Grand Rapids-based artist, originally from Brooklyn New York, curator, and photographer, Monroe Aki O'Bryant is best known as AkiBang. As an artist specializing in photography, abstract painting, and curating, he brings attention to today's important social issues. His work Realistic Neglects: A Graphic series won the 2D jury prize in photography in 2015. In addition to creating more art series in 2017 and beyond, Monroe also became the Curator at City Hall of Grand Rapids from 2016 to 2022. In 2020, Monroe collaborated with Lions and Rabbits to create his first group mural exhibition, entitl ..read more

Living and working in Grand Rapids, MI, I (Alex) began as a musician and gradually cultivated other creative practices in the field of visual art, including stop-motion animation, sculpture, painting, and drawing. Now working as a full-time artist, my time is devoted to the exploration of ideas, imploring new techniques and mediums, as well as familiar ones to create art that connects with each evolution of the self. I create art because I have been gifted the life to be able to do so, through the hard work of generations of relatives, and to stay true to a promise I made to myself as a kid t ..read more

The name "Ghost Town" comes from a time in my life when I was living outside of Detroit and spending a lot of time, both solo and with friends, exploring the many abandoned factories and buildings of the city. I've always been fascinated with empty spaces and those that have been forgotten. To be able to enter a place like that, to learn its history, and to try to put together some of the pieces of a place's past will always be something that I love very much. "Ghost Town" is a combination of my past experiences with my current life in an illustrated form. Q: How did you get involved with Lio ..read more

There's an art to creating unforgettable experiences, and for years, Lions & Rabbits has learned to master this craft. Our former gallery on Plainfield Ave. in the Creston neighborhood was the stage where countless memories were made, serving as the backdrop for weddings, corporate functions, and intimate dinner parties. Dinner Parties with a Purpose While that gallery was our first home, our mission has always been larger than any single venue. With growing connections across the state of Michigan, we are taking our model of community enrichment through art-centered experiences to commu ..read more

I grew up surrounded by nature in a very small farming village called Ovid, MI, where I am thankful to have been raised by a family who let me be me, a weird kid doing weird things. I now reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am a full-time artist and a ceramic studio technician at Kendall College of Art and Design. I am also a sculptor at Edge Themed Environments and I’ve taught ceramics and sculpture classes at multiple organizations over the past decade. Q: How did you get involved with Lions and Rabbits? A: I met Hannah Berry through a friend about 10 years ago. We shared lots of similar in ..read more

Urban Family Ministries Last week, we exceeded our $50,000 fundraising goal on Patronicity! Your contributions to this crowdfunding campaign have done far more than just “supporting for local artists”. Thanks to your generosity, four new mural projects have come to life in our communities. Your support has ensured that these artists are fairly compensated for their expertise, and that our neighborhoods can be enriched by their work. And by doing so, you've helped elevate the role of artists from creators to community builders. Stay Tuned: Witness the Transformation We can't wait for you to ..read more

Division Ave. Arts & Culture Event Our past events have done more than just showcase incredible local artists. They've served as catalysts for community engagement. Evenings where the streets come alive with live music, delicious food trucks, local artists selling their goods, and even interactive art installations and variety arts performances ― Jugglers! Fire dancers! Glass blowers! Stilt walkers! But these events aren't just for entertaining. They bring neighborhoods to life and bring people together, creating transformative experiences that linger long after the night is over. The Sy ..read more

I’m Kennedy, and I am an artist born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Through a combination of hard-work and an amazing family and support system, I have been living my dream- owning and operating Lunar Ink- Tattoos in GR for a little over two years now. Art has always been my number one passion, but now takes a happy second place to our beautiful 2-and-a-half-year-old who is WAY more interesting than I am! I create art in hopes that it brings people the same happiness I feel while doing it. Q: How did you get involved with Lions and Rabbits? A: I actually saw a post on Facebook looking ..read more

Josh Bradley is painting a mural at Ellnora’s Kitchen, thanks to our supporters through Patronicity. Art isn't just about the aesthetic pleasure it provides. It's a vehicle for community transformation. When artists have the resources they need—be it educational opportunities, logistical support, or materials—they can elevate their work from mere decoration to being a cornerstone in the community. The end result is art that resonates on a deeper level, acting as a catalyst for community engagement and pride. More Than Materials: The Full Spectrum of Resources While it's true that artists nee ..read more

I am a passionate and playful multi-media artist, deeply inspired by the dreamscapes and states interconnected with nature. Originally from Jackson, MI I have been living & creating in Grand Rapids for nearly 10 years. Using my degree in Psychology and Art from GVSU, I’ve been working as a full-time artist since 2021 with my business, Daydreams By Paige, LLC. Q: How did you get involved with Lions and Rabbits? A: I’ve known about Lions and Rabbits since college and have witnessed many classmates and friends within the artist community of Grand Rapids and beyond successfully work with them ..read more