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Artwork, music take center stage at showcase

The Stray was busy place as Godwin Heights students, staff and community members enjoyed student artwork and listened to members of the high school band

Godwin Heights — Anyone who happened to stop by Wyoming’s The Stray on March 13 would have been hard pressed to find a seat.

The place was packed as Godwin Heights hosted its second art and music showcase, “On a Personal Note,” at the cafe and music venue, 4253 S. Division Ave.

It was two years ago that Godwin Heights first partnered with The Stray to feature the work of students. This year, along with the work from students in 7th-12th grade being featured, students from the high school band were invited to perform, said high school art teacher Deanne Basse, who helped to coordinate the showcase.

“I didn’t think they would be able to fit all the band equipment in here, but they did,” said Hunter VanKlompenberg, the cafe’s music and arts manager.

Filling the venue’s stage, the music portion featured a mix of group and solo performances including an original piece by junior Kai Christiansen.

Student artwork was scattered throughout the venue.

Off to the side was junior Sienna Garcia, who painted at a coffee bar table.

“I find it inspiring to paint in an event like this, as it is very open and artistic,” Sienna said. “I am excited to be a part of it.”

Read more from Godwin Heights: 
‘Never one-size-fits-all’: Showing up for each day’s unique challenges motivates this teacher
Kent ISD STEAM educator event targets connection, collaboration

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Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Joanne Bailey-Boorsma is a reporter covering Kent ISD, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, Forest Hills and Comstock Park. The salutatorian for the Hartland Public Schools class of 1985, she changed her colors from blue and maize to green and white by attending Michigan State University, where she majored in journalism. Joanne moved to the Grand Rapids area in 1989, where she started her journalism career at the Advance Newspapers. She later became the editor for On-the-Town magazine, a local arts and entertainment publication. Her husband, Mike, works the General Motors plant in Wyoming; her oldest daughter, Kara, is a registered nurse working in Holland, and her youngest, Maggie, is studying music at Oakland University. She is a volunteer for the Van Singel Fine Arts Advisory Board and the Kent District Library. In her free time, Joanne enjoys spending time with her family, checking out local theater and keeping up with all the exchange students they have hosted through the years.

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