The gathering provided an informal setting for students and alumni to engage in conversation over a catered dinner. Attendees discussed career trajectories, industry challenges and the transition from academia to professional life. For the students, the event offered invaluable insights into how their education at GVSU can translate into real-world careers. Engaging with professionals who were once in their position allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of industry expectations and the skills necessary to thrive.

Noise Floor, which is co-owned by GVSU alum Bryen Hensley, specializes in sound for commercials, film, television, radio, web, video games and interactive projects. The studio boasts over 30 years of experience in creating immersive audio projects. Noise Floor’s extensive portfolio includes collaborations on projects such as “Hoop Dreams,” “Apollo 13” and the “Halo” video game series. Their client list features prominent names like Coca-Cola, EGO, the Big Ten Network and Warner Brothers.

Elysia Azzi, a student filmmaker in attendance, has a deep passion for storytelling and a strong foundation in film and media production. Her journey began in high school when she worked as a camera operator for a live comedy show, an experience that solidified her desire to pursue a career in the industry. Since then, she has expanded her skills by volunteering in various production roles. Through these experiences, Azzi has worked on live productions and collaborated with fellow filmmakers. 

“Attending the film and video Chicago trip gave me a clearer vision of the many paths available in the industry and the importance of building connections within the film community,” said Azzi. “It showed me that a filmmaking career is possible. This trip reassured me that there are so many opportunities out there, and it motivated me to keep pursuing what I love and what I’m most passionate about.”

Hensley and fellow film alum Tom Seffernick hosted the students, and noted that speaking to alumni from diverse fields such as production, post-production, animation, graphic design, and writing provided students with a comprehensive view of potential career paths. Hensley felt the event was incredibly important, as students were exposed to varying aspects of the industry.

“The alumni were from all different disciplines in the film and entertainment industry, so it was great for current students to get a sense of life after school from different perspectives,” said Hensley. “The GVSU film program is pretty far-reaching and getting more so every day. Chicago is just one place that has a very strong GVSU contingent, but other places like Los Angeles and New York also have strong representation.”

Suzanne Zack, an affiliate professor in film and video production, helped organize the event. She highlighted the gathering as a way to build community and connection between current students and alumni. Zack observed that such events allow alumni to reconnect, build new relationships and share advice with students, thereby strengthening the overall GVSU community.

“We really value and admire our GVSU film and video alumni,” Zack said. “Gatherings like this give everyone the opportunity to connect and feel the benefit of the community. There were alums who reconnected with each other at the event, (as well as) alums who met and built a connection. Alums (also) connected with the current students, welcomed them to Chicago and shared the kind of advice they wish they had heard when they were in school.”

The Chicago Film & Video Alumni Gathering underscores the value of experiential learning and networking in preparing students for successful careers– in this case, in the film and entertainment industry. By connecting students with alumni and providing firsthand exposure to professional environments like Noise Floor, students were able to network in their chosen profession and increase their knowledge.

Every year, leaders from a variety of disciplines and communities are invited by the University’s MLK executive planning committee to share their experiences with students, faculty and the greater Grand Rapids area. With speakers coming from diverse backgrounds, such as education, business ownership and activism, their goal is to educate and promote social justice initiatives.

“(The purpose of the MLK Commemoration Week is) to bring awareness and celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge us to dream bigger, do better and strive for justice,” said Bobby Springer, chair of the MLK executive planning committee.

Louis Moore, a member of the MLK Commemoration Week executive planning committee, stated that two committees are involved in planning the events. The first committee is part of a longstanding partnership with Davenport University and Grand Rapids Community College, in which a keynote speaker is selected based on a theme. According to Moore, this year’s theme was voting rights. The second committee works to organize the week’s events.

The keynote presentation by Latosha Brown was postponed until February. She is the co-founder of Black Voters Matter, an organization dedicated to increasing voter registration with a focus on African American communities. Her activism also extends to areas of feminism and philanthropy, and her work has been recognized in 23 countries.

“The GVSU community looks forward to this event (the keynote speech),” said Moore. “It is a time for campus and community members to reflect and reset in the spirit of King.”

The Silent March, normally held on the Allendale Campus, was also canceled. In past years, the event acted as a showcase of solidarity. Participants were able to connect while reflecting on King’s work and sacrifices.

Another speaking event, featuring Dar Mayweather, was also postponed. As a GVSU alumnus who graduated in both 2007 and 2009, his connection to the University allows for relevant insight into areas in which the institution could improve. Mayweather’s background in education lends itself to his work in coaching students to achieve their educational and professional endeavors. His presentation would have aimed to foster an environment of inclusion and heightened awareness of campus diversity.

The final speaker, Joe Jones, was able to give his presentation on leadership philosophy on Friday, Jan. 24. His experience as a previous Grand Rapids city commissioner and pastor gave him a range of experience to draw from. He is also the founder of the Hekima Group, a practice located in Grand Rapids that provides advice to professionals of varying backgrounds.

On Saturday, Jan. 25, students also had the opportunity to take part in the MLK Day of Service and Solidarity. The opportunity gave participants a chance to show their support for one another in a tangible way through service projects.

“The GVSU community has been profoundly impacted by this event (MLK Day of Service and Solidarity), as it provides students, faculty and staff with a chance to connect with local organizations, address pressing community needs and build stronger relationships with one another,” said Anees Mohammad, the Office of Student Life’s graduate assistant for civic engagement. “It fosters a culture of service and awareness, inspiring participants to continue engaging in meaningful action beyond this day.”

Despite the challenges the weather brought, the message that speakers, committee members and service project participants hope to convey remains, as they strive to uphold King’s legacy and ethics.

To start the week of events, the Milton E. Ford LGBTQ Resource Center hosted the “Femme Queen Chronicles,” a comedy series about the lives of three Black trans women navigating their lives in the city of Detroit. The movie screening was accompanied with a discussion with the film creator, Ahya Simone, followed by a feature harp performance from Simone.

The center’s mission is to advocate for institutional equity, promote community-building and provide educational opportunities. Further, they aim to create an informed and cohesive campus where community members of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities feel supported and welcomed.

During the week, the center, in collaboration with the GVSU men’s club volleyball team, held a drag show co-hosted by Drag Queens La Reine Divine and Cherry Poppins. La Reine Divine is better known around GVSU as Marcus John, the head coach of the D1 men’s club volleyball team. 

Amongst the Grand Rapids natives were queens Nani, Zaria S. Zion, Asio Aviance, Jane and special guest Cocky Define. The show aimed to bring entertainment and acceptance to GVSU and also acted as a fundraiser for the volleyball team. 

“When I was going here in 2011, I didn’t even know what a trans individual was or what they looked like, but the LGBTQ center makes a big difference and a big push to get people who identify anyway they identify to feel safe,” said Marcus John, head coach of the D1 men’s club volleyball team.  

Paden Rousseau, the president of the men’s club volleyball team, partnered with John to draft the idea in the fall semester where they held the first GVSU-sponsored drag show.

The first event last November had a large turnout. This time around, the queens, several of which are GVSU alumni, offered up their time and talents for free. They were looking to support the community and help bring trans and queer people to the forefront of the week. 

“A huge part of our club and culture is accepting everybody and Marcus sat us down in the beginning and just kind of talked about that,” Rousseau said. “How volleyball was his way of expression and coming out and that kind of stuff. That is a core value of our program. It is something we are definitely not afraid of and want to embrace everybody. That’s the main reason why I love this program, and do this work is because they accept everybody.” 

After the show, the queens sat down and offered comments on their work.

“Drag for me was definitely an escape because I didn’t have to deal with Marcus’s issues, she (La Reine Divine) was definitely an escape, and she saved my life in a sense,” Johns said. “I used to see them as two separate entities, and now I see them as one person now so it’s been quite the journey that I have been on.” 

When asked about how drag has affected their lives, queen Nani commented on how she found her identity through the art and how it has helped her feel more represented in her own cultural roots. 

“Drag helped me find my transness, and I’ve been doing drag for like maybe three years now, I’m noticing there is not a lot of Latin representation so I did a show out in Lowell and I did a Hispanic song,” Nani said. “The kids came to me and told me how important it was to see me represent this whole space of Michigan that I don’t think it very represented. I love the applause and feeling like a star.” 

With the ongoing controversy surrounding the art of drag, it’s important to the center to continue to spread the message of acceptance on campus. Both gender identity and gender expression are protected under the university’s policies including the GVSU Board of Trustees policies on Sex and Gender Based Harassment. Harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and/or gender expression is continually protected by the university’s Title IX office. 

“When I was going here, I’m a pretty introverted person, so finding the courage to go to the LGBTQ center was really hard,” Nani said. “But there was actually a drag club here and I participated in that and that was a lot of fun.” 

“For our trans members of the community, visibility is crucial,” said D.L. McKinney, Director of the Milton E. Ford LGBTQ Resource Center. “This is a space for trans and non-binary people to feel seen through positive realistic representation. This also gives space for allies and advocates to learn more about the wealth of talent in our community and how to stand in solidarity for justice and celebration.” 

Students can get involved with the many center-sponsored student groups for all identities. The center also has a wide range of trans-specific resources like scholarship opportunities and resources on everything from how to go about making a legal name change in Michigan to gender-inclusive housing at GV.  

“I was one of the first student workers when the LGBTQ Resource Center opened in 2008,” McKinney said. “This was the first time I felt like I had a voice that mattered and that I was more than a Black queer person. I was able to do roundtable talks as an activity in my position and I did a leadership round table because even though young in my professional career, I knew that leading and boldness mattered to engage in change and make way for others like myself to soar.”

To close out the week’s celebration, GVSU welcomed Jey’nce Poindexter, a Michigan-based trans activist and community pioneer for a togetherness event.

“Don’t be scared to use your voice, because I can’t speak for trans individuals because I’m not one, but just from being an outsider looking in you can see how our trans brothers and sisters are really scared, just to go outside,” Cherry Poppins said. “Our allies have the power to use their voices to stand up for our trans brothers and sisters, don’t stand in the shadows because that is part of the problem.” 

For more information about how to get involved with queer-based activities on campus, students can visit the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center located on the first floor of Kirkhof center or contact the center through their email at lgbtcenter.gsvu.edu. 

Students, faculty and staff, along with members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., came together to hear from keynote speaker Kyra Harris-Bolden, Michigan Supreme Court Justice and GVSU alum. GVSU President Philomena Mantella introduced the events and Harris-Bolden. 

As the first African American woman on Michigan’s Supreme Court, she focuses her work primarily around criminal justice reform and legislation to protect survivors of sexual violence. She explained how she initially lost her run for Michigan Supreme Court, something that opened up “a whole new door” for her. 

“I lost that election by 2% but gained 1.3 million votes across the state of Michigan,” Harris-Bolden said. “Had I not run, I would not have been in the position to be appointed.”

Bolden received her nomination for the Supreme Court six days after giving birth to her daughter. She showcased her determination and resilience. 

“My failure became a stepping stone to my success,” Harris-Bolden said. 

Bolden made it clear that she wants to make a positive impact both for her daughter and people everywhere. 

“Justice centers my being, and making sure my daughter grows up in a world community, a Michigan that is equitable, that is diverse, that is inclusive, so that she knows that she can be anything she wants to be,” Harris-Bolden said. “Sometimes failure is setting you up for your next success, trust your gut and keep striving because anything is possible.” 

The CWGE director Jessica Jennrich said that Harris-Bolden is a great role model for the GVSU community. 

“She’s someone who’s really dedicated to her life’s work, to issues of gender,” Jennrich said. “She gets to folks who are interested in how they can have an impact – hearing from someone who’s actually doing it is really exciting.”

“It was a little surreal, which I think is to be expected,” said Trieu in an interview with GVNext. “As a music lover and someone who has grown up watching award shows like this, it was just surreal.”

Trieu went to the Frederik Meijer Honors College at GVSU, graduating in 2011 with a major in psychology. However, she took an interest in fashion design at a young age and taught herself to sew, first upcycling old clothing and then creating her own pieces.

“Actually, to this day, I still sew listening to psychology lectures,” Trieu said to GVNext. “That’s also a passion of mine.”

Pursuing a career in fashion design after graduation, Trieu established Iconoclasp, a clothing company based in Grand Rapids. She has eleven years of experience in the field and designs a wide range of clothing, both formal and casual.

Her designs have been worn at many special events prior to the Grammy Awards, notably the Sundance Film Festival. This year’s 65th annual Grammy Awards provided Trieu with a new stage for her work to be displayed. 

“The GVSU Alumni Relations office is thrilled for Ashley and so proud of her,” said Alex Priebe, assistant director of GVSU Alumni Relations. “It is exciting to see Lakers and their work highlighted on a national stage like this. A big part of our role is to celebrate and share the accomplishments and stories of GVSU alumni and we are cheering her on in her endeavors.”

The dress Trieu designed was worn by Gurujas Kaur Khalsa, vocalist of the Los Angeles-based group White Sun. Winning the Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album, White Sun primarily makes yogic mantra music. 

In the practice of yoga, mantra music helps attract positive cosmic energy and remove bad karma. The ancient tradition of mantras is regarded as cleansing and deeply healing.

Gurujas is a guru, a spiritual instructor, of Kundalini yoga. Gurujas walked the carpet in Trieu’s white monochrome ensemble, an important color in the style of Kundalini representing calming, pure energy.

White Sun won the award in 2017 as well, outperforming acclaimed artists such as Enya and Vangelis in the category.

“I design with red carpet events and special occasions in mind,” Trieu said to GVNext. “It felt amazing. I loved collaborating with (Gurujas) on this. It was great to be a part of her moment.”

Alumni submit their personal and professional accomplishments to the GVSU Alumni Relations Office through Laker Landings, which are featured online, on social networks and GV Magazine.

“It is inspiring how Ashley combines her passions for psychology, sewing, and design,” Priebe said. “Her story is also an encouraging reminder that it is okay and valid to pursue learning and work in different areas. The way she has carved her own career path and found success speaks to the value of liberal education taught at Grand Valley.”

Those interested in Trieu’s work can check out her website and shop’s Facebook page.

The theatre program will put on two new shows alternating each day in the Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theater located in the Haas Center for Performing Arts. “In Love and Warcraft” will be performed next week on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. “Pony up” will be performed Thursday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.

Theatre faculty James Bell said both studio performances are student-directed and student-designed.

“These student-directed productions are a great opportunity for audiences to see usually newer work in our terrific Black Box Theatre venue,” Bell said. “They are generally productions that will especially appeal to student interests. They are also a great way to support student work in theatrical art creation. I encourage students to get tickets and come see both productions – they won’t regret it.” 

These studio performances have been a long-term project for these students. 

According to the GVSU Music, Theatre and Dance website, “Pony Up” is about a world where women ride bikes and men ride horses. The leading role Ruthie meets two friends, Rooster and Pearl,  that have their sights set on making it to a place that isn’t possible with bikes. With the help of a friendly cow, they create a solid friendship and try to find their place.   

Isabella Gielniak, a junior studying theatre, will direct “Pony Up.”

“(‘Pony Up’) is a post-Roe comedy about a world where men ride horses, but women ride bikes,” Gielniak said. “It’s a world of division, boundaries, and binaries with humor, sarcasm and innuendo. Directing ‘Pony Up’ has been amazing. The cast and crew are fantastic, and I can’t wait to see the final product. When we aren’t hyper-focused on the script, the cast and I are always laughing, quoting Tik Toks and having a good time.” 

Anna Compton, a theatre student, is directing “In Love and Warcraft.”

“(Anna) did have some meetings with her cast in the fall, but the majority of the rehearsal work has been since the start of the semester,” Bell said. “She has been working with designers since the fall to conceive of the look of the show. This weekend we will go into tech rehearsals that will bring all of the design and technical elements together with the cast culminating in final dress rehearsals and then the opening next Friday (Thursday for ‘Pony Up’).”

Bell said “In love and Warcraft” is about a student who becomes involved with a warcraft guild that is attempting to help people with relationship problems. 

“(The student) works, besides going to school, by helping people with relationship problems fix those problems by writing letters and social media posts and offering the right words to say,” Bell said. “This student becomes involved with one of her clients and develops a real-world relationship that causes her to address her issues regarding sex, relationships and her physical body as opposed to the avatar she feels more confident with.” 

Theatre students and faculty are excited to show off these studio performances and all the work they’ve been putting into making them happen. 

Freshmen theatre major, Molly Fenn, will play the lead, Ruthie, in the “Pony Up” series. She said she hopes the show will be moving for viewers. 

“It’s gone very smoothly,” Fenn said. “We have had many weeks of rehearsal, and I have never felt lost or behind. I have a great cast, crew and director helping me throughout the entire process.” 

For tickets and more information on the series, visit the online MTD Theater Schedule.

“The Frederik Meijer Lecture Series was established back in 2010, and its purpose is to bring in both local and national speakers whose careers give them unique perspectives on issues of leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Roger Gilles, the director of the Frederik Meijer Honors College. “This week, our speaker is Dara Richardson-Heron, who has over 25 years of experience as a physician, corporate executive and advocate for health equity, biomedical ethics and women’s empowerment.”

Gilles said her visit is especially timely due to her experience of being the chief patient officer with Pfizer during the pandemic, as well as her service on the Board of Directors of two biomedical research institutes.

Richardson-Heron was introduced by Rosalynn Bliss, who serves as the mayor of Grand Rapids, as well as Grand Valley State University’s endowed chair for the Frederik Meijer Honors College. She opened by posing a question to the group, asking what was in their “leadership wheelhouse.” 

She said having the right elements in one’s leadership wheelhouse at the right time has the potential to “significantly enhance not only your own life but also the lives of others.”

Richardson-Heron then shared insights into what’s in her own leadership wheelhouse, noting that the foundation of her wheelhouse was laid by her parents. She said her parents were her first role models, and they often told her the phrase, “To whom much is given, much is required,” emphasizing the need to enhance the lives of others.

She said practicing patience, perspective and perseverance, “the 3 P’s,”  is essential to being a good leader. 

“Patience helps us keep our wits about us while we gain the insight, the lived experience, the understanding, the intelligence and all the things that we need to move forward,” Richardson-Heron said. “Patience provides us with the time and space we need to actually accomplish something before we attempt to lead. Extraordinary leaders cannot survive without a healthy dose of perspective.”

Richardson-Heron said to expand and advance one’s leadership abilities one must be willing to step outside of their comfort zone.

“True courage comes from taking smart and calculated risks,” Richardson-Heron said. “We’re going to be faced with unexpected personal and professional setbacks that rock us to our very core. We can use the setbacks and obstacles we face to help build our character, our strength, our personal and professional resolve and even elevate us to new heights.” 

Richardson-Heron then elaborated on her role as an executive medical director, where she learned important leadership, business and management skills. She said this moment in her career was when she met her husband, Earl. A month after their wedding she discovered she had breast cancer, which she is a survivor of. 

“I was writing ‘thank you’ notes for wedding gifts and fighting for my life, all while big clumps of my hair were falling out as a result of the treatment that ultimately saved my life,” Richardson-Heron said. “…It all seemed so unfair, and I felt so powerless.”

However, she said she worked towards having a new outlook on things.

“Instead of asking the question, ‘Why me?’ I began to ask myself, ‘Why not me?” Richardson-Heron said. “‘What makes me think I’m so special and that I should be exempt from life challenges and setbacks?”

Richardson-Heron ended the lecture with a call to action.

“I want to challenge each of you to operate as leaders, being intentional and purposeful about identifying and refining the key elements in your personal leadership wheelhouse,” Richardson-Heron said. “I challenge you to seek out new thoughts, new ideas, new partnerships and new ways of looking at things with new people. (Do this) while operating with an open mind, open heart and a new sense of purpose so that you can build a whole new operating system and leverage the personalized contents of your leadership wheelhouse. You can be one of the leading and most impactful and sought-after leadership voices that drive positive change.”

Wolfe and GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella were accompanied by a group of students to the award ceremony. Each year, the award is given out to help honor the hard work and dedication of the SVA chapter advisors and celebrate their work throughout the year. 

Wolfe originally attended GVSU in 1994. After her freshman year she decided to pause her education to join the United States Military. Wolfe served from 1995 to 1998, then came back to GVSU to finish out her degree in advertising and public relations, graduating in 2001.

“A few years later I returned to teach as an adjunct and after a few semesters, left again to build a business,” Wolfe said. “Then I returned to take this job working with veterans. Maybe there’s something in the air in Allendale, but I just can’t seem to stay away from this place.”  

As Director of The Secchia Military & Veterans Resource Center Wolfe works closely with veterans on campus to help them transition back into a school setting. The Military Veterans Resource Center helps with everything from their GI Bill, scheduling classes, financial aid and mental health services. The center also offers a sense of community to veterans on campus. 

The award, which helps to honor the hard work and dedication of the SVA chapter advisors and celebrate their work throughout the year, was presented to Wolfe on Jan. 6 in Orlando, Florida. President of Laker Vets, an on-campus organization focused on establishing a sense of community for veterans, Travis Snyder was also among the group who was able to join Wolfe in accepting the award.

“Winning this award was the pinnacle of my career,” Wolfe said. “It stands for everything I’ve worked hard to accomplish these last few years. But honestly, the real honor is seeing my students inspired to go after their dreams. As long as I live, I will never forget the tears in their eyes or the hugs they’ve given me just for showing up for them. It’s absolute magic.”

The event helped to recognize Wolfe’s strong contribution to the community of veterans on campus as well as nationally recognized GVSU for the institution’s commitment to helping veterans continue their education.

Wolfe continues her work this year dedicating time to working with Veterans on the newly-introduced program: GVSU Veterans Advance: Progressive Work-Based Learning. The program was previously announced on Veterans Day, which aims to help currently enrolled Veterans “catch up” with their civilian peers in the workforce. Wolfe helps to place veterans in degree-appropriate fields and helps to further the value experience their education brings. 

Wolfe can be found in the Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Resource Center or reached by email at wolfeji@gvsu.edu for more information about the work she does with veterans on campus. 

“This school has transformed me,” Wolfe said. “I am, in my heart of hearts, a Laker.”

Wetzel and Andrus’ exhibition presents the experience of forging a story through a multimedia science fiction film with supplementing artwork. The display intertwines photographs, sculptures and drawings to create an immersive experience full of relics and storytelling.

“Inspired by natural history exhibits that weave entangled histories and memories, this project pulls characters apart as psychological projections,” Wetzel and Andrus said. “The work takes time to experience because it has seven projections. This reflects the overarching idea of discovering one’s past.”

The project, which began in 2016 as a short film, was recorded during a road trip through Canada, Brooklyn and the Adirondack mountains in northern New York. Later, the duo took filming to countries such as Germany, Czechia and Denmark. 

“(We) strive to make work that is both rich in concept and enjoyable to experience,” Wetzel and Andrus said. 

The exhibit aims to take viewers on a voyage through artwork and storytelling. Wetzel and Andrus said the exhibit’s vast inclusion of artistic mediums garners attention in the Grand Rapids area and artistic community.

Wetzel is a transdisciplinary artist and associate professor at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. She has worked as a designer and performer as well as explored modeling. Working with Andrus, the duo lectured internationally in Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Andrus is a graduate of Grand Valley State University. Focusing on photography, cinematography and producing, his work spans numerous forms. Having shared aspirations to create captivating projects, they launched on an artistic mission. 

“We initially met through mutual friends, and began working together right away,” Wetzel and Andrus said. 

The pair runs The Moon, a creative studio based in Grand Rapids. The studio focuses on photo and video production in addition to supporting exhibitions. They bring local artists together with those outside of the Grand Rapids area to foster artistic collaboration. 

“Our studio is a labor of love. It evolves with each project we do,” Wetzel and Andrus said. 

The Moon works with college students to provide residencies and internships for collaborative artistic opportunities overseen by the studio. So far it has hosted three GVSU students to be a part of their work. Students viewing the exhibition can experience the unearthing of ideas, much like the process behind it. 

“Our film and the resultant exhibition has amounted to a demanding, seven-year undertaking,” Wetzel and Andrus said. “With some exceptions and important collaborations, the two of us produced, wrote, storyboarded, directed, styled, lit, shot, acted and edited it on our own.”

Additionally, they hope an inspiration can be found for college students. Wetzel and Andrus emphasized the importance of the creative process and their exhibition’s completion. 

“We want students to know that if they want to put the effort in, they can design their own path,” Wetzel and Andrus said.

Those interested in viewing the exhibition can learn more through the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts’ website. The display is free and will be open to the public until Feb. 11. More information about Wetzel, Andrus and The Moon can be found on their website.

Merchants, entertainers and visitors gathered to immerse themselves in the renaissance era for just a few days. This event, which was held by the GVSU Renaissance Festival Club, was the 26th annual festival.

Throughout the club’s time, it has shrunk in size some years and grown in others, but the tradition of the festival has continued on despite attendance levels. This year, the club has about 20 active members, which allowed them to set up a sizable festival. 

Members of the club, merchants, entertainers and other event-goers were dressed up in renaissance clothing for the occasion. People sported armor, classic renaissance era dresses and corsets. Dressing the part is a big aspect of the renaissance festival and allows everyone to express themselves in a way they don’t usually get to on a day-to-day basis. 

“I am looking forward to the experience of being able to take on a different persona and put on a costume,” said Aaron Kumpula, a GVSU student and member of the Renaissance Festival Club. “It’s a cool way to immerse yourself in a different time period and it feels like you’re a part of something bigger.”

The merchant director of the club created a space for vendors to set up tents and sell merchandise related to the festival’s theme. Anything from clothing, to jewelry, to chainmail and leather goods were available for purchase. 

A museum was also set up which featured information about warriors from different time periods and locations around the world. Artifacts, such as swords and sickles, were put on display to educate visitors and emulate the weaponry that was used throughout the time periods. 

A merchandise tent, Oma’s Costume Closet, provided event-goers with clothing that fit in with the renaissance theme. Corsets, skirts, dresses and other accessories were available for purchase. 

Dark Goddess Leather Pleasures, a leatherworking and clothing merchant tent, was run by Diane Kowalski, a GVSU Alumni. Before her time as a merchant, she was involved in the Renaissance Festival Club from 1999 to 2003 as a student. After being involved in 23 fairs over the years, she has made her mark on the renaissance festival. 

“I stuck around and I help as a mentor or as a go-to person if they have questions or if they need anything,” Kowalski said. 

In addition to being a merchant, she has recently gotten involved with Her Majesty’s Royal Guard as a squire. This community goes through intense training to grow as a knight in a historically accurate way and put on shows as entertainment for attendees of the event. 

Marshal Hywel, a member of Her Majesty’s Royal Guard for 25 years and GVSU Alumni, was one of the original members of the GVSU Renaissance Festival Club. Now, he comes back to the festival to perform combat with fellow knights. 

Each knight is protected with a hand-crafted and uniquely molded armor, which they learn to build and shape themselves. They are then equipped with a sword and battle one another in the arena that was set up in the middle of the tents. Attendees watched the show as sparks flew when swords collided with one another. 

Before this is possible for knights however, they spend their time as a squire learning to fight, crafting their own armor, choosing a persona and a desired time period. 

“Part of their squirehood is making that armor, so they cold-steel hammer everything into place and just start building their armor on piece at a time painstakingly,” Hywel said. “It’s very customized to the person because if it doesn’t fit you exactly it hurts you very badly.”

Later in the day on Saturday, a knighting ceremony was held where a squire of eight years was officially knighted, which is an event that only happens every few years.

Other entertainment was present for the festival, such as musicians, storytellers, and some on campus clubs. The GVSU Shakespeare Club put on a performance of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Louis Armstrong Theatre, Haas Center for Performing Arts. 

An estimated 200 people attended the festival this year. High attendance rates like these are what allows the club to keep this tradition going from year to year. 

Students interested in joining the Renaissance Festival Club are always welcome to reach out to and attend the events they hold throughout the year. 

Gallery • 35 Photos

Annabelle Robinson

GVL / Annabelle Robinson