Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids

Join us for the opening night of Visible. Vital. Unignorable., a new exhibition showcasing selected works by 36 LGBTQ+ Michigan artists.

This exhibition highlights the creativity, perspectives, and experiences of LGBTQ+ artists from across the state while creating space for visibility, celebration, and connection during Pride Month.

Opening Reception:
Friday, June 5, 2026
6–9 PM
106 Gallery + 341 & 347 South Division

The exhibition will remain on display through June 27, 2026.

We hope you’ll join us in supporting local artists and celebrating the incredible creative community represented in this exhibition.

More information:
www.avenueforthearts.com/exhibitions

Stories shape communities.

We're excited to see this public art project honoring Grand Rapids' first female journalist and celebrating the people whose voices helped tell our city's story. Public art has a unique way of connecting us to our shared history while inspiring future generations to see themselves reflected in the places they call home.

At Dwelling Place, we believe strong communities are built not only through housing, but through preserving stories, creating spaces for connection, and honoring the people who have helped shape our neighborhoods.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this important piece of Grand Rapids history to life. 🎨✨

Read more: https://therapidian.org/public-art-project-celebrates-gr-s-first-female-journalist

Public art project celebrates GR’s first female journalist A once forgotten alley beside a Grand Rapids school has been transformed and now honors Grand Rapids' first female journalist, Etta Smith Wilson.

Reminder: Applications for the 2026 Heartside Historic Murals Junior Coordinator Program close June 5 at the end of the day!

This is a unique opportunity for emerging creatives and community-minded individuals to gain hands-on experience in public art coordination, artist support, and neighborhood engagement.

Junior Coordinators will work alongside mural artists and project partners while learning about:
• Public art project coordination
• Community engagement
• Artist support and logistics
• Project planning and communication

Applicants should submit:
• A short description of past artistic activities
• A resume or coordinator bio
• 5–10 examples of past work

Apply now:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=uF8meayYV0OiDwr0vLjNerXWKmpbWQBOrYCpL9ZskmZUMDhSTlVFWURGM1VJWEhSNlEzTUlITTJOVC4u

Questions can be directed to:
[email protected]

Thank you to our partners at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. for continuing to support community-based public art in Heartside.

Today, we take a moment to remember.

Memorial Day is a time to reflect and honor those who lost their lives in service. We hold space for remembrance and gratitude.

Wishing our community a meaningful day.

Please note: Dwelling Place offices are closed today and will reopen tomorrow during normal business hours.

📣 Summer Hours Begin Today! ☀️

Starting today through September 4, Dwelling Place staff will observe summer hours. This means our Main Office and all Property Offices will be closed on Fridays during this period.

We appreciate your understanding and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer season!

There’s a new mural in town 🎨

Join us for the Etta Smith Wilson Way ribbon cutting and help celebrate a space that now reflects history, creativity, and community.

📅 May 26 | 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Outside GRPS Museum School

This new mural, created by local artist Kevin Wolfrom, honors Etta Smith Wilson—Grand Rapids’ first woman reporter and a pioneering naturalist whose work connected education, journalism, and Indigenous knowledge.

Thank you to the partners who made this possible: Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council.

We hope you’ll join us for this special moment.

Dwelling Place and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. are excited to announce the 2026 Heartside Historic Murals Call for Junior Coordinators!

This opportunity is designed for emerging creatives interested in gaining hands-on experience in public art coordination, community engagement, and mural production.

Junior Coordinators will:
• Participate in mural coordination meetings
• Support mural artists throughout installations
• Assist with project communication and logistics
• Learn about contracts, budgets, and project planning
• Engage directly with community-centered public art initiatives

Applications are open now through June 5, 2026.

Apply here:
www.dpgr.org/artist-in-residence

Applicants should also submit:
• A short description of past artistic activities
• A resume or coordinator bio
• 5–10 examples of past work

Questions can be sent to: [email protected]

We’re excited to continue celebrating creativity, storytelling, and neighborhood connection through the Heartside Historic Murals program.

A great afternoon with students from Innovation Central 👏

Freshmen joined the Dwelling Place CB+E team members, Latrisha + Colin, for a walking tour through Heartside to learn more about our mission, explore community spaces, murals, and gardens, and hear directly from staff about the work happening behind the scenes every day.

Big thanks to Brian, our Manager of Supportive Services, and Amanda, our Marketing + Communications Manager, for sharing their experiences and showing students how many different careers and talents play a role in building community.

We’re grateful for opportunities to connect with local students and invest in future leaders right here in Grand Rapids 💚