Women’s Way Initiative
In partnership with DGRI, the Greater GR Women's History Council, the City of Grand Rapids, local artists and numerous community members, Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts initiates a series of murals that commemorate historically influential Grand Rapids Women.
This Women's Way initiative aspires to elevate historical narratives of exceptional local leaders while adding new energy and creative interest to often-overlooked public places. Each mural, located in alleyways around the city, is designed and created by a local artist. While taking part in a series of community listening session each artist gathers inspiration for their design. The murals created in alleys, often deemed unsafe for women, now become radical spaces where women are celebrated and remembered.
To date there are five murals painted around the city:
Harriet Woods Hill
Artist: Jasmine Bruce
Location: Alley off of Louis St. NW at the northwest corner of GRPD
Angelina Kelsey "Naw Kay O Say" Yob
Artist: Alan Compo
Location: Alley off Sheldon Ave NE between the Grand Rapids Children's Museum and The Apartment Lounge
GR Chicks 1945 All American Baseball Team
Artist: Michi Farias
Location: Alley of Newberry St. NW behind Auto Fixit Body Shop
Maurilia Ortiz Blakely
Artist: Arturo Romero
Location: Alley off Fulton St. W next to San Chez Bistro
Ethel Coe
Artist: Esan Sommersell
Location: Alley off Monroe Ave NW on the northside of 20 Monroe Live
These murals honor our past and celebrate female leaders: who they are, what they stood for, and the beneficial impact that they've had on our community. Their legacies recorded and remembered.
Through this initiative, we hope to inspire others and create more pioneers within our community. We hope to positively impact the public's perception, encourage local women to pursue leadership opportunities, and inspire everyone to seek out information on our history.
To learn more, go to https://www.womenswaygr.org/
To Support Programs Like This…
If you are interested in public art, empowerment, and Grand Rapids history, we invite you to donate to our other initiatives similar to Women’s Way! Small donations of $25 or more can ensure that our programs are a success. Donations go towards artist compensation, materials, and professional development for local artists. Help us create impactful murals in our community, donate today!