Barricade Initiative
The past two years have been no easy change for anyone across the world. When it comes to dining, Grand Rapidians have learned to adapt through warm and cold weather by creating outdoor social zones. Social zones allow restaurants to safely expand their seating areas so the community can continue to enjoy eating out, literally. These zones require large concrete barricades in order to keep people safe…Did someone say blank canvas?!
35 Artists and 135 Barricades
This summer Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts (LRCFA), in partnership with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), set out to paint all 135 concrete barriers to welcome people into these spaces free for everyone to enjoy.
LRCFA hired 35 local artists to transform these barricades into unique art pieces. Colorful, welcoming images bring light to otherwise plain barriers encouraging people to come together in these newly created spaces. It's a simple way to bring life back into the city and promote community through creativity.
Encouraging Interconnectivity
Spending a significant amount of time separated from one another during the pandemic, this new normal has continued to place “barriers” between connecting with the people we love. Yet barriers and boundaries can also keep us safe. Finding balance in both is necessary to maintain a healthy environment.
This is just one small way that we at Lions & Rabbits are contributing towards uplifting and strengthening our communities. The more inviting our city feels for everyone, the more we can all heal and rebuild. As it's still important to be mindful of safe social distancing, we are reminded the value of staying connected with one another.
Prosperity in Placemaking
The painted barricades have now become meaningful decorations - activated spaces that encourage conversation and interactivity.
By creating unique and engaging outdoor seating areas, we can help bring more patrons towards local businesses and contribute to the growing prosperity of Grand Rapids.
If you haven't had a chance to visit downtown Grand Rapids recently to see this new public arts initiative, come by and check it out! There are many great restaurants in the downtown area that would love for you to come by and try their food!
Artists
Alex Foster, Anya Potter, Bridgette McGee, Casey Stamper, Chloe LaFleur, Christine Vermeer, Craig Merchant, Dave Battjes, DeVante Barnes, Emily Carra, Emmanuella Crevier, Erica Bradshaw, Jen Rentschler, Jill Zelenski, Kat Vanderwheele, Katie Moore, Kelli Lorenz, Kerry Rolewicz, Kevin Wolfrom, Keyon Lovett, Kyle Brand, Lisa Pavia, Maddie Jackson, Maddison Chaffer, Madeleine Lyon, Megan Stout, Melinda Lawrence, Michelle Farias, Nick Nortier, Pauly Everett, Rryuhn Dotson, Sarah Jean Anderson, Sotir Davidhi, Timothy Andrusiak, Zach Snyder
