Fulton Street Market has been a Grand Rapids gathering place for more than a century, connecting the community with local farmers, growers, food producers, artisans, and small businesses.

On this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, Phil Tower welcomes Dana Eardley, Executive Director, and Anissa Mathiasz, Marketing & Communications Coordinator with Fulton Street Market, for a conversation about the Market’s mission, its year-round presence in the community, and the importance of supporting local agriculture and small businesses.

Dana and Anissa also preview a busy lineup of fall events, including the Market’s biggest annual fundraiser, A Night at the Market on September 17, along with ART! at the Market on September 13 and October 11 and the Fall Rummage Sale on September 27.

They also discuss what’s ahead as Fulton Street Market moves into the fall and winter seasons and why there’s always a reason to visit this historic Grand Rapids destination.

Learn more, plan a visit, explore upcoming events, and find information about A Night at the Market on September 17.

In this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Phil Tower talks with Salvador López, President & CEO of KConnect, a Kent County network bringing together community leaders, experts, and system change-makers to improve prosperity for children and families.

Salvador explains KConnect’s collaborative, systems-based approach and its work across the “cradle-to-career” continuum—from kindergarten readiness to thriving family income.

He also discusses how KConnect measures progress, the importance of organizations working together to address complex community challenges, and how residents can become involved in creating positive change across Kent County.

Learn more about KConnect and its work at k-connect.org.

In this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Phil Tower welcomes Tyler Loftis, Director of ArtPrize, and Coleman Brook, Co-Director of ArtPrize, for a preview of ArtPrize 2026 and a look at what’s new for one of Grand Rapids’ signature events.

Tyler and Coleman discuss ArtPrize’s new four-weekend format, the more than 1,100 participating artists, the importance of the public vote, and efforts to make ArtPrize welcoming and accessible for families, first-time visitors, and longtime art lovers. They also explore ArtPrize’s broader impact on downtown Grand Rapids, local businesses, tourism, and community pride.

ArtPrize 2026 runs September 12 through October 3 in downtown Grand Rapids, and admission is free!

Find event schedules, artist information, volunteer opportunities, and more at artprize.org.