Furniture, Art, and Beer: Makers in Grand Rapids, Minnisota

Source: Make: DIY Projects and Ideas for Makers

As the excitement grows for the 5th annual Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire this weekend, we reflect on how this city began, how it has grown, and how historical and contemporary Makers alike inspire the city, its residents and people across the world.

Makers of all kinds populate the growing metropolis of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

From the historical furniture industry and to the recent craft-brewing movement to the most-attended public art event in the world, this city has always been a place for Makers to thrive.

Known as Furniture City, Grand Rapids ranks among the top in leaders of the furniture industry. Home to Steelcase, Herman Miller and other world-wide furniture brands, Grand Rapids houses endless furniture maker connoisseurs.

These are individuals who are passionate about creating top-quality products, and they’ve spread their wisdom and desire to make throughout the community. They’ve raised their children and inspired their neighbors with the principles of creativity and innovation.

The talents of the Grand Rapids’ youth will appear at the Maker Faire in mid-August with the fantastic abundance of resolute and tenacious Robotics teams that exemplifies how the upcoming generation has been inspired by the Maker-roots of their city.

Besides furniture, Grand Rapids is also known world-wide as the home to ArtPrize, an international art competition held annually since 2009. For over two weeks each fall, public and private spaces alike are transformed as over 400,000 people parade the streets, appreciating the works of over 1,000 artists.

Grand Rapidians highly value art as a medium through which one can express their creativity and make a statement. Living in a community with such values is encouraging to local Makers, as they have observed and taken part in this annual event, learning from and teaching other artists who make extravagant works of art.

Many submissions to ArtPrize are pioneering…

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