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Behind the Mitten
By John GonzalezSociety & Culture
Behind the Mitten episodes
- GRPS students, teachers explain the impact of Consumers Energy's SmartArt Competiton at ArtPrize 2023On this Behind the Mitten podcast, co-hosts Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez interview teachers and students who participated in Consumers Energy’s 2023 SmartArt Competition with Grand Rapids Public Schools and ArtPrize.
On Sunday (Sept. 17), students were recognized for their clean energy-themed artwork in a ceremony presented by Consumers, GRPS and ArtPrize.
GRPS student Joshua Kortenhoven won the 2023 SmartArt competition with artwork titled “Green Shoes.” He received a $2,000 college scholarship from Consumers Energy. He is a 10th graders at City High Middle School.
The Peoples Choice winner was Mathew Pierce, a junior at Ottawa Hills High School. His work was titled "Striped Hyena."
On this podcast Gonzo and Amy interview:- Art teacher Marci Hanley of University Preparatory Academy, who had two students who made the Top 20. She explains the SmartArt competition.
- Winner Joshua Kortenhoven joins in next to talk about his winning artwork.
- Art teacher Teagan Burns of Museum High School, whose student Mathew Pierce was the People's Choice winner, talks about how important it is for students to be validated.
- And Josiah Willink (who finished #4 in the competition), a senior at City High Middle School, who is considering art education as a major. He explains in detail his work titled "Sunclimbers."
The 20 finalists, along with their artwork title, grade, and high school are, in alphabetical order:- Quinlyn Angstman, Connected, 9th, Museum HS
- Zy'Aira Blackmon, If I Could Wear It On My Shell, 9th, Innovation Central
- Alice Cork, A Better Future, 10th, City HMS
- Imoni Curry, Healing, 9th, U-Prep
- Yoselin Diaz-Deleon, Imagine, 11th, C.A. Frost
- Jacey Doyle, Reusable Energy, 11th, Museum HS
- Amelia Ferenczi, Military vs. Future, 9th, Union
- Chloe Gust, Reaching for the Sun, 10th, C.A. Frost
- A'Nyah Harris, Just Another Rainforest of the Sea, 9th, Museum HS
- Carneiscia Harris, Power Cleaner Greener World, 11th, Innovation Central
- Precious Herrera, Una Hermosa Bendicion, 11th, Southwest MHS
- Emma Hoogewind, Stories, 9th, C.A. Frost
- Clara Kirkbride, Whales, 9th, C.A. Frost
- Joshua Kortenhoven, Green Shoes, 9th, City HMS
- Mathew Pierce, Striped Hyena, 10th, Ottawa Hills HS
- Azaria Powell, Mother Earth, 9th, U-Prep
- Eliot Redwine, Biomass, 11th, City HMS
- Rachel Sackett, The Veil, 11th, City HMS
- Connor Thompson, Economic Greed, 9th, Museum HS
- Josiah Willink, Sunclimbers, 11th, City HMS
The winner’s artwork, along with the art from Top 10 finalists, is on display during ArtPrize on
a large banner hanging outside the Consumers Energy electric substation downtown at Fulton Street and Market Avenue.
ArtPrize continues through Oct. 1.
To see photos of all the Top 20 winners and learn more about SmartArt, go to force4michigan.com.
To learn more about Behind the Mitten go to amyandgonzo.com.
Follow Gonzo and Amy:
Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten15 min - Consumers Energy: Why we're involved with SmartArt (ArtPrize 2023)
This week we turn our focus to ArtPrize, the annual international art competition and cultural event that is held in Grand Rapids in the fall. We’ve got the scoop on all that is new and different this year, plus some of the incredible community partnerships like SmartArt, that make ArtPrize a truly unique experience. A collaboration among the City of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI), and Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD), ArtPrize celebrates its 14th year of bringing all sorts of art and artistic experience to the world.
Our friends at Consumers Energy join us to share the story of SmartArt. This special part of ArtPrize partners CE with Grand Rapids Public School students in a unique way. Students have the opportunity to create an individual, unique piece of art that brings new ideas about sustainable energy to the forefront and into the discussion.
Joshua Paciorek, West Michigan Media Relations Specialist and Spokesman for Consumers Energy joins us to share all the details. On September 17, Consumers Energy will reveal the top ten high school students' art entries, as well as the winner of the SmartArt scholarship at an event that the whole community is invited to at Studio Park. Following themes of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability, you can see the student’s art on display at 40 Monroe Center St NW #105, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 through October 1.
Get more information on the SmartArt Celebration here: Consumers Energy SmartArt Celebration September 1710 min - GRPS: How our students benefit from SmartArt competition (ArtPrize 2023)On this episode of Behind the Mitten, we learn more about the Consumers Energy SmartArt competition, which is a part of ArtPrize, the international art competition that happens in Grand Rapids this fall.
Dan Van Till, Coordinator of Fine Arts at Grand Rapids Public Schools, joins us to share more about this transformative experience for his high school students, and what it means to be a part of such a visionary process.
You can join the celebration of SmartArt on September 17. Get more information about this fun event here:SmartArt Celebration11 min - S5,E36: All things ArtPrize, plus why Consumers Energy has teamed with GRPS for SmartArt (Sept. 9-10, 2023)
This week we turn our focus to ArtPrize, the annual international art competition and cultural event that is held in Grand Rapids in the fall. We’ve got the scoop on all that is new and different this year, plus some of the incredible community partnerships like SmartArt, that make ArtPrize a truly unique experience. A collaboration among the City of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI), and Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD), ArtPrize celebrates its 14th year of bringing all sorts of art and artistic experience to the world.
New to the ArtPrize scene is their executive director, Catlin Whitington, who just joined the team in March, and moved to GR from Austin, Texas. Not only do we hear about what exactly is happening with ArtPrize this year, but we also ask just what has captured Whitington’s big Texas heart in West Michigan.
Our friends at Consumers Energy join us to share the story of SmartArt. This special part of ArtPrize partners Consumers Energy with Grand Rapids Public School students in a unique way. Students have the opportunity to create an individual, unique piece of art that brings new ideas about sustainable energy to the forefront and into the discussion.
Joshua Paciorek, West Michigan Media Relations Specialist and Spokesman for Consumers Energy stops by to share all the details. On September 17, Consumers Energy will reveal the top twenty high school students' art entries, as well as the winner of the SmartArt scholarship at an event that the whole community is invited to at Studio Park. Following themes of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability, you can see the student’s art on display at 40 Monroe Center St NW #105, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 through October 1.
Get more information on the SmartArt Celebration here: Consumers Energy SmartArt Celebration September 17
To really go “behind the mitten” on SmartArt, we also talked with Dan Van Till, Coordinator of Fine Art at Grand Rapids Public Schools. We learn why this art competition that incorporates sustainability into its very design, is both necessary and an incredible opportunity for the right art student. He shares what he loves about not just the competition, but also about the celebration that happens on September 17. Seeing families and friends come together in such a public way to honor their kids has been an incredible part of the ArtPrize experience for Van Till.
We round out the show with more details on exactly how ArtPrize will work this year, from artist venues, to how to vote throughout the two weeks. Catlin Whitington joins us again with everything you want to know about how it all works, and how you can make the most of your visit to Grand Rapids for this fun event.
Follow John and Amy:
Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten45 min - S5,E35: Make Marquette your fall destination (Sept. 2-3, 2023)On this Behind the Mitten podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman are in Marquette in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Segments inclide interviews:
Susan Estler of Travel Marquette, who runs down all the great things to experience in the area, incuding a fun Marquette BrewPass to check in to local breweries for some cool swag.
Kevin Thomsen of Queen City Running Company joins the show to talk about all things to do outdoors.
Meet Mr. U.P. Bugsy Sailor, who talks about 906 Day, Plaidurday (Oct. 6), the Fresh Coast Film Festival (Oct. 19-22), as well as his daily sunrise photos that were just featured on Pure Michigan. (Watch the video on Pure Michigan's YouTube Channel.)
Lastly, our good friend Jay Clancey of the former Cognition Brewery in Ishpeming joins us to talk about his newest brewery, Kognisjon Bryggeri, which just opened in Marquette.
It's a fun show!
Keep up to date on everything going at Behind the Mitten by visiting amyandgonzo.com.45 min - Meet Bugsy Sailor: Sunrise photos, Plaidurday, Fresh Coast Film Festival and more (Sept. 3, 2023)On this podcast, Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez interview the UP's Bugsy Sailor, who, among many things, is known as the guy who has spent every morning of the last 4.5 years watching - and photographing - the sunrise. Usually in the Marquette area. He is the owner of the U.P. Supply Company, where you will find his photos and calendars for sale. Learn more HERE.
In this podcast he also discussed how he started Plaidurday (Oct. 6), a national day to wear and celebrate "plaid," and his upcoming Fresh Coast Film Festival (Oct. 19-22).
Our friends at Pure Michigan also recently produced a video about his sunrirse series of photos.
Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
Listen to this weekend's Behind the Mitten on the following stations:
*8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids
*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI
*8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing
*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek
*10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor
*4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas
*7 a.m. Sundays on the following Black Diamond Broadcasting stations:
-WCFX - CFX Today's Hits (95.3) in Mt. Pleasant
-WGFN - Classic Rock The Bear (98.1 & 95.3) in Traverse City
-WMRX - Sunny 97.7 in Midland
-WUPS - The Classic Hits Station (98.5) in Houghton Lake
-WWMK - 1063 MAC FM in Cheboygan
*Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron
*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw
*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and FM (106.9) in Grand Rapids
Follow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten or
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.11 min - Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival 2023: Everything you need to know! (Sept. 8-10)On this podcast, Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez preview the Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival (Sept. 8-10, 2023) with director Marilyn Clear.
Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
Listen to this weekend's Behind the Mitten on the following stations:
*8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids
*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI
*8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing
*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek
*10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor
*4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas
*7 a.m. Sundays on the following Black Diamond Broadcasting stations:
-WCFX - CFX Today's Hits (95.3) in Mt. Pleasant
-WGFN - Classic Rock The Bear (98.1 & 95.3) in Traverse City
-WMRX - Sunny 97.7 in Midland
-WUPS - The Classic Hits Station (98.5) in Houghton Lake
-WWMK - 1063 MAC FM in Cheboygan
*Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron
*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw
*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and FM (106.9) in Grand Rapids
Follow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten or
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.11 min - S5,E34: Party Between the Lines, Marquette Mountain, Paw Paw Wine & Harvest, Ore Dock Brewery (Aug. 26-27, 2023)On this Behind the Mitten podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman preview their upcoming show in the U.P. with segments from Marquette Mountain and Ore Dock Brewing Co. They also interview reps from The Festival Foundation about Party Between the Lines, a concert with REO Speedwagon and Joan Jett on Sept. 3 Turtle Creek Stadium Traverse City. And they learn about all the fun you can have at the Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival, Sept. 8-10 in Paw Paw.
It's a fun show!
Keep up to date on everything going at Behind the Mitten by visiting amyandgonzo.com.45 min - Amy and Gonzo preview Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival (Sept. 8-10, 2023)“Behind the Mitten” is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and Podcast with about 500 episodes. It is co-hosted by veteran journalist John Gonzalez and longtime chef & beer expert Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.
On this podcast, Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez join the Paul Miller Show (Aug. 25) on WPHM in Port Huron to preview this weekend's BTM show, which previews the Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival (Sept. 8-10, 2023). They also talk about spending some time recently in Marquette.
Learn more about the Paul Miller Show at wphm.net.
Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
Listen to this weekend's Behind the Mitten on the following stations:
*8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids
*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI
*8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing
*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek
*10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor
*4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas
*7 a.m. Sundays on the following Black Diamond Broadcasting stations:
-WCFX - CFX Today's Hits (95.3) in Mt. Pleasant
-WGFN - Classic Rock The Bear (98.1 & 95.3) in Traverse City
-WMRX - Sunny 97.7 in Midland
-WUPS - The Classic Hits Station (98.5) in Houghton Lake
-WWMK - 1063 MAC FM in Cheboygan
*Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron
*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw
*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and FM (106.9) in Grand Rapids
Follow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten or
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.5 min - S5,E33: Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm, Crystal Mountain and Rockford Brewing Co. (Aug. 19-20, 2023)On this Behind the Mitten podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman stick close to their home base of Grand Rapids, but also stop at one of their favorite resorts in Northern Michigan.
They begin the show talking about Gonzo's recent trip with his sons to see three Major League Baseball games in 24 hours. He traveled with his three sons as part of a family podcast they do called "Big League Dreaming." You can find their show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
While in Grand Rapids they stop at Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market on "The Ridge," knows for is rich soil and home to apples, peaches, sweet corn and even sunflowers! Co-owner Stephanie Ginsberg shares the farm's four-generation history, offering u-pick asparagus, strawberries, sweet & tart cherries, apples & pumpkins. The same barn is now home to our fresh produce market, gift shoppe, bakery, kitchen & tap room! Learn more at dunnebackgirls.com.
Next, Gonzo checks in with Brittney Buti Primeau of Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, which is a great four-season resort. The fall colors make it a perfect destingaton if you're looking for a home base this season, as well as the Michigan Legacy Art Park.
Lastly, Gonzo and Amy visit their friend Seth Rivard at the Rockford Brewing Company about all the special fall events to experience in this beautiful Northern escape from downtown Grand Rapids. Check out the brewry during the Fall Harvest Fest, Sept. 22-24.
It's a fun show!
Keep up to date on everything going at Behind the Mitten by visiting amyandgonzo.com.45 min
About Behind the Mitten
From the publisher's feed
"Behind the Mitten" is Michigan's premiere travel radio show and Podcast and has nearly 700 episodes. In 2025 it celebrates 10 years! It is co-hosted by John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman. John is a…
longtime journalist, social media early adopter and member of the Central Michigan University Journalism Hall of Fame. Amy is a former chef with 20-plus experience, craft beer expert and freelance writer. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten.
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