Art Is Essential 2
After Hours Public Art Space
Everyone's an Artist Gallery and Studios
We believe that art is an essential part of being human. While society may determine that only certain people are capable of creating art, we disagree. We think that everyone can be a part of making something magical and are making a place for the magic to happen.
On this page
What's here
Jump to a part of the page or to a free tool. The wave generator, the print tool and the coloring pages are free to use.
The Words of Wonder Project
Words of Wonder
Art made from the sound of yehi, "let there be," the first word God spoke in Genesis 1:3 and the word that started all of creation.
Words of Wonder is an ongoing project. We take meaningful words, turn their sounds into patterns and bring those patterns to life. Yehi is the first of many. Next, we'll carry these designs off the screen and into the real world, projected onto canvases and made into art you can see up close and touch.
Swipe sideways to see more videos →
We made this with a word. The word is yehi. It means "let there be," the first word spoken in Genesis 1:3.
— Art Is Essential 2 (@RtIsessential2) Watch short 1 on X
We made this with a word. The word is yehi. It means "let there be," the first word spoken in Genesis 1:3.
— Art Is Essential 2 (@RtIsessential2) Watch short 2 on X
We made this with a word. The word is yehi. It means "let there be," the first word spoken in Genesis 1:3.
— Art Is Essential 2 (@RtIsessential2) Watch short 3 on X
We made this with a word. The word is yehi. It means "let there be," the first word spoken in Genesis 1:3.
— Art Is Essential 2 (@RtIsessential2) Watch short 4 on X
From Words of Wonder
God in Love
The Shop
Take a piece home
The crop tool is free to use. Pick a piece of the art you love, frame it your way and download it. No account, no cost. Ready-made prints are on the way and if you'd like, you can also send us a crop to have a print or product made.
We need something better than bars...
People come alive after the sun goes down, so we have to wonder why there are so few options at night? We feel that people need an alternative to the typical night out, something they can do where they can feel like they are doing something good past midnight for once!
In order to provide this space for the people, we are establishing an after-hours, alcohol-free art studio and gallery that is open to the public in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Our Goal
A shared space where everyone can create.
Our Mission
To create substance-free public spaces for everyone to have a place to create, perform, view, buy and sell artwork with zero commission.
Everyone's an Artist Gallery and Studios
Our Vision
A city where creating art is as easy to do at midnight as buying a drink is.
We picture Grand Rapids with a late-night, alcohol-free art sanctuary (nights first, 10 PM to 8 AM) where you can make something instead of just sit on a bar stool.
Under one roof, Everyone's an Artist Gallery and Studios will offer:
Free Community Floor and Collaborative Collage
Open workspace and a giant collaborative collage, no purchase required.
Zero-Commission Gallery
Local artists keep 100% of their price.
Late-Night Cafe
Coffee, tea and pastries, buying is always optional.
Art-Supply Retail
Supply sales help keep free access open for everyone.
Private Studio Spaces
Studio spaces available for a five-hour period, first come, first served.
Core Crew
Artists are paid and given a place to work, show their art and be part of the movement.
Help Us Find a Home
We need a place to permanently call home so people have a place to create. If you know of a space that would work, please let us know.
Get Involved
Art In The Community
Until we find a place to call home, we are making free pop-up art stations on the streets of Grand Rapids Michigan. Using paint, markers, chalk, pens, paper and canvasses, we make masterpieces then give them away!
