One of the advantages to living in Michigan is ponds, streams, rivers and lakes everywhere. And with that comes one of my favorite creatures, frogs. I found this little guy in my pond.
Pretty much everyone who takes a shot of downtown Grand Rapids has to take this one, me included! Hey, it looks like someone got a ticket. For those of you familiar with Grand Rapids, where’s your sweet spot? I’m looking for places that are beautiful and off the beaten path.
Actions speak louder than words and the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center (FHFAC) is a perfect example of this. From the staff, to the beautiful LEED certified facility, this place tends to the performing and visual arts like a master gardener tends to a precious orchid. The facility is high tech with an incredible intimate 1,220 seat auditorium that hosts nationally known acts and student performances.
However, the people who work at the FHFAC are what make it so special. In 2006 I was a featured artist there and couldn’t have had a better experience. They were professional, helpful and encouraging. Artists need this kind of nourishment to thrive. So, I thank you, I thank Meg George, Jeremy Cox, Sue Sherman, Lori Dykehouse, Karen Lott, Rose Kogge, John Bischoff, volunteers and the Forest Hills Public School System for all you do on behalf of the arts. And, I thank the sponsors who care enough to dig into their pocketbooks and support this place.
The Grand River flows through Grand Rapids. Usually you’ll see photos looking down on the river from the bridges and air. I wanted to show you something different. Downtown, along the river, there is this wonderful boardwalk that goes for quite a distance, I love to walk along the river here. This bridge is the huge walkway that leads to the Gerald R. Ford Museum.
This is a photo of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Gerald R. Ford chose Grand Rapids to be his final resting place and considered this town his home. In 1999 I was privileged to work on the Kent County International Airport’s annual profile when the ad agency I work for (Allie Design Group) was selected to create it. This was the year the airport was renamed the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
I coordinated our efforts with President Ford’s assistant, Marty Allen. Previous to this experience I had a skeptical impression of all politicians, Ford included. What I discovered changed my mind, about him at least. We had access to many of President Ford’s personal photos and looking at them, it was easy to see he was a caring, sincere man who deeply loved his country. We selected a variety of photos of his life including one of him in the White House relaxing with a pipe in his mouth. We were told we could use this picture, but only if the pipe was Photoshopped out of his mouth. President Ford had since quit smoking and didn’t want to be a negative influence.
In the final draft of the letter we were to print from him on the inside front cover of the airport profile, President Ford recalled his feelings for Grand Rapids. When I read it, I told Marty that I thought the letter should be toned down, I thought maybe it was a little too much. Marty paused and then insisted “No Ann, that IS how he feels about Grand Rapids. Don’t change a word.” I believed him.
Here’s what Gerald R. Ford had to say about Grand Rapids, “In a long and eventful life, many honors have come my way. Few compare with having my hometown airport bear my name. None can surpass the proudest claim of my life – I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan.”
Years later, tens of thousands of Grand Rapids citizens lined the streets for President Ford’s funeral procession. I took the photo at the bottom of this post during the 21 gun salute at his burial. As a canon blasted away at dusk one of the shots formed a perfect smoke ring.
We love you too President Ford.
I found out about Chimera Design after at least ten friends over the course of about six months told me there was this great, unique shop in Lowell that I just had to see.
When I finally went I discovered incredible custom jewelry, pottery and art that was very reasonably priced. Chimera is right across the street from the Flat River Grill (which is a great place to eat), there is a little sign out front that says “Lowell Fine Jewelers.” Julie Claire DeVoe and Cliff Yankovich have been selling my fine art there ever since I went in and met them. I want to be supportive of the galleries with my work and limit how many locations I put it in, so Chimera is the only gallery in metro Grand Rapids with my fine art for sale. The next closest place is the Timmel Collection in Saugatuck.
If you decide to visit Lowell, you’ll find awesome shops and will want to spend some time looking around. I love it that almost all of the shops are locally owned and operated, which results in finding unusual items and receiving outstanding customer service.
When I discovered Dogwood Avenue in Ada, I thought the people who lived on that street were the luckiest in the world. Not their cars though, because this is a dirt road. Imagine having this in your side yard.
This historic covered bridge provides a walkway over the Thornapple River in Ada. There is a nearby ball diamond and my favorite resale shop, Georgie’s, is just beyond that. I’ll have a lot more photos of Ada soon, I love Ada. Heck, you know that, because by now you know I love everywhere I put on this Blog. I’ll put a google map link to this location tomorrow.
I took this photo in Lowell late in the day, just as the sun was setting. I was facing main street, with the Lowell Showboat off in the distance. I love the beautiful river running through town and everything that comes with it, like the ducks and riverwalk. When I was taking this photo, there was a cute little girl feeding the ducks, which just made them crazy with joy.
Check back on Monday to see new posts on Manistee.