Sep 11 Thursday
“Inside the Firings and the Future of the Federal Workforce”
A sweeping effort to expand presidential power and overhaul the federal government began the moment Donald Trump returned to the White House on January 20, 2025. Executive orders targeted the federal workforce, reducing its size and making it more responsive to executive authority. Within a few months, tens of thousands of federal employees were fired, and far more resigned amid threats of mass layoffs. While a flurry of lawsuits has slowed those actions, it’s abundantly clear that the government workforce is not what it was on January 20. What’s unclear is what the government will ultimately become and how the country will be changed in the process.
NPR labor and workplace correspondent Andrea Hsu, a 2012 Knight-Wallace Fellow, has been closely covering the upheaval inside government agencies and the legal fights surrounding it. She’ll share insights from those still working within federal agencies and those who have recently been pushed out, and explore what this transformation could mean for how Americans experience and rely on their government.
This is an in-person event and will not be live-streamed. However, a recording of the lecture will be available on our website following the event.
Sep 25 Thursday
College sports are undergoing seismic changes – whether it’s the landmark House legal settlement, the introduction of Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) money for athletes, or the use of the transfer portal. Join Morning Edition host Doug Tribou as he moderates a panel of sports experts, including bestselling author and sports commentator John U. Bacon, in a discussion about the collegiate sports environment. The panel will look at the immediate effects of the House settlement, explain what fans can expect in the coming years, and take questions from the audience. This event is part of the popular series, Issues & Ale, from Michigan Public, the state’s largest public radio network.
Oct 09 Thursday
After a successful premiere last year, Detroit Story Fest returns to the Motor City for year two at the Detroit Opera House. Join us on October 9th for a night of art, entertainment, and laughter.
Story Fest brings the best of the region’s storytellers to one stage. The event will host journalists from many newsrooms in the area to share their stories and provide a behind-the-scenes look at local journalism. A group of Michigan journalists will give attendees a peek into a world they’ve only observed from the outside.
Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of curiosity and intrigue at the Detroit Opera House on October 9th at 8:00 pm.
Aug 20 Wednesday
Emberlight Photographers is sponsored by The Leather & Gift Shop—————————————————————WHEN MOMENTS BECOME MASTERPIECESThe striking beauty of the Upper Peninsula — its dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and charming small towns—has long inspired photographers to capture its essence. Emberlight Photographers is a special exhibition at the Historic Depot Museum, showcasing stunning images that celebrate the deep connections between art, nature, and community.
This collection highlights the vistas, people, and spirit of our hometowns through the eyes of local photographers, each offering a unique perspective on what makes our region extraordinary. From sweeping landscapes to intricate close-ups of wildlife, delicate florals, and nature’s hidden wonders, each photograph offers a unique perspective on the connections that shape our world.
Experience their work from July 16 through August 23, and if a particular piece speaks to you, you can bid on it to take a piece of the Northwoods home!
Arts Alive is pleased to announce our next gallery show of 2025, “Savor the Flavor.” This show is open to any member of the public and all mediums are accepted.
Artists can interpret each gallery theme in any way they see fit. All ages are welcome to submit artwork. Enter up to 3 pieces per show at $5 per piece. Pieces may be submitted at the Tibbits Administration Office (93 W Chicago St. Coldwater, MI) Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Pieces must be ready to display or hang. PLEASE USE HANGING WIRE because tooth hangers or anything other than hanging wire is not compatible with our system. Sculptures and all other mediums accepted. Please do not submit artwork that contains nudity. Arts Alive has the right to refuse entries. The submission deadline for this show is July 8, 2025 at 5pm and the show will hang July 9-September 1, 2025 in the Tibbits Opera House Art Gallery.
Now through October 31, families are invited to enjoy the Story Walk Trail at Hidden Lake Gardens! This 0.4-mile trail, full of twists, turns, gentle hills, and scenic views, is located near the Picnic Area, just west of the conservatory. Along the way, little ones can follow signs that bring a delightful children’s story to life.This year’s featured book is Sip, Pick, and Pack by Michigan author Polly Cheney. Through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this educational tale introduces children to seeds, plants, and pollinators in a fun and engaging way. Copies of the book are available for purchase in the Daffodil Gift Shop.
Consistently rated the best local scavenger hunt since 2016!
Puzzling Adventures are a cross between a scavenger hunt, an adventure race, and an informative self-guided walking tour. Each adventure consists of a series of locations that you are guided to where you are required to answer a question or solve a puzzle to receive your next instruction. Compete as a group, individually or create multiple teams and race each other. Almost all of our adventures are designed to be wheelchair and stroller friendly and all are carefully crafted to be entertaining and informative with something to appeal to all ages. Complete the adventure as quickly as possible to win first place or take your time and enjoy the journey. Price is per team, not per person. Groups can be any size, but small groups are recommended for the best experience.
Enter the code EVENTPASS on the payment page for a $10 discount!
Most locations are available daylight hours every day.
Witness an extraordinary exhibition curated by renowned Detroit-based artist Tyree Guyton, whose work has transformed the art world and inspired communities for over 40 years. Tyree Guyton is best known for his iconic Heidelberg Project, which has turned discarded objects into powerful symbols of community, resilience, and hope.
“Armed with a paintbrush, a broom, and neighborhood children, Guyton and Grandpa began by cleaning up vacant lots on Heidelberg Street”.
Thank you to the Charles Aymond Foundation and Arlo Steel for sponsoring 40 Years in the Hood: Detroit’s Heidelberg Project. THANK YOU to The Heidelberg Project for making this exhibit accessible to Jackson’s youth, neighborhoods, and surrounding communities.
Ella Sharp Museum admission rates are WAIVED from May 10th to October 25th!
Storytime with Programs Director, Janice Wilks! Every Wednesday from 10:30am – 11:30am Storytime will be followed by activities designed for children with developmental differences. We will never tell your child to hush or stop wiggling. Physically-distanced with stringent health and safety protocols being followed. Takes place at our office: 2505 Ardmore St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Every family leaves with a free book and a snack! If you plan on attending, please RSVP with the form below so we can make sure there’s enough goodies to go around.