Painter Nancy Tobin, the founder of Grand Rapids’ new ArtRat Gallery, will be recognized with two separate events by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and downtown restaurant Osteria Rossa.
On Thursday, Sept. 30, at 4:00 p.m., ArtRat will officially be welcomed into the Grand Rapids business community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the gallery, which is currently exhibiting “Woods Walk,” a collection of Tobin’s recent work.
At 5:00 p.m., Osteria Rossa will host a reception for a dozen of Tobin’s “Jewel Box” paintings that will be on display at the restaurant through the end of the year.
The Jewel Box paintings at Osteria Rossa incorporate paint and collage elements suspended in many layers of transparent medium to create a unique sense of depth.
"We take pride in the visual appeal of Osteria Rossa as well as the quality of our food,” said co-owner Karie Koster. “Over the years, we've invited some wonderful local artists to exhibit on our walls. Nancy Tobin's Jewel Box paintings are a great complement to the Osteria Rossa experience, and we're excited to show them during ArtPrize."
“Osteria Rossa is at the top of our list of Grand Rapids restaurants,” Tobin said, “and it’s great to have it as a neighbor — less than two blocks away from our gallery! I'm honored that Osteria Rossa gave me the chance to exhibit this collection during ArtPrize.”
About ArtRat Gallery
Located at 46 Division Avenue South in Grand Rapids' Heartside/SoDiv neighborhood, ArtRat Gallery occupies a work space owned by Dwelling Place, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating affordable communities and revitalizing neighborhoods in Western Michigan.
ArtRat’s first show is “Woods Walk,” a collection of recent work by ArtRat owner, Grand Rapids native and nationally recognized painter Nancy Tobin. Taking Tobin’s longtime interest in organic forms in a new direction, the show features works on paper inspired by forest scenes of Western Michigan.
About Osteria Rossa
Since 2014, Osteria Rossa has brought people together in a casual eatery to enjoy small plates, wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta, and seasonal dishes. Its focus is Italian-inspired cooking featuring the local ingredients of Michigan farms, all served in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Osteria Rosa is located at 16 Monroe Center St. NE in Grand Rapids.
About the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
The premier business organization in West Michigan, the Chamber “creates opportunities for business success" through focus on three key areas: Diversity; Advocacy for members; and Networking.
Media Contact: Matthew Rothenberg, matthew@artrat.us, 917-608-2794