DEFIANT! 2025
Join us for DEFIANT!
a group exhibition born from the spirit of Mixed Roots Collective’s recent show, REVOLT, hosted at MuseGR. Rooted in a rich spectrum of lived experiences, this exhibit brings back some of the original artists from REVOLT, now joined by bold new voices.
Together, they create a space where art becomes action, and expression is a form of resistance and creative rebellion.
DEFIANT! is a declaration of living life on your own terms-whether that means challenging power and authority, disrupting narratives, honoring history, reshaping norms, or simply refusing to comply with the status quo. The featured works explore themes of identity and collective power, each grounded in the transformative force of storytelling.
Excerpt & Flyer by: Shayna “Akanke” Marie
Curator: Annamarie Buller
Devos Center: Graduate KCAD Students Showcase
KCAD's Annual Student Exhibition returns with a dynamic showcase of the accomplishments and creative talents of our 2025 graduating seniors!
This year, work from all majors will be featured across two locations: the 1st floor and 2nd floor balcony of the KCAD 17 Fountain St. NW building and the Grand Gallery skywalk at DeVos Place Convention Center in downtown Grand Rapids.
The closing reception on Friday, May 9 will be split between the two locations—and yes, you can (and should) attend BOTH. It’s a full-on celebration of incredible student work!
A free shuttle bus will be available to transport visitors between the two locations during the reception.
Closing Reception Part 1 - KCAD 17 Fountain St. NW building
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Closing Reception Part 2 - DeVos Place Convention Center Grand Gallery Skywalk
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Showcase at Spark Gallery
Showcase: Moizcalia Evolution
NOTE: The Spark Gallery is open during facility hours.
This collection of artwork delves into the expressive nature of art as a dialogue connecting themes such as identity, cultural diversity, and personal expression. Through symbol imagery, life experiences, emotions, metaphysical themes, and ancestral references, the work embodies contemporary evolution by intersecting resilience and transformative power of artistic expression of self.
Master's Thesis Exhibition: Soso-Akalesh - KCAD Events Calendar
Mixed Roots Collective Presents: Revolt '25 A Night of Sonic Rebellion & Visual Liberation
Art as Resistance| Sound as Revolution| Stories as Power
Curator & Founder/Artist: Sammy A. Publes
Steps of Hope: freedom in motion
Artist Soso-Akalesh is hosting an event that will have two featured local Poets, a youth poet, live-spoken word, music, art revealing, and more! RSVP through Eventbrite. It is a free event!