 with the opening of the DeVos Place Steelcase Ballroom.

DeVos Place brings Tourism to Grand Rapids

In the ten years that DeVos Place has brought conventions, events and culture to the city, it has been the center to a variety of fun and interesting shows. From bringing a Ferris wheel into the Exhibition Hall for the Grand Opening, to thousands of rabbits for American Rabbit Breeders Association and beyond. It has also been the pinnacle of its community with thousands of people attending events and millions being spent on the city, bringing forth a true economic impact.

Celebrating 10 Years in Style

DeVos Place is celebrating with an Open House on Saturday, June 13^th from 10AM-5PM! There will be free parking, free hot dog and Pepsi® for the first 10,000 people, Ferris wheel and much more! Community organizations such as the Kent District Library, Grand Rapids Police Department, the Harbor Humane Society, and many more will be present with a variety of activities for all ages. There will also be two entertainment stages with performances such as Jump with Jill, The Diemakers, Pacific Island Dancers, Bangarang Circus and much more! For a full list of performances,  and more information about the DeVos Place 10^th Anniversary Open House, please visit our Facebook or website!

DeVos Place & Grand Rapids: 10 Years Strong-Part 3

Before DeVos Place was built, the land was home to the Kent

 County Courthouse, Hall of Justice and the Grand Rapid Police Department.

#TBT: A "Grand A-Fair"

DeVos Place® wasn’t always the grand convention center in the heart of Grand Rapids that it is now. The ground upon which it was built was once treaded on by Native Americans, ironmongers, factory workers, retailers and shoppers. With such an important part in Grand Rapids history, the land and area that DeVos Place is built upon has a vibrant history all its own.

A Home for the Performing Arts

When the Great Depression hit Grand Rapids, it hit hard. With a decline in industry, jobs and residents, Grand Rapids was in need of relief, and that is what then City Manager, George Welsh, set out to bring to the city. The Civic Auditorium was constructed in 1932 as a relief project for the city and the people. It created jobs, cultural influence and more importantly, a home for the performing arts. The Civic Auditorium housed dances, films, theater and the Grand Rapids Symphony. It would later be renamed the George Welsh Civic Auditorium (name shortened to Welsh Auditorium over time) in 1974, in memory of George Welsh. In 2003, it would be demolished to make way for the ballroom in the newly expanded DeVos Place convention center, keeping its exterior face intact.

A Home for Justice

In 1962, the land beside the Welsh Auditorium was cleared for a new kind of facility. No longer in the land of factories and retail buildings, the cleared ground would be the home for the Hall of Justice, Kent County Courthouse, and the Grand Rapids Police Department. These structures were ultimately demolished in 2002 after the facilities were relocated.

A Grand Reprise

After much planning and fundraising, the convention center was built alongside the Welsh Auditorium, and was named the Grand Center. With fundraising efforts led by the DeVos and Blodgett families and the Grand Rapids community, the convention center was completed in the fall of 1980. The first annual “Celebration on the Grand” welcomed the opening of the Grand Center with a week full of events. An expansion of the facility would come years later.

Celebrating 10 Years

Celebrate Grand Rapids’ history and DeVos Place at the DeVos Place 10th Anniversary Open House on Saturday, June 13th from 10AM-5PM! It’s free and open to the public. Join us for fun, family-friendly activities, entertainment, prizes, food, and more!

This is the third of a four part series celebrating the 10th Anniversary of DeVos Place. The series will focus on the history of Grand Rapids and DeVos Place, as well as its impact on the community. Check back next Thursday for Part 4.

DeVos Place & Grand Rapids: 10 Years Strong-Part 2

Monroe St. was once the home to banks, 

retail stores and factory buildings. 

#TBT: Factories along the Grand River

DeVos Place® wasn't always the grand convention center in the heart of Grand Rapids that it is now. The ground upon which it was built was once treaded on by Native Americans, ironmongers, factory workers, retailers and shoppers. With such an important part in Grand Rapids history, the land and area that DeVos Place is built upon has a vibrant history all its own.

Furniture City, U.S.A.

At the turn of the century, a variety of industries existed in the river city. If you were to stand in DeVos Place today, you could be standing in what used to be the Bissell Inc. factory. The land was full of diverse factories and businesses. From the ever-growing lumber industry to powerhouse carpet cleaning company Bissell, another market emerged in Grand Rapids, one that would continue to make strides even today… furniture. After a rough period post World Wars I and II, the furniture industry blossomed and Grand Rapids was the center of it all. Factories once surrounded the land that would eventually become the home for DeVos Place. Through Grand Rapids’ rich history in a variety of industries, the river city became the pinnacle for economic and social growth.

Along the Grand

The Grand River would prove to be a useful natural feature of Grand Rapids for a variety of reasons. Louis Campau settled his village alongside the Grand River due to the versatile waterway and promising transportation of the river. With a beautiful view from the DeVos Place convention center, it’s no wonder that the area was home to so many previous businesses and factories. When visiting DeVos Place, you can step outside and overlook the river and admire the beauty of Grand Rapids!

A Change in the Currents

What was once the grounds for factories and production eventually yielded to a more cultural focus. Through a variety of theaters, retail shops, and office buildings, the location next to the Grand River over the years has become a prime location that has been influential to the city of Grand Rapids. 

Celebrating 10 Years

Celebrate Grand Rapids’ history and DeVos Place at the DeVos Place 10th Anniversary Open House on Saturday, June 13th from 10AM-5PM! It’s free and open to the public. Join us for fun, family-friendly activities, entertainment, prizes, food, and more!

This is the second of a four part series celebrating the 10th Anniversary of DeVos Place. The series will focus on the history of Grand Rapids and DeVos Place, as well as its impact on the community. Check back next Thursday for Part 3.

10 Reasons to be Excited for the DeVos Place 10th Anniversary Celebration Open House

DeVos Place® is celebrating 10 years since the opening of the convention center. The Open House has a lot of fun activities for you and your family. Here are 10 reasons why you should get ready for Saturday, June 13th from 10 AM - 5PM. 

#1: Fun Family Activities! 
DeVos Place’s Celebration Open House is full of family friendly activities for all ages! There will be entertainment for all with rides, activities and games from local vendors and much more!

#2: Your favorite community organizations!
Your favorite community organizations are joining us at DeVos Place to celebrate 10 great years! Some of these organizations include local favorites The Rapid, Grand Rapids Police and Fire Department, Circle Theatre, Paws with a Cause, the Kent District Library and many more! Come out and see the awesome organizations that are ready to provide a day full of fun for you and the family!

#3: Mascots, mascots, mascots!
What would a celebration be without mascots? We have a variety of your favorites stopping by the Open House, including West Michigan Whitecaps’ “Crash the River Rascal;” the Grand Rapids Griffin’s “Griff;” and Michigan State University’s “Sparty.” There will also be other characters roaming through the Open House, including Jungle Book characters from Circle Theatre, and many more. Don’t forget to take a picture with New Salem Corn Maze’s Patty the Prize Cow! Come and take a snapshot with your favorite characters at the Open House!

#4: We ♥ Animals! 
Come spend your Saturday by petting cute animals from the Critter Barn’s traveling farm. You will also get to meet our fellow K9 friends from the Grand Rapids Police Department and learn how helpful dogs are with Paws with a Cause! Pet Tales Rescue will also be there, with adoptable dogs available to check out all day! 

#5: Fun for all! 
Whether you’re here with the family or by yourself, there is an endless amount of fun at the DeVos Place 10th Anniversary Open House! Be sure to check out all of the local community organization booths and vendors. If you want some musical entertainment, check out critically-acclaimed Jump with Jill, entertainment for children that teaches them the importance of eating healthy! The Grand Rapids Children Museum will be hosting an obstacle course and providing a Lego table and the Kent District Library is bringing oversized games, keeping children and adults alike entertained!

#6: Free food!
If you’re a fan of a cold Pepsi® and a hot dog, be one of the first 10,000 people to show up to the Open House and you’ll receive them for free!

#7: A fun filled entertainment stage!
For this special 10th Anniversary, DeVos Place has an awesome line-up of talented performers to keep you busy on our entertainment stage. Performances include Alysha Sha from the DDA Buskers, Freehand Band, The Diemakers, and many more! Be sure to check out the stage with fun entertainment for all ages!* *Entertainers are subject to change.

#8: Be a Part of Grand Rapids History! 
DeVos Place and Performance Hall play a large part in Grand Rapids history. From being right in the heart of Grand Rapids and being right in the epicenter of arts and culture, DeVos Place has a vibrant history of its own. Be a part of that history and celebrate 10 years of a great partnership: Grand Rapids and DeVos Place!

#9: Prizes!
Do you like getting free stuff? So do we! A variety of organizations are giving away prizes such as tickets to local events, venues and much more! Be present at the Open House to enter and you may have a chance to win something cool!

#10: Celebrate!
DeVos Place finalized the convention center and opened its doors to the Grand Rapids community 10 years ago and it’s time to celebrate that! Come join us on Saturday, June 13th from 10 AM - 5PM! See you there!

DeVos Place & Grand Rapids: 10 Years Strong-Part 1

The grounds on which DeVos Place and DeVos Performance Hall are currently

located was the home of an assortment of Grand Rapids factories. 

#TBT: the 1800’s

DeVos Place® wasn’t always the grand convention center in the heart of Grand Rapids like it is now. The ground upon which it was built was once treaded on by Native Americans, ironmongers, factory workers, retailers, and shoppers. The land and area in which DeVos Place currently stands had a crucial role in the beginnings of the city of Grand Rapids and has a vibrant history all its own.

Grand Rapids roots

When French fur trader Louis Campau, nicknamed “the Fox” by the natives living in the area, bought his land on what is now the grounds for DeVos Place, he would become the “father of Grand Rapids.” The Campau trading post would be the pinnacle for city development. Campau laid out his village streets in the spoke style, an imitation of the ones used in France. The boundaries of his village were along the Grand River, Fulton Street, Division Avenue, and what is now Michigan Street, the heart of city today. Campau named his main street after President James Monroe, who had died in 1831.

The Fox vs. the Lyon

When Lucius Lyon, a land surveyor from New York, saw the value of the land next to the Grand River, he bought a large chunk of land just north of Campau’s. Lyon set his land with streets in the standard grid format, using compass directions instead of the radial setting that Campau used. The two settlers feuded over the name of the city, Campau insisting on keeping the name “Grand Rapids” versus Lyon, who wanted to rename the city “Kent.” With settlers attracted to the land, Lyon wanted to reconcile with Campau and connect their two settlements through Pearl Street.

Grand Rapids Business District

Canal Street through Pearl created an intricate intersection, with Monroe and Canal not meeting perfectly due to a variety of buildings that stood in the way. Ultimately, the buildings either burned down or were demolished, creating a public square that would be known as Campau Square, and today is known as Rosa Parks Circle.

Celebrating 10 Years

Celebrate Grand Rapids history and DeVos Place at the DeVos Place 10th Anniversary Open House on Saturday, June 13th from 10AM-5PM! It’s free and open to the public. Join us for fun, family-friendly activities, entertainment, prizes, food, and more!

This is the first of a four part series celebrating the 10th Anniversary of DeVos Place. The series will focus on the history of Grand Rapids and DeVos Place, as well its impact on the community. Check back next Thursday for Part 2.