Community Calendar

The 96th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals. A competitive show, the Michigan Contemporary presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. Featured media include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and installation. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation.

The 96th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals. A competitive show, the Michigan Contemporary presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. Featured media include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and installation. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation.

This Saturday, take a step back in time. Visit Pears Mill, an 1857 water-powered mill. Located in Buchanan, Michigan’s downtown Historic District. The mill is adjacent to Buchanan Farmers Market. Pears Mill is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through Labor Day. There is no charge.

Unearth your love of science, technology, engineering, art, and math during this epic adventure. Try your hand at robotics, learn how to play an instrument, design your own exhibit, or even become a penguineer as local schools and organizations inspire you with endless possibilities!

The 96th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals. A competitive show, the Michigan Contemporary presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. Featured media include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and installation. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation.

Fulton Street Pub is hosting a family-friendly benefit concert for WGVU Public Media on Sunday, September 20. Proceeds support WGVU's mission of trusted local news, educational programming, and arts and culture across West Michigan.

Lineup:

• Big Timmy and The Heavy Chevys
• Mark Lavengood
• Terraplane Blues Band
• Lafayette Gunter Jr.

Details:

• Date: Sunday, September 20
• Time: Music starts at 4:00 PM
• Location: Fulton Street Pub
• Admission: $10, all proceeds benefit WGVU Public Media

All proceeds from the entry fee benefit WGVU Public Media

Come support West Michigan's independent voice for news, education, and the arts, with a great lineup of local music to match.

At the start of an international career, pianist Sophia Liu has already appeared with leading orchestras and at major concert halls across Europe, Asia, and North America. Born in Shanghai, raised in Japan, and trained in Montreal, Liu has performed with the NHK Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, and other distinguished ensembles while earning first prize at international piano competitions such as the 18th Ettlingen International Piano Competition and the Thomas & Evon Cooper International Competition.

Critics have noted the remarkable maturity of her artistry, praising her “poise and authority” at such a young age and the “sincerity and craft” that shape her performances. Her debut solo album, released in 2025, features Liszt’s Réminiscences de Norma and Chopin’s Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise.

This recital is presented in partnership with Le Piano Symphonique in Lucerne, Switzerland, reflecting a shared commitment to identifying and supporting the next generation of exceptional pianists. Following her Kalamazoo performance, Liu will present the same program at Le Piano Symphonique in January 2027. Audiences will hear a young artist whose thoughtful musicianship and commanding performances have earned her invitations to some of the world’s most respected stages.

Program

C.-V. ALKAN
Etude de Concert Le Preux, Op. 17
F. CHOPIN
Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53
Scherzo No. 4 in E Major, Op. 54
Intermission
P. TCHAIKOVSKY / trans. M. PLETNEV
Nutcracker Suite
P. TCHAIKOVSKY
Selections from The Seasons
M. BALAKIREV
Islamey, Op. 18

The 96th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals. A competitive show, the Michigan Contemporary presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. Featured media include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and installation. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation.

The 96th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals. A competitive show, the Michigan Contemporary presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. Featured media include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and installation. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation.

The 96th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals. A competitive show, the Michigan Contemporary presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. Featured media include painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and installation. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation.