2nd Annual Arts Jam huge success!

The 2003 Arts Jam and Chair Fair was a wonderful day for the arts in GRPS!
The Feb. 23 event raised close to $9,000 for art and music programs, as well
as an incalculable amount of goodwill. The music was beautiful,
the artwork delightful and the vibes most excellent.
Click here to view photos from the event!

Of 101 painted and decorated chairs on auction, all but half a dozen were sold. Some people brought home several, including Dr. Bert Bleke and his wife, who were seen happily lugging away six! Dr. Bleke commented several times on the excellence of the event and passed along his appreciation to all of us who are working to strengthen the arts in GRPS. The great imagination and creativity of the chairs was a tribute to the excellence of our art teachers and the hard work of their students.

The six musical acts performed a knockout show ranging from Broadway to jazz both hot and cool, from wild percussion to dazzling handbell arrangements, to good-time, new-old fashioned bluegrass to Mr. John Varineau showing off his clarinet virtuosity. John was also a superb, humorous and gracious emcee, as always. The generosity of these talented musicians who gave a day of their time cannot be underestimated.

St. Cecilia did an excellent job of hosting the event, and dozens of volunteers came together to put on a truly classy event - from a creative and tasty reception buffet, to well-rehearsed student performers, to gracious student and adult ushers, to everyone who took tickets, checked out chairs, took care of the musicians, provided professional quality stage-management and sound control, and hosted the information table.

There were too many contributors to list here, but among them were the Grand Rapids Musicians League, who picked up the cost of the auditorium; Lisa Honeycutt, who paid for the President's Room; WFGR-FM, who provided much-needed on-air support; Spartan Foods, Meijer Inc., Forest Hills Foods, and X-Rite Inc, who all provided financial support or contributions of food and goods; Chrysler Audio, who provided sound equipment; Park Congregational Church, who provided parking; and the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids, who once again provided invaluable support and expertise in ticketing, logistics and mailing. St. Cecilia also provided much behind-the-scenes help and gave us a generous break on rental costs.