HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – An art show, a visiting writer, cooking classes, and a rugby game are just a few of the things you don’t want to miss out on this week in the Holland Area!
4/25 Monday: Holland Friends of Art Spring Show at the Holland Area Arts Council- Every year, Holland Friends of Art members bring their artwork to brighten one of Holland Area Arts Council galleries before, during, and after Tulip Time. The Arts Council looks forward to showing off local talent during such a busy season! This year, their spring theme encouraged members to bring a variety of subjects that spark the energy of spring. Their work will be on display in the Lievense Gallery. 150 E 8th St, Holland; 10am to 8pm; Free.
4/26 Tuesday: Herrick District Library Writers Series: Christianity in Stained Glass- The Rev. Dr. Lynne A. Kogel, author/photographer of the stunningly beautiful pictorial book, “Christianity in Stained Glass,” will give a PowerPoint presentation on the history of stained glass. The presentation will include a discussion on how to read stained glass, emphasizing Philadelphia’s Willet Stained Glass Studios’ interpretations of the works of Giotto, Italian painter and architect on the cutting edge of the Renaissance. From glass in antiquity, ancient Egypt, and shipwrecks of Phoenician sailors to the elaborate pictorial representation of Biblical stories in great Gothic cathedrals, Dr. Kogel’s love and knowledge of stained glass promise to educate, entertain, and move you. 300 South River Avenue, Holland; 6:30pm to 8:30pm; Free.
4/27 Wednesday: Fustini’s School of Cooking: Knife Skills Class- Put down your knife! Well, at least until you know how to store, wash, hone, sharpen and cut with it. Andy will work with you in this hands on class that will have you fearlessly braving the blade. Fresh vegetables, served over greens with custom made vinaigrette. Call 616-392-1111 to sign up. Payment is expected at time of registration to save your seat. Email denise@fustinis.com with any questions. Please notify Fustini’s of any dietary restrictions. 24 East Eighth Street, Holland; 12-1:30pm; $40 per person and includes a 10% discount on product.
4/28 Thursday: W.O.R. for Warriors at Macatawa Bay Middle School Soccer Stadium- The West Ottawa Rugby team is hosting a charity game to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. This is an in-season game against Catholic Central. 3700 140th Avenue, Holland; 6:00pm (JV) 7:30pm (Varsity); $5.
4/29 Friday: It Is Well Ballet at Knickerbocker Theatre- It Is Well is an original ballet inspired by the true story of Grand Rapids resident Diet Eman who was imprisoned under Hitler for her efforts in hiding Jews in the Nazi-controlled Netherlands. Follow in Diet’s footsteps as she struggles with doubt, uncertainty and loss. Experience the beauty of God’s abiding love and grace as Diet finds joy in the midst of terrible suffering by looking to God through every circumstance. A story of faith and courage, this ballet will touch your heart and draw you closer to God through the beauty of music and dance. Performed by the Turning Pointe School of Dance Ensemble. 86 East 8th Street, Holland; 7pm; Advance: $15 Student/$19 Adult Door: $17 Student/$21 Adult.
4/30 Saturday: 3rd Annual Hellkaat Hundie & Hellkitten Fiddie in Hudsonville- 3rd Annual 100 mile gravel road race (or 50 miles for the kitten) from 3RD COAST CYCLES. This race is a fundraiser for JDRF, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the first year they raised about $2500 with 150 racers. In its second year over 200 racers and about $11,000 dollars were raised. Sign up is at bikereg.com. The event starts at 3rd Coast Cycles. 5211 Cherry Av, Hudsonville; 8am; Donations for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation are encouraged.
5/1 Sunday: “More Than Tulips” Garden Tours at Windmill Island Gardens- For gardeners who’ve been waiting all winter to see green again, nothing is more welcome than the sight of early spring flowers. Even before the tulips make their famous appearance, the many perennial flowers, shrubs and of course bulbs, fill the landscape with extraordinary beauty. At Windmill Island Gardens the show begins, believe it or not, in late February with snowdrops and crocus. As March leans into April, the second act begins. At least 17 varieties of daffodils, jonquils, and narcissi accounting for literally thousands of blooms have been planted over the past few years. In addition, there will be hellebores, hyacinths, giant snowdrops, Spanish bluebells, forsythia, lilac, anemones, muscari, fritillaria, and bleeding heart. There are many advantages to an assortment of early bloomers. These bulbs and plants proliferate every year without special care, are more resilient and resistant to the vagaries of weather and harsh winters, and they are not the dinner of choice for the deer population who regularly visit the gardens. In celebration of these spring wonders, Windmill Island Gardens is offering “More than Tulips” pre-Tulip Time guided tours of the gardens hosted by members of the Horticulture staff. Come visit the gardens to see the first of many colorful shows the gardens will offer throughout the season. Enjoy the often overlooked supporting role that early blooming flowers play in the landscape and get inspired for more spring blooms to come. 7th Street and Lincoln Avenue, Holland; 11am & 1 pm; Tours are included with General Admission to Windmill Island Gardens ($9 Adults, $5 Kids 3-15).
