Ed Stritch of The Concord Group purchases and donates "LifeFlow" by Ann Teliczan to Spectrum Health.

I am so very pleased to announce that my work for ArtPrize has been purchased by Ed Stritch of the Concord Group, and donated to Spectrum Health. As a result, LifeFlow will be added to the permanent art collection at the Butterworth Hospital campus. Presently, the piece is located in the main entrance of the hospital off Michigan Street.

The Concord Group has played an active role in several major West Michigan construction projects. Mr. Stritch has led key initiatives for Spectrum Health, providing construction cost estimating services and owner representation for large construction projects. His small army of architects, engineers, project managers and estimators review designs and specifications to help owners put construction costs in perspective.

Mr. Stritch purchased LifeFlow as a gift to the community and to show his appreciation for the arts in Grand Rapids. I am so happy to see this piece stay at Spectrum Health. Since its installation for ArtPrize, I have received numerous comments from Spectrum Health employees, patients and patient families saying that they had hoped it would become permanent. I developed LifeFlow with the intention of it being a healing, nurturing work. So, thank you again, I am totally delighted to see this happen, what a great way to start the new year!

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Upstage Crew helped kick off the 40th Anniversary of the Festival of the Arts today at noon.
Upstage Crew helped kick off the 40th Anniversary of the Festival of the Arts today at noon.

The Festival of the Arts in Grand Rapids is a great way to spend this weekend and it looks like we’ll have great weather. This celebration features lots of ethnic food, fine art, local bands on multiple stages, a juried film competition, activities for children of all ages and dance performances. All performances are free thanks to generous donations and lots of volunteers. Festival will be on June 5, 6 and 7. Here’s a link to Upstage Crew’s website.

For such a large event, Rothbury was relaxing and fun.
For such a large event, Rothbury was relaxing, fun and exciting all rolled into one.

When I took this photo last year at Rothbury, it was just getting started and I was wondering what I was in for. I was immediately struck with how creative the event organizer, Madison House, was. There were hammocks, tents, and just random fun things every where. There was even “Gangsta Yoga” in the morning. Some of the headliners Rothbury 09 features includes Bob Dylan, The Dead, String Cheese Incident, Willie Nelson and Family, The Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule and much, much more. You can find out all about at their website here. When I was there last year I talked with people from all over the country who regularly attended music festivals and nearly every one of them told me this was the best they had ever been to. I hope to see you there too this year!

The Night Was Perfect
The Night Was Perfect

It was one of those nights when everything seemed perfect. I took a photo of this couple from a rooftop in Grand Rapids after the Celebration on The Grand fireworks display. One of the great things about Grand Rapids is that you get a big city feeling, yet without most of the hassle.


When I got here, I thought to myself “how on earth am I going to do this justice?” This is truly the most interesting, fun event I’ve ever been to. The organizers were very creative and did a great job making this place special. Okay, now I’m going to bed, for real!

Snoop Concert
Here’s the crowd at Snoop Dog’s concert at Rothbury, I don’t know how many people were here, but it was a lot. I can’t say enough good things about Rothbury, even though there is a big crowd, they are managing it very, very well. I’ll be posting lots more photos of Rothbury but it’s late so nighty night I’ll show you some more tomorrow. If you are thinking of going there, it’s not too late there’s plenty more going on Saturday and Sunday. Here’s a link to the Rothbury website.

Rachle Finan, Flame Thrower

Rachle Finan of the Super Happy Funtime Burlesque performed a fire dance tonight at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center Avenue for the Arts event. I’d never seen a fire dance before, it was really interesting, especially with Rachle. She has a lot of energy and enthusiasm… my son calls her “Sexy Pochahontas.”