You Won’t Believe What Shocking Revelations Defined Arts & Entertainment in 2025-26! Discover the Untold Truths!

As the 2024-2025 academic year came to a close, film students at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) surprised their professor, Joel Potrykus, with a memorable trip to the Criterion Closet in New York City. This unique venue, part of the Criterion Collection, is renowned for its dedication to film preservation and appreciation. It houses an extensive collection of films and serves as a platform where filmmakers and celebrities explore their favorites and discuss how these works influence their own artistry. Potrykus expressed his excitement, noting, “This is it. This is where every filmmaker wants to get, into the Closet.”

Meanwhile, the ArtPrize event wrapped up in October, with artist Mark Lewanski winning the prestigious $100,000 prize for his glass sculpture titled Arras, a remarkable 10-by-4-foot woven tapestry. However, the ongoing government shutdown impacted the festival significantly, causing many federal organizations to cease operations. As a result, festivalgoers had limited access to Lewanski's work, which was displayed at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. No visitors, including Lewanski himself, had the opportunity to view the piece in its entirety. This shutdown forced 38 artists to relocate their works, diminishing the festival's atmosphere that typically attracts over 800,000 attendees annually.

In a lighter community story, two cats from downtown Grand Rapids have unexpectedly captured the hearts of local residents and students, earning the titles of the city’s unofficial "guardians." Phoebe, affectionately dubbed the "S-Curve kitty," has been a fixture in her owner Aubrey Barile's apartment for nearly four years, observing the busy traffic patterns from her vantage point above the notorious S-Curve highway. Barile, a GVSU student, adopted Phoebe after seeing a post seeking a new home for the cat, describing their connection as love at first sight. Meanwhile, another cat named Yeti keeps watch over the Van Andel Arena, adding to the feline fascination that has garnered thousands of online followers.

In a cultural initiative, anonymous students on campus have circulated the Tree House Zine, a handmade publication created to provide a platform for creatives without fear of judgment. Known as "Your Vast & Precious Losers," the team behind the zine hopes to encourage artistic expression through a medium inspired by underground publishing traditions. The project began in October and released its first issue in December, showcasing a blend of writing, collage, and visual art.

Another feline making headlines is an orange rescue cat named Waffle, owned by GVSU student Kendyle Laesch. Waffle recently became a quarterfinalist in the national "America’s Favorite Pet" contest. Laesch described their instant connection when she first encountered Waffle at the Humane Society of West Michigan, highlighting the cat's unique personality and "diva" energy that has resonated with fans online.

Exploring themes of memory and identity, visiting photography professor Mahsa Alafar is exhibiting her work titled “HALFWAY THERE” at the 106 Gallery in downtown Grand Rapids until March 24. The installation features family photographs transferred onto fabric, inviting viewers to navigate through fragments of memory and cultural heritage. Alafar noted, “My process usually starts with an obsession, mostly with a thought or what I call a brain itch,” emphasizing her commitment to exploring how identity is shaped through imagery.

As tattoo culture flourishes in Grand Rapids, GVSU students are turning to local artists to enhance their collections. Five tattoo artists shared insights about their unique styles and experiences, providing guidance to those considering their first tattoos or looking to expand their body art.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, GVSU students are reflecting on female contributions to cinema by recommending films directed by women. Junior Amelia Giuffre highlighted “American Psycho”, directed by Mary Harron, as an often-misunderstood film that offers critical perspectives on societal issues.

To conclude March's events, the Trans Visibility Concert held on March 25, part of the Trans Week of Visibility, showcased the artistry of queer indie artist Spencer LaJoye. The concert aimed not only to celebrate but also to create a supportive space where trans and gender-expansive individuals could feel valued and seen within the community. DL McKinney, director of the Rainbow Resource Center, emphasized the importance of visibility, stating, “Trans and gender-expansive people deserve more than tolerance. We need to see ourselves alive, well, and creating.”