I organized the first Free Radical Gallery event in January 2003 to provide
alternative venues for artists to display their work; reconnect art and artists with the larger community; and provide a means
to showcase the potential of traditional business districts. The end results include empowering an under-utilized component
of society (artists) to re-energize under-utilized areas of the city while re-contextualizing arts role in under-served communities.
After a brief hiatus the Free Radical is back as the New Free Radicals with
the first event scheduled for April 2009. The goals are the same with some slight variations in the approach. Developing
collaborations and a change of geography to the Center City of Grand Rapids the focus shifts to developing
a vibrant Contemporary Art event.
The Free Radical is open to all artists to participate in. The Free Radical is a framework in which artists, building
owners, business owners and community members create a unique event. The Free Radical charges and pays no fees as all participation
is on a volunteer basis.
