By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
One person was killed Sunday morning when their small airplane crashed at Ottawa Executive Airport in Zeeland Township.
The crash was reported shortly before 11 a.m. Ottawa County Central Dispatch received a call at that time of a crash at the airport, located at 5923 Byron Rd. When responders arrived at the scene, they found a small plane with heavy damage just off the runway on the airport property.
The pilot was the sole occupant of the plane, and died of injuries resulting from the crash, Sgt. Jon Knott of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said.
The name of the pilot was not released. The crash investigation has been turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration, Knott said.
Responding agencies at the scene included the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Zeeland Township Fire Department, AMR Ambulance and the FAA.
Sunday’s crash was the second to occur at Ottawa Executive Airport this year. On April 8, a Cessna 180 single-engine plane overturned while attempting to land. Two people inside the plane declined medical treatment after the crash.
Zeeland Record
One person was killed Sunday morning when their small airplane crashed at Ottawa Executive Airport in Zeeland Township.
The crash was reported shortly before 11 a.m. Ottawa County Central Dispatch received a call at that time of a crash at the airport, located at 5923 Byron Rd. When responders arrived at the scene, they found a small plane with heavy damage just off the runway on the airport property.
The pilot was the sole occupant of the plane, and died of injuries resulting from the crash, Sgt. Jon Knott of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said.
The name of the pilot was not released. The crash investigation has been turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration, Knott said.
Responding agencies at the scene included the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Zeeland Township Fire Department, AMR Ambulance and the FAA.
Sunday’s crash was the second to occur at Ottawa Executive Airport this year. On April 8, a Cessna 180 single-engine plane overturned while attempting to land. Two people inside the plane declined medical treatment after the crash.
County Pauses Administrator Search
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Ottawa County commissioners have hit the pause button on their search for a new administrator, at least for the rest of this summer.
The board announced at a June 24 meeting that it will hold off on hiring the new administrator until September, based on a recommendation from interim county administrator Gary Rosema. The decision came after the board interviewed one finalist for the job, but four others pulled their names from consideration before interviewing.
“The new administrator is this board’s top priority. There’s no question about that,” Board Chairman John Teeples said at the June 24 meeting. “But there’s no drama (about) where we stand today.
There’s no urgency in where we stand today. Gary Rosema and Ron Frantz have both expressed a willingness to stay on as we need them. They’ve done an incredible job over the last six months.
They have garnered trust throughout this entire board, throughout this entire community.”
Rosema, a former county sheriff, has served as interim administrator since January, and Frantz, a former county prosecutor, has assisted Rosema.
Commissioners last month interviewed Col. Michael Tremblay, a southwest Michigan native with more than 30 years of military experience. Tremblay served as garrison commander of U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Humphreys in South Korea, overseeing a $1.1 billion capital improvement budget and leading one of the largest infrastructure transformations in the region.
While four other finalists withdrew their names from consideration before being interviewed, Teeples remains upbeat about the remaining candidate field. He called on his board colleagues to take a “collective breath.”
“I’ve lost a lot of sleep over a lot of issues dealing with this county over the last six months,” he said. “I’ve not lost a single moment of sleep over this issue. We have this under control.”
Double Haul Solutions, which had assisted the county in the administrator search withdrew its involvement in the search June 19.
Commissioner Joe Moss sounded a similar tone to Teeples.
“It’s not abnormal to go through multiple rounds in a search,” Moss said. “One thing that we’ve talked about a lot over the last couple of years is process, and sometimes things require a process, and you don’t know exactly how long it’s going to take. If this takes a little bit longer to get to the right result, that’s completely fine with me.”
Rosema said he would reach out to candidates who were not initially invited for interviews to see if they were still interested in the position.
“We’ll send all the candidates an email or letter, indicating our path forward, and we’ll ask if they want to remain in the pool of active candidates,” Rosema said.
The county has not had a permanent administrator since John Gibbs was fired by the board in February 2024.
Zeeland Record
Ottawa County commissioners have hit the pause button on their search for a new administrator, at least for the rest of this summer.
The board announced at a June 24 meeting that it will hold off on hiring the new administrator until September, based on a recommendation from interim county administrator Gary Rosema. The decision came after the board interviewed one finalist for the job, but four others pulled their names from consideration before interviewing.
“The new administrator is this board’s top priority. There’s no question about that,” Board Chairman John Teeples said at the June 24 meeting. “But there’s no drama (about) where we stand today.
There’s no urgency in where we stand today. Gary Rosema and Ron Frantz have both expressed a willingness to stay on as we need them. They’ve done an incredible job over the last six months.
They have garnered trust throughout this entire board, throughout this entire community.”
Rosema, a former county sheriff, has served as interim administrator since January, and Frantz, a former county prosecutor, has assisted Rosema.
Commissioners last month interviewed Col. Michael Tremblay, a southwest Michigan native with more than 30 years of military experience. Tremblay served as garrison commander of U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Humphreys in South Korea, overseeing a $1.1 billion capital improvement budget and leading one of the largest infrastructure transformations in the region.
While four other finalists withdrew their names from consideration before being interviewed, Teeples remains upbeat about the remaining candidate field. He called on his board colleagues to take a “collective breath.”
“I’ve lost a lot of sleep over a lot of issues dealing with this county over the last six months,” he said. “I’ve not lost a single moment of sleep over this issue. We have this under control.”
Double Haul Solutions, which had assisted the county in the administrator search withdrew its involvement in the search June 19.
Commissioner Joe Moss sounded a similar tone to Teeples.
“It’s not abnormal to go through multiple rounds in a search,” Moss said. “One thing that we’ve talked about a lot over the last couple of years is process, and sometimes things require a process, and you don’t know exactly how long it’s going to take. If this takes a little bit longer to get to the right result, that’s completely fine with me.”
Rosema said he would reach out to candidates who were not initially invited for interviews to see if they were still interested in the position.
“We’ll send all the candidates an email or letter, indicating our path forward, and we’ll ask if they want to remain in the pool of active candidates,” Rosema said.
The county has not had a permanent administrator since John Gibbs was fired by the board in February 2024.
Groesser Named New County 911 Director
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority (OCCDA) Policy Board has appointed Matt Groesser to be the county’s new central dispatch director, effective July 14.
Groesser comes to Ottawa County from neighboring Kent County, where he spent 22 years at the county’s communications center. While there, he was responsible for overseeing all facets of the center’s operations. Following his service there, he served as the county’s Emergency Management director, a role he held for nearly four years until his retirement in August 2024.
Groesser replaces Pete McWatters, who is retiring after more than five years of service as Ottawa County’s 911 director. During his tenure, McWatters and his team achieved several significant milestones, including a complete dispatch center redesign and securing licensing for fire departments to access Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems directly from fire apparatus. They also obtained licensing to allow police commanders remote access to CAD via cell phones for improved incident awareness.
“I’m honored to step into this role. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Pete McWatters for his years of dedicated leadership, service, and commitment to excellence which has set a strong foundation for the future,” Groesser said. “I look forward to building on that legacy and serving the people of Ottawa County ensuring the highest standards of emergency communications.”
As 911 director, McWatters led two countywide radio reprogramming initiatives to enhance interoperability, updated the Ottawa County’s 911 plan, and refinanced the loan from the 2016 radio system upgrade — shortening the loan term and saving $700,000 in interest costs. His leadership also oversaw numerous other technology and equipment upgrades that strengthened the services provided by OCCDA to both first responders and the community.
“Pete has served the Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority and our community extremely well,” OCCDA Policy Board Chairman Keith Van Beek said. “His prior knowledge of emergency services combined with a calm and steady leadership style contributed to a very reliable and trustworthy organization and the operations that we all count on every day. I fully trust that Matt will step into this role and continue the legacy of leadership, partnering with our stakeholder agencies and dispatch staff in pursuing excellence every day.”
A reception to welcome Groesser will be held at Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 2:30 p.m. at Central Dispatch Authority headquarters, 12101 Stanton St. in West Olive. The reception is open to the public.
Zeeland Record
The Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority (OCCDA) Policy Board has appointed Matt Groesser to be the county’s new central dispatch director, effective July 14.
Groesser comes to Ottawa County from neighboring Kent County, where he spent 22 years at the county’s communications center. While there, he was responsible for overseeing all facets of the center’s operations. Following his service there, he served as the county’s Emergency Management director, a role he held for nearly four years until his retirement in August 2024.
Groesser replaces Pete McWatters, who is retiring after more than five years of service as Ottawa County’s 911 director. During his tenure, McWatters and his team achieved several significant milestones, including a complete dispatch center redesign and securing licensing for fire departments to access Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems directly from fire apparatus. They also obtained licensing to allow police commanders remote access to CAD via cell phones for improved incident awareness.
“I’m honored to step into this role. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Pete McWatters for his years of dedicated leadership, service, and commitment to excellence which has set a strong foundation for the future,” Groesser said. “I look forward to building on that legacy and serving the people of Ottawa County ensuring the highest standards of emergency communications.”
As 911 director, McWatters led two countywide radio reprogramming initiatives to enhance interoperability, updated the Ottawa County’s 911 plan, and refinanced the loan from the 2016 radio system upgrade — shortening the loan term and saving $700,000 in interest costs. His leadership also oversaw numerous other technology and equipment upgrades that strengthened the services provided by OCCDA to both first responders and the community.
“Pete has served the Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority and our community extremely well,” OCCDA Policy Board Chairman Keith Van Beek said. “His prior knowledge of emergency services combined with a calm and steady leadership style contributed to a very reliable and trustworthy organization and the operations that we all count on every day. I fully trust that Matt will step into this role and continue the legacy of leadership, partnering with our stakeholder agencies and dispatch staff in pursuing excellence every day.”
A reception to welcome Groesser will be held at Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 2:30 p.m. at Central Dispatch Authority headquarters, 12101 Stanton St. in West Olive. The reception is open to the public.
Subdivision Street Resurfacing Begins Next Week in Zeeland Township
Some subdivision streets in Zeeland Township will be repaved starting next week under a project contracted by the Ottawa County Road Commission.
The street resurfacing is scheduled to take place July 8-17. However, those dates are subject to change without notice, according to the Road Commission.
Streets to be repaved are:
• Drumlin Drive, from Esker Drive east to the cul-de-sac
• Esker Drive, from Adams Street north to the cul-de-sac
• Kettle Lane, from Esker Drive east to the cul-de-sac
• Bluff Ridge Drive, from Mid Bluff Drive to Sand Lake Drive
• Sand Lake Drive from Bluff Lake Street south to the cul-de-sac
The project will cost an estimated $250,000, with funding to come from the township’s road millage, Township Manager Josh Eggleston said.
Voters last November approved restoring the road levy to one full mill after it had been rolled back by the Headlee Amendment. The current tax is in effect through 2030.
Black Gold Transport Inc. of Dorr is the contractor that will perform the resurfacing, Road Commission spokesman Alex Doty said.
The street resurfacing is scheduled to take place July 8-17. However, those dates are subject to change without notice, according to the Road Commission.
Streets to be repaved are:
• Drumlin Drive, from Esker Drive east to the cul-de-sac
• Esker Drive, from Adams Street north to the cul-de-sac
• Kettle Lane, from Esker Drive east to the cul-de-sac
• Bluff Ridge Drive, from Mid Bluff Drive to Sand Lake Drive
• Sand Lake Drive from Bluff Lake Street south to the cul-de-sac
The project will cost an estimated $250,000, with funding to come from the township’s road millage, Township Manager Josh Eggleston said.
Voters last November approved restoring the road levy to one full mill after it had been rolled back by the Headlee Amendment. The current tax is in effect through 2030.
Black Gold Transport Inc. of Dorr is the contractor that will perform the resurfacing, Road Commission spokesman Alex Doty said.
Lakeshore Advantage Names New Members to Board of Directors
John Burmeister, regional banking market director and senior vice president at Huntington National Bank, has been appointed to the board of directors of Lakeshore Advantage.
Kevin Costello is a new board member of Lakeshore Advantage. Costello is a senior vice president and West Michigan market executive with Fifth Third Bank.
Bret Doctor, vice president of real estate at Tommy’s Express, is one of the newest board members for Lakeshore Advantage.
Lakeshore Advantage has announced the appointment of three new members to its board of directors: John Burmeister, regional banking market director and senior vice president, representing Huntington National Bank; Kevin Costello, senior vice president and West Michigan market executive, representing Fifth Third Bank; and Bret Docter, vice president of real estate at Tommy’s Express, representing the Now for the Next Fund.
The new members began three-year terms July 1. They will help guide the strategic direction of Lakeshore Advantage as the organization works to ensure West Michigan’s Lakeshore region as a top destination for business and talent. The three leaders will fill newly created major investor board seats.
“These new board members are more than advisors – they’re champions of our region’s long-term success,” said Jeff Stutz, Lakeshore Advantage board chair and chief financial officer at MillerKnoll. “Their leadership will ensure we stay focused on what matters most: driving smart, sustainable economic growth for the Lakeshore.”
The three new board members reflect Lakeshore Advantage’s strategic move to formally involve major investors in steering the region’s long-term economic growth. In May 2025, the Lakeshore Advantage board added up to 10 designated positions for major investors on a board that can hold a total of 30 members.
The Lakeshore Advantage board represents a broad cross-section of the region’s industries and employers. These new board seats were created to give the organization’s most committed investors a formal voice in shaping Lakeshore Advantage’s strategic direction. The board is responsible for setting strategic priorities and ensuring that resources align with the organization’s mission.
“These leaders have already demonstrated a deep commitment to our mission through their investment and engagement,” Lakeshore Advantage president Jennifer Owens said. “Their strategic insight and dedication to regional prosperity will help drive bold action and ensure our region remains a magnet for business and talent.”
The new members began three-year terms July 1. They will help guide the strategic direction of Lakeshore Advantage as the organization works to ensure West Michigan’s Lakeshore region as a top destination for business and talent. The three leaders will fill newly created major investor board seats.
“These new board members are more than advisors – they’re champions of our region’s long-term success,” said Jeff Stutz, Lakeshore Advantage board chair and chief financial officer at MillerKnoll. “Their leadership will ensure we stay focused on what matters most: driving smart, sustainable economic growth for the Lakeshore.”
The three new board members reflect Lakeshore Advantage’s strategic move to formally involve major investors in steering the region’s long-term economic growth. In May 2025, the Lakeshore Advantage board added up to 10 designated positions for major investors on a board that can hold a total of 30 members.
The Lakeshore Advantage board represents a broad cross-section of the region’s industries and employers. These new board seats were created to give the organization’s most committed investors a formal voice in shaping Lakeshore Advantage’s strategic direction. The board is responsible for setting strategic priorities and ensuring that resources align with the organization’s mission.
“These leaders have already demonstrated a deep commitment to our mission through their investment and engagement,” Lakeshore Advantage president Jennifer Owens said. “Their strategic insight and dedication to regional prosperity will help drive bold action and ensure our region remains a magnet for business and talent.”
Legislation Reintroduced to Grant Federal Recognition to Grand River Bands
U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) have reintroduced legislation to grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRB).
In addition to granting federal recognition to the GRB, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act would make its members eligible for benefits and services provided by the federal government, including tuition, health care, and housing assistance. U.S. Reps. Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) and John James (R-MI-10) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have been rooted in Michigan for generations. I’m proud to stand alongside them to introduce this bill, which would finally give the Tribe the federal recognition they deserve,” Peters said. “This bill would also make critical resources available to Tribal members and help them better protect their lands for future generations.”
“The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have fought for federal recognition for 30 years. They have historic ties to Michigan and treaties dating back to 1795 — but still can’t access the federal programs they’re owed,” Slotkin said. “The State of Michigan recognizes them. The federal government should too. It’s time to honor our promises and deliver the services tribal members were guaranteed.”
The GRB is a native sovereign nation with agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795. The GRB originally included 19 bands of Ottawa people who lived along the Grand River and other waterways in Southwest Michigan. Today, most of the GRB’s membership resides in Kent, Muskegon and Oceana counties.
“On behalf of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, I thank Sen. Peters and the delegation members who introduced and co-sponsored this bill, which will provide justice for our tribal members and give them access to resources they deserve and that they have been without for generations,” said Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. “After more than three decades of advocacy, we are grateful to Sen. Peters for his leadership and dedication to federal acknowledgment for our tribe.”
Scholten and James’ House companion legislation is supported by Reps. John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Lisa McClain (R-MI-09), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Tim Walberg (R-MI-05) and Haley Stevens (D-MI-11).
In addition to granting federal recognition to the GRB, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act would make its members eligible for benefits and services provided by the federal government, including tuition, health care, and housing assistance. U.S. Reps. Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) and John James (R-MI-10) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have been rooted in Michigan for generations. I’m proud to stand alongside them to introduce this bill, which would finally give the Tribe the federal recognition they deserve,” Peters said. “This bill would also make critical resources available to Tribal members and help them better protect their lands for future generations.”
“The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have fought for federal recognition for 30 years. They have historic ties to Michigan and treaties dating back to 1795 — but still can’t access the federal programs they’re owed,” Slotkin said. “The State of Michigan recognizes them. The federal government should too. It’s time to honor our promises and deliver the services tribal members were guaranteed.”
The GRB is a native sovereign nation with agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795. The GRB originally included 19 bands of Ottawa people who lived along the Grand River and other waterways in Southwest Michigan. Today, most of the GRB’s membership resides in Kent, Muskegon and Oceana counties.
“On behalf of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, I thank Sen. Peters and the delegation members who introduced and co-sponsored this bill, which will provide justice for our tribal members and give them access to resources they deserve and that they have been without for generations,” said Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. “After more than three decades of advocacy, we are grateful to Sen. Peters for his leadership and dedication to federal acknowledgment for our tribe.”
Scholten and James’ House companion legislation is supported by Reps. John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Lisa McClain (R-MI-09), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Tim Walberg (R-MI-05) and Haley Stevens (D-MI-11).
Art Trust Winners Revealed
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Two Zeeland artists were recently named among the winners in the 2025 Ottawa County Art Trust exhibition, presented by Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council.
Conni Schaftenaar and Alissa Volbeda were among 12 artists from throughout the county whose entries were recognized during a June 24 reception and awards ceremony at the county administration building in West Olive. About 150 people turned out for the reception.
Schaftenaar was honored for her watercolor painting, “Lovely Small Lakes, Loose Landscape Series,” while Volbeda was honored for her watercolor artwork, “Summer Rows.” Both pieces will be purchased, along with the other winning entries, by Ottawa County for its permanent art collection.
Other artists’ winning entries included:
• John Allen, of West Olive, “Cast Away” – Photography
• Janet Bohac, of Spring Lake, “Red Buoys” – Acrylic
• Elizabeth Bombara, of Holland, “Summer Serenity” – Oil
• Anna Donkersloot, of Holland, “Sunset in the Trees” – Cold Wax & Oil
• Carol Friend, of Jenison, Woods to Explore – Acrylic
• Sarah Huizenga, of Holland, “Shore Excursions” – Mixed Media, Collage, Acrylic
• Martha Lubbers, of Holland, “Dune III” – Oil on Linen
• Deb Neerken, of Hudsonville, “Branching Out” – Photography
• Brandi Otten, of Marne, “Storm Along the Lakeshore” – Mixed Media (Canvas, String, Burlap, Dried Leaves)
• Don Zenas, of Holland, “The Blue Gate” – Watercolor
This year’s Art Trust exhibition was the largest to date, featuring 144 entries by 79 artists who live or work in Ottawa County — making it the most robust showing in the trust’s history.
All submitted works will remain on display at the Ottawa County Administration Building weekdays through Sept. 8. Pieces not selected for the county’s collection are available for purchase directly from the exhibit.
The Ottawa County Art Trust is a celebration of local culture and creativity. It also serves as a way to preserve and share a legacy of visual art with future generations.
Established in 2018, the Art Trust exhibition is held annually and continues to grow Ottawa County’s fine art collection. To date, the collection includes 87 pieces from 58 artists. These works enrich the halls, conference rooms, and public spaces throughout county facilities.
You can get involved by:
• Visiting the exhibition to view and appreciating the artwork.
• Purchase artwork to support local artists, the Holland Area Arts Council, and the Art Trust. Many beautiful works remain available for sale.
For purchase inquiries, please contact Shannon Felgner at sfelgner@miottawa.org.
Zeeland Record
Two Zeeland artists were recently named among the winners in the 2025 Ottawa County Art Trust exhibition, presented by Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council.
Conni Schaftenaar and Alissa Volbeda were among 12 artists from throughout the county whose entries were recognized during a June 24 reception and awards ceremony at the county administration building in West Olive. About 150 people turned out for the reception.
Schaftenaar was honored for her watercolor painting, “Lovely Small Lakes, Loose Landscape Series,” while Volbeda was honored for her watercolor artwork, “Summer Rows.” Both pieces will be purchased, along with the other winning entries, by Ottawa County for its permanent art collection.
Other artists’ winning entries included:
• John Allen, of West Olive, “Cast Away” – Photography
• Janet Bohac, of Spring Lake, “Red Buoys” – Acrylic
• Elizabeth Bombara, of Holland, “Summer Serenity” – Oil
• Anna Donkersloot, of Holland, “Sunset in the Trees” – Cold Wax & Oil
• Carol Friend, of Jenison, Woods to Explore – Acrylic
• Sarah Huizenga, of Holland, “Shore Excursions” – Mixed Media, Collage, Acrylic
• Martha Lubbers, of Holland, “Dune III” – Oil on Linen
• Deb Neerken, of Hudsonville, “Branching Out” – Photography
• Brandi Otten, of Marne, “Storm Along the Lakeshore” – Mixed Media (Canvas, String, Burlap, Dried Leaves)
• Don Zenas, of Holland, “The Blue Gate” – Watercolor
This year’s Art Trust exhibition was the largest to date, featuring 144 entries by 79 artists who live or work in Ottawa County — making it the most robust showing in the trust’s history.
All submitted works will remain on display at the Ottawa County Administration Building weekdays through Sept. 8. Pieces not selected for the county’s collection are available for purchase directly from the exhibit.
The Ottawa County Art Trust is a celebration of local culture and creativity. It also serves as a way to preserve and share a legacy of visual art with future generations.
Established in 2018, the Art Trust exhibition is held annually and continues to grow Ottawa County’s fine art collection. To date, the collection includes 87 pieces from 58 artists. These works enrich the halls, conference rooms, and public spaces throughout county facilities.
You can get involved by:
• Visiting the exhibition to view and appreciating the artwork.
• Purchase artwork to support local artists, the Holland Area Arts Council, and the Art Trust. Many beautiful works remain available for sale.
For purchase inquiries, please contact Shannon Felgner at sfelgner@miottawa.org.
Decorate Tote Bags at Windmill Island Gardens
The monthly Make and Take Series at Windmill Island Gardens continues in July with the opportunity to make custom floral stamped totes.
The next Make and Take class will be next Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., when you can learn how to use a unique floral stamping technique to decorate personalized tote bags. Windmill Island Gardens staff will show you how to use fresh flowers grown right here from its gardens to transfer their bright colors on to tote bags with light hammering in a fun and natural way to dye and decorate your totes.
The Floral Stamping class will be held in the white Celebration Pavilion of Windmill Island Gardens, 1 Lincoln Ave., Holland. Class fees are $20 per person and will include all needed supplies.
Tickets are non-refundable, but can be used as credits towards future Make and Take classes.
Windmill Island Gardens hosts a Make and Take class on the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. through November. This monthly crafting series consists of various projects with Dutch or garden themes where registration fees vary.
For more details on Make and Takes and other upcoming events at Windmill Island Gardens, visit windmillisland.com/programs. Windmill Island Gardens is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission sold at 5 p.m.) through October.
The next Make and Take class will be next Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., when you can learn how to use a unique floral stamping technique to decorate personalized tote bags. Windmill Island Gardens staff will show you how to use fresh flowers grown right here from its gardens to transfer their bright colors on to tote bags with light hammering in a fun and natural way to dye and decorate your totes.
The Floral Stamping class will be held in the white Celebration Pavilion of Windmill Island Gardens, 1 Lincoln Ave., Holland. Class fees are $20 per person and will include all needed supplies.
Tickets are non-refundable, but can be used as credits towards future Make and Take classes.
Windmill Island Gardens hosts a Make and Take class on the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. through November. This monthly crafting series consists of various projects with Dutch or garden themes where registration fees vary.
For more details on Make and Takes and other upcoming events at Windmill Island Gardens, visit windmillisland.com/programs. Windmill Island Gardens is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission sold at 5 p.m.) through October.
Hope Art Center to Host Open Studio Event
The De Pree Art Center and Gallery at Hope College will host an artist’s open studio event on Wednesday, July 9 featuring Robert Aiosa, the 2025 Borgeson Artist-in-Residence and faculty from the college’s art and art history department.
The open studio event will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. with a behind-the-scenes look at Aiosa’s process, including current works in production and the opportunity to speak with Aiosa. Hope College sculpture faculty Lisa Walcott and photography faculty Amy Kim will also open their studios featuring new work. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
“The Borgeson residency is unique in that it solicits proposals from artists working in all visual media. We are very excited to have Bobby share his artistic process with us and are looking forward to introducing his work to the community," said Amy Kim, assistant professor of art and director of the Borgeson Artist in Residence and Scholars program.
Robert “Bobby” Aiosa is an Orlando, Fla.-based visual artist and assistant professor of sculpture at the University of Central Florida. He works through site-specific installation while employing construction-grade materials processes and intricate carving techniques. Aiosa investigates architecture and the constant interaction of it with the human experience, a process affecting social dynamics, economic situations and the natural world. He peels back layers of the built environment’s elaborate pageantry to reveal a testimony of its social and cultural history. Aiosa contrasts geometry and grids, long associated with minimalism, with intricately carved bones, foliage and other natural forms that, since moving to Florida, have become intrinsic to his constructions. His work has been shown in museums and galleries throughout the United States, including the 2019 Florida Prize exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art. He is the recipient of many residencies, awards and fellowships, most recently from the Windgate Foundation and the Museum for Art in Wood in Philadelphia.
The annual Borgeson Artist-in-Residence program was inaugurated at Hope College in 2016 through the generosity and enthusiasm of alumni Clarke ’72 and Nancy Rayner ’72 Borgeson.
Throughout the 12-week summer residency, the artist receives a private studio and full access to De Pree facilities, alongside a stipend, a cottage within walking distance to De Pree and travel expenses to and from the residency. The residency culminates in a fall exhibition and artist talk that is also open to the public.
The De Pree Art Center and Gallery is located at 275 Columbia Ave.
Due to Columbia Avenue road construction, public parking for this event is available off 13th Street, adjacent to the De Pree Art Center and Gallery.
The open studio event will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. with a behind-the-scenes look at Aiosa’s process, including current works in production and the opportunity to speak with Aiosa. Hope College sculpture faculty Lisa Walcott and photography faculty Amy Kim will also open their studios featuring new work. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
“The Borgeson residency is unique in that it solicits proposals from artists working in all visual media. We are very excited to have Bobby share his artistic process with us and are looking forward to introducing his work to the community," said Amy Kim, assistant professor of art and director of the Borgeson Artist in Residence and Scholars program.
Robert “Bobby” Aiosa is an Orlando, Fla.-based visual artist and assistant professor of sculpture at the University of Central Florida. He works through site-specific installation while employing construction-grade materials processes and intricate carving techniques. Aiosa investigates architecture and the constant interaction of it with the human experience, a process affecting social dynamics, economic situations and the natural world. He peels back layers of the built environment’s elaborate pageantry to reveal a testimony of its social and cultural history. Aiosa contrasts geometry and grids, long associated with minimalism, with intricately carved bones, foliage and other natural forms that, since moving to Florida, have become intrinsic to his constructions. His work has been shown in museums and galleries throughout the United States, including the 2019 Florida Prize exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art. He is the recipient of many residencies, awards and fellowships, most recently from the Windgate Foundation and the Museum for Art in Wood in Philadelphia.
The annual Borgeson Artist-in-Residence program was inaugurated at Hope College in 2016 through the generosity and enthusiasm of alumni Clarke ’72 and Nancy Rayner ’72 Borgeson.
Throughout the 12-week summer residency, the artist receives a private studio and full access to De Pree facilities, alongside a stipend, a cottage within walking distance to De Pree and travel expenses to and from the residency. The residency culminates in a fall exhibition and artist talk that is also open to the public.
The De Pree Art Center and Gallery is located at 275 Columbia Ave.
Due to Columbia Avenue road construction, public parking for this event is available off 13th Street, adjacent to the De Pree Art Center and Gallery.
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