Hammerspace Gallery in Grand Rapids is opening a new pop-up exhibition titled "Still, I try" on May 9, 2026, at Do Not Start's space on Godfrey Avenue. This marks the first show in the gallery's 2026 Artist Cohort Showcase, a year-long program supporting emerging and mid-career artists through community feedback and professional development. The family-friendly event includes hands-on art activities and light snacks, with free admission and suggested donations.
This exhibition matters because it highlights a grassroots model for sustaining local artists outside major art hubs, emphasizing community engagement and accessibility over passive observation. By offering a structured cohort program, Hammerspace Gallery addresses the challenge of career sustainability for artists in smaller cities, fostering a participatory art scene that could serve as a replicable template for other communities.