The Artist's Way Project
Welcome to The Artist's Way Project, a 12-week city-wide public art project presented by Cultivate in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This program draws inspiration from Julia Cameron's seminal book to merge personal creativity with public engagement through art.
Join us as we transform city spaces and personal perspectives with art workshops, guerrilla art initiatives, and immersive community events. Whether you're an artist, a community member, or just curious about the transformative power of art, there’s a place for you to explore, create, and connect. Dive into a world where art is accessible to everyone and creativity flourishes in every corner of our community.
Elements of this Project
Creative Workshops
12 workshops over 12 weeks, where each session resonates with a distinct chapter from Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way," fostering a deep, chapter-by-chapter engagement with the text's transformative principles.
Each workshop is meticulously crafted to inspire creativity, encouraging artists to push beyond conventional boundaries and explore new artistic territories. This layered, immersive experience not only aligns with the forward-thinking ethos of contemporary art but also serves as a catalyst for personal and collective artistic evolution, epitomizing the dynamic intersection of creativity and growth.
Public Art
The guerrilla art initiatives within The Artist's Way Project draw direct inspiration from "The Artist's Way," aiming to ignite creativity and challenge conventional perceptions of art. These interventions, spontaneous and unexpected, pop up in various urban locales, inviting the public and artists alike to engage with art in everyday settings.
These projects not only democratize art access but also stimulate public discourse on creativity's role in society, encouraging viewers to reconsider the boundaries of artistic expression and the spaces art can inhabit.
Speaker Series
The Speaker Series and Performances component of The Artist's Way Project enriches the program's curriculum by introducing participants to a diverse array of voices and perspectives within the realms of art, culture, and mental health. This series is carefully curated to complement the exploratory nature of the workshops, providing a dynamic platform for dialogue, inspiration, and community connection.
Featuring accomplished artists, innovative creators, and thought leaders, the series offers insights into the multifaceted relationship between creativity and well-being, showcasing how contemporary artistic practices can intersect with and influence mental health and societal engagement. These events not only serve as a source of inspiration for participants but also act as a bridge, connecting the theoretical underpinnings of "The Artist's Way" with practical, real-world applications and experiences.
Schedule of Events
Project Dates - June 10 - September 6, 2024
Art Workshops and Events
Every Monday night
6-8pm
Canal Park, 941 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan
June 10-14
Week 1: Recovering a sense of safety
Kristine Vander Velde
Monday, June 10, 6-8pm at Canal Park
Friday, June 14, 10am-12pm at the Fulton Street Farmer's Market
1145 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
June 17-21
Week 2: Recovering a sense of identity
Deos Ballet Company
Monday, June 17, 6-8pm at Canal Park
Wednesday, June 19, 6-7pm at Highlands
2715 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
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June 24-28
Week 3: Recovering a sense of power
Gracie Thomas
Monday, June 24, 6-8pm at Canal Park
Friday, June 28, 5-6pm at a location TBD
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July 1-5
Week 4: Recovering a sense of integrity
Kelsey Lee
Monday, July 1, 6-8pm at Canal Park
Tuesday, July 2, 6-8pm at Gillette Bridge - pedestrian bridge between
Amway Grand Plaza and Gerald Ford PResidential Museum
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July 8-12
Week 5: Recovering a sense of possibility
Drue McPherson
Monday, July 8, 6-8pm at Canal Park
Wednesday, July 10, 6-8pm, at Veterans Memorial Park
101 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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July 15-19
Week 6: Recovering a sense of abundance
Pamela Alderman
Monday, July 15, 6-8pm, at Canal Park
Tuesday, July 16, 6-8pm, at Rosa Parks Circle
135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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July 29-Aug 2
Week 7: Recovering a sense of connection
Megan Williams
Monday, July 29, 6-8pm, at Canal Park
Friday, August 2, 5-7pm, at Gemini Handmade
963 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
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Aug 5-9
Week 8: Recovering a sense of strength
Danielle Wyckoff
Monday, August 5, 6-8pm, at Canal Park
Guerilla art workshop date TBD
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Aug 12-16
Week 9: Recovering a sense of compassion
Evan Edwards
Monday, August 12, 6-8pm, at Canal Park
Tuesday, August 13, 12-5pm, location TBD
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Aug 19-23
Week 10: Recovering a sense of self-protection
Kate Benson
Monday, August 19, 6-8pm, at Canal Park
Tuesday, August 20, 6-8pm, located TBD
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Aug 26-30
Week 11: Recovering a sense of autonomy
Sarah Marentette
Monday, August 27, 6-8pm, at Canal Park
Guerilla art initiative TBD
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Sept 2 - 6
Week 12: Recovering a sense of faith
Dani Hughes
Date TBD
See and Participate in Project Updates
We welcome participants to use the hashtag #artistswayprojectgr when they see the work,
or otherwise participate in the project.
This way participants of the project, wherever they are - maybe on opposite sides of the city, or maybe they are doing this work in another city - can see both their work and contribution, but also other people's work and contributions.
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In this way, each person's hashtag sharing and contribution creates a conversation to each other - building a community of art making, observations, play, and kindness.
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Please use the hashtag #artistswayprojectgr to see your post autopopulate on the site!
Get Involved
Join as a Participant
We welcome you to join us as a participant in The Artist's Way Project. This is your chance to immerse yourself in an environment that celebrates innovation and exploration in the arts.
To stay informed about our guerrilla art installations, weekly thematic focuses, and updates on the project, please subscribe to our newsletter.
Embrace the opportunity to be at the forefront of contemporary art movements and community-driven artistic endeavors.
Meet the Artists
This year's "Artist's Way" at Cultivate showcases a diverse group of artists specializing in contemporary dance, visual arts, art therapy, architectural design, and performing arts.
Their work spans a variety of mediums including choreography, journaling, oil painting, ballet, photography, and installation art. Each contributes uniquely to our vibrant community, enriching our understanding of artistic expression and creative practice.
Join as a Volunteer
Volunteers play a crucial role in facilitating workshops, organizing guerrilla art installations, and enriching our events.
If you're interested in contributing to a dynamic environment where art meets activism, and creativity fosters community, we invite you to join our team.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can make a difference, please visit the "Volunteer with Us" section on our website.
Our Partners
Thank you to our project sponsors and partners for your invaluable support and commitment to
The Artist's Way Project.
