News Summary
Grand Rapids has unveiled a striking mural titled ‘The Amazing Coe’ to honor Ethel B. Coe, a key figure in the city’s history, during ArtPrize 2023. Located on Ethel B. Coe Way, the mural celebrates her legacy as an activist, musician, and public servant. Coe’s contributions to the community and her dedication to justice and education through numerous organizations highlight her influence on Grand Rapids culture. The mural, designed in a comic book style, reflects her humanitarian spirit and continues the city’s tradition of public art.
Grand Rapids has unveiled a monumental mural to honor Ethel B. Coe, a significant figure in the city’s history, during the ongoing ArtPrize 2023 festivities. The mural, titled “The Amazing Coe,” is located along Ethel B. Coe Way on Monroe Avenue NW, celebrating not only her contributions to the local community but also her legacy as an activist, musician, and public servant.
Ethel B. Coe, born in Falls Church, Virginia, in 1899, moved to Grand Rapids at the age of eight. She attended South High School, where she made headlines for her courageous stance in a civil rights case, refusing service at a local ice cream parlor due to discriminatory practices. This early act demonstrated her dedication to justice and equality.
Throughout her life, Coe participated in numerous organizations that sought to uplift the community, including the NAACP, Urban League, and the Family Life Council. Her artistic talents shone brightly as well; she spent over 40 years performing with the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and the St. Cecilia Music Society. Even in her later years, at the age of 68, Coe volunteered teaching English to Latino and Vietnamese children, showcasing her commitment to education and mentorship.
After her passing in 1988, the city continued to honor her memory through the Giants Ethel Coe Humanities Award, which recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of service and artistic excellence that Coe represented.
The unveiling of the mural aligns with the city’s rich tradition of public art, which has played a vital role in shaping community identity since the New Deal program in 1934 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Grand Rapids features an array of public art, including notable sculptures like Alexander Calder’s “La Grande Vitesse,” which serves as an unofficial logo for the city, and Mark di Suvero’s “Motu Viget.” Additionally, the skyline is adorned with “Aspiration of Inspiration,” a 28-foot sculpture created by Robert Browning located at Grand Rapids Community College, alongside Robert Indiana’s “Love” sculpture and a statue of Rosa Parks in Rosa Parks Circle.
Murals have become a staple of Grand Rapids’ art scene, particularly during the annual ArtPrize event, where various artists exhibit their works throughout the city. The mural “Raining Wisdom,” created by Abdoulaye Conde, emerged as a winner in 2023, adding to the city’s vibrant mural landscape. The mural dedicated to Ethel B. Coe, designed by Esan Sommersel, uniquely embodies her humanitarian influence using a comic book style that resonates with the contemporary art scene.
In addition to the mural project, various parking garage ticket booths around the city have recently undergone artistic redesigns, featuring attractive paint jobs that contribute to the city’s creative ambiance. The Rad Women Public Art Initiative, started in 2019, has also played an essential role in highlighting celebrated women by commissioning local female artists to paint their portraits on city electrical boxes.
The city’s historical architecture further enriches Grand Rapids’ artistic landscape, weaving art seamlessly into public spaces and enhancing the community’s daily life. This dedication to public art fosters connections among residents and promotes a vibrant cultural identity. As Georgia remembers and celebrates its history through initiatives like the unveiling of Ethel B. Coe’s mural, it not only honors individuals such as Coe but also inspires future generations to appreciate and contribute to the community’s artistic heritage.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids Transforms Urban Landscape with Public Art
Additional Resources
- Grand Rapids Magazine: A Giant Among Women
- Wikipedia: Ethel B. Coe
- The Collegiate Live: Transforming Grand Rapids into a Living Museum
- Google Search: Grand Rapids ArtPrize 2023
- Richmond.com: Grand Rapids and Richmond
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Art
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
