Sep 15 Monday
Bird Banding Up Close
Wednesdays, August 27 – September 24, 8-10 am (weather permitting)
Wednesdays, October 1 – October 29, 9-11 am (weather permitting)
Fee: Included in regular KNC admission Audience: All agesMeet: Banding Barn near KNC Camp
For half a century, the Kalamazoo Valley Bird Observatory’s team of researchers has been banding birds. This long-running program has contributed data on over 650,000 birds to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory that is actively being used for scientific research, management and conservation of birds across the country. As we embark on our 52nd year of this critical work, we invite you to come witness the intricate process of bird banding and observe these beautiful birds up close at the KNC Banding Barn.
All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Lab
Sep 16 Tuesday
Sep 17 Wednesday
Imani Perry explores the deep cultural and emotional ties between the history of Black people and the color blue. From indigo cloths traded during slavery to blues music’s blend of sorrow and resilience, Perry weaves personal narrative, history, and art into a powerful meditation on race. Drawing on symbols like blue skies, water, and flowers, she crafts a poignant, original examination of Black identity that captures both the pain and beauty of the human experience.
Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.All book discussions are free, open to the public, and take place in-person at the Meader Fine Arts Library. Participants do not need to have read the book, but it will help facilitate the overall discussion. Preregistration is encouraged.
Sep 18 Thursday
Enjoy free admission and extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.
Inspired by the Ink Rhapsody exhibition and want to try your hand at Chinese ink painting? Join us for a workshop led by local artist Julia Wang, a fourth-generation disciple of the Lingnan School! Create your own ink painting while learning more about this expressive art form and the many different ways in which influential Chinese artists have used ink to convey meaning throughout history. This workshop is free to attend, but seats are limited – preregistration is highly encouraged! No prior experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided.
Want to learn more about Chinese ink painting? Don’t miss Wang’s ArtBreak on the Lingnan School on August 27!
The Alaya Project is the essential bridge between the intricate Carnatic style of Indian classical music and contemporary jazz and funk. Born in the cultural bastion of Oakland, California, The Alaya Project explores new textures and perspectives built over two decades of friendship, dialogue, and musical immersion across genres and continents.
The driving hybrid kit grooves of Indian percussionist and drummer Rohan Krishnamurthy, the soulful Ragas and melodies of Prasant Radhakrishnan on saxophone, and the harmonic bedrock of Colin Hogan embodies the permanence of a changing soundscape.
Advance tickets are $17 general admission, $14 for seniors/active military and veterans, $5 for ages 25 and under, and $40 for families (2 adults + kids).
Sep 19 Friday
If cost has made it hard to get the dental care you need, this day is for you.
Join us for our 12th Annual Smiles from the Heart Free Dental Day, offering free cleanings, fillings, or extractions to those in need.
📅 Friday, September 19th
🕗 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Hudsonville Dental
3250 Central Blvd, Hudsonville, MI 49426
🦷 What to Expect
➤ Choose ONE service: cleaning, filling, or extraction
➤ First-come, first-served (lines often begin before 7:00 AM)
➤ No insurance required
➤ Bring photo ID and a list of medications
💙 Why We Do It
Smiles from the Heart started with a simple idea: what if our team could spend a day giving care to people who need it most, no cost, no catch, just compassion? Twelve years later, with the support of our West Michigan sister offices, we’ve provided more than $475,000+ in free dental care to over 1,400 people in need.
It’s our way of giving back to the community that’s always been there for us.
📲 Questions?
Call or text us at 616-669-6600
Or message us right here on Facebook
🔁 Can’t make it? Know someone who may benefit? Please share.