Sarah Spohn

The trees are blooming with pink and white flowers, and it’s officially Spring! That can only mean one thing — the 62nd annual East Lansing Art Festival is ramping up to take over downtown Albert and M.A.C. Avenues.
The tradition brings artisans, painters, sculptors, photographers, food trucks, live music and kids activities on Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival runs at the same time as the MSU Spring Arts and Craft Show on the groun...

Finding a job or career that you’re passionate about can make all the difference, but loving where you live is also crucial. For three local young McLaren physicians, Port Huron checks all the boxes — providing a rewarding profession, a supportive home, and a small-town community to serve.
“I really enjoy the closeness of the community. It’s the kind of place where you bump into your patients at the gym or see your coworkers while grabbing groceries—it gives a wholesome sense of connection. I...

Eight teams of local students from four schools went head-to-head in the 12th annual A.H. Nickless Innovation Award competition event held recently at SVSU. After months of planning, research, and development, Great Lakes Bay Region STEM students presented their projects for a chance at $77,500 in college scholarships and grants.
The 13- to 18-year-old students shared their solutions for alternative energy, healthcare, science, and technology at the annual event. Since its inception, more tha...

FLINT, Michigan — Flint residents and visitors can now have the chance to view some beloved and important works of art, right here at the FIA Museum + Art School. In partnership with the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the FIA will have three borrowed pieces of art on loan from now until April 2027.
As part of their Across the Nation program, the Gallery will bring paintings from Renaissance artists Sandro Botticelli and Hans Memling, and a painting by 20th century Pop artist And...

Spaces evolve over time, adapting to new needs and purposes. On Central Michigan University’s campus, Finch Fieldhouse has been the home of many things over the past 75 years, hosting everything from offices and intercollegiate athletics, to notable concerts, class registration, and a general hub for campus activities.
To celebrate the historic longevity of this campus icon, CMU is hosting the Finch Fieldhouse 75th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, March 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free,...

IndieCraft festival returns to Springfield on May 16 and 17, uniting live music fans with craft beer. The event includes a full lineup of live music at two venues, craft brews, and local distilled spirits.
IndieCraft is all about “keeping it real, keeping it local, and keeping the music alive,” offering eclectic experiences at indoor and outdoor venues, including Mother Stewart’s Brewery and the State Theater.
Kristina Jarrell is the downtown events programmer for the Greater Springfield Part...

The tangible community impact of a CDFI can be very visible, simply by seeing the physical childcare buildings, revitalized housing options and vibrant community centers, but many don’t know what CDFI stands for. They are not aware of the daily, behind-the-scenes work they do or how they do it.
CDFI stands for a community development financial institution. These organizations provide financial funds, resources and connections to communities that other mainstream financial institutions don’t t...

FLINT, Michigan — For the past four decades, the Flint Local 432 has been a local staple for up-and-coming musicians, nationally-touring bands, and a gathering place for community. The all-ages, non-profit, substance-free independent music venue is celebrating its 40th anniversary kick-off at Factory Two on Saturday, April 12 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Founder Joel Rash says The Local grew out of an active ‘hall show’ scene that developed across the state in the ‘80s, when rental halls typically used f...

The Midland Center for the Arts has brought on a familiar face to help lead its reimagined vision for the future. Previous Director of Communications, Josh Holliday returns to Midland for his new role of Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Sales.
“We are so excited to have an engaging and enthusiastic leader like Josh join our team,” says Matt Travis, President and CEO of the Center, in a press release. “I am eager to see how his innovative ideas help shape the future of our organiz...

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed — we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s famous quote is at the heart of many history-making, groundbreaking and inspiring moments spread across generations. Remaining relevant in today, the quote also serves as this year’s prompt for the seventh annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan Annual Art Contest.
In a pre...

FLINT, Michigan — The process of applying for college can be stressful, especially after seeing the estimated cost of tuition, books, and supplies fees. This alone has stopped many simply from applying for college or technical trade programs, but it doesn’t have to.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to potential college, career school and graduate school students and their families each year. For the 2025-2026 year, the FAFSA is due on June 30. Each college or ...

Kerry Doman is a serial entrepreneur, a business owner, and a mom of three. Each of those duties is hard alone, but this Metro Detroit mover and shaker seems to manage the balancing act well.
As the founder of After 5 Detroit, an online resource for young professionals, she also launched supplemental programs including Connect After 5, a corporate team-building community, and the After 5 Intern program, which assisted companies in recruiting efforts of top young talent.
“The goal was to assis...

FLINT, Michigan — The Fli River Anglers, in partnership with Genesee County Parks, is presenting a curated selection of worldwide fly fishing films at the FIM Capitol Theatre on Friday, March 14. There are two screenings: a matinee for Flint area students, and a general public viewing during the evening.
Anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and conservationists are invited to enjoy breathtaking, exciting stories and footage of fly fishing.
As part of a national Fly Fishing Film To...

In 2020, Vanessa Hayden, a former preschool teacher and registered behavior technician, started Partly Whimsical. She offers full and partial in-home room designs and customized “autism nest” spaces that cater to the sensory and developmental needs of children on the autism spectrum. Hayden creates safe, sensory-rich spaces that promote well-being, independence, and, yes, even a bit of whimsy.
For Hayden, Partly Whimsical is a unique and fulfilling merger of her career experience with her col...