Real Pirates tells the story of the first authenticated pirate shipwreck in U.S. waters, Whydah. Through the diverse stories of the people who lives converged on board, you will be transformed back into time learning about the fierce storm that sank the vessel in 1717. The ship was located in 1984 off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts where it is still be excavated today. This exhibit will feature over 150 authentic artifacts including treasure, weaponry, everyday objects, and personal items.

The exhibit will go until April 2015.  For more details, visit www.grpm.org

The art exhibit, Courage Ablaze: The Women and Children of Congo, created by artist Pamela Alderman illustrates Congolese women and children who experienced extreme trauma in their homeland. These women and children have since found refuge here in West Michigan.

The atrocities faced by these women and children at the hands of militant soldiers are horribly unbelievable but real no less. Despite their suffering, the strength of their unbroken spirit inspires the most downtrodden.

The Van Singel is part of the Byron Center High School complex and is located at 84th Street and Burlingame SW in Byron Center. For information go to www.vsfac.com or call 616.878.6800.

Attention artists, writers, musicians and all creative workers!

Every monday night, the Grand Rapids Brewing Company invites creatives are invited to gather in the back private room and unleash your creativity and getting a discount for doing so.  The idea is to provide a space for like minded individuals to come together and not only work on their own projects but also collaborate and share ideas and information with others in the community.

Live background music is provided by M.O.T.H. (Matt Finch and company) to set the mood and infuse the night with some creative energy.

25% discount for anyone who participates.  So if you are an artist, writer, musician, or any other creative worker come join us from 6-11pm on monday nights. 21+

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Rey Weidenaar, the exhibition will showcase a large portion of Weidenaar’s prints, plates, tools and personal effects. The collection speaks to the history of Grand Rapids from the artist’s point of view. Over 100 works by Weidenaar will be on display, including 75 prints and 25 digital images. The exhibition will focus specifically on how Weidenaar incorporated local scenes, humor, and his own personal worldview and politics into his art.

The new exhibit will ask visitors to contemplate Weidenaar’s self-designated role of chronicler of his community – not just its physical features, but its moods, sensibilities, and peculiarities. Visitors will gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the work of this widely acclaimed artist, from right here in our own backyard.

Weidenaar was a master at including humor and satire in his prints, often in subtle and unexpected ways.  Visitors to the exhibit will be able to use magnifying glasses and high resolution scans to explore prints like “It Was a Terrible Day” and “They Who Go Down to the Sea in Ships” for hidden messages and ridiculous situations.

www.grmp.org

A Second Glance: A Showcase of Local Artists from ArtPrize 2014 will be on display in the LowellArts! King Gallery. The exhibition includes artists who live within 20 miles of the City of Lowell, and were selected to be part of this show. This is a great opportunity to get a second look at artwork by many talented local artists who had their work in ArtPrize 2014.

You’re also invited to a Meet-the-Artists Reception on January 11, 2-4 pm.

For more details and gallery hours, visit www.lowellartsmi.org.