News Summary
The Grey Rabbit, a unique bar and art gallery in Grand Rapids, will open at 700 Wealthy St. SE, combining fine art with crafted cocktails. Owned by Will Warren, the venue focuses on local artists and will host rotating exhibits, starting with the ‘Flower Bomb’ display. It offers a curated drink menu and light bites, aiming to foster a casual atmosphere for art appreciation and socializing.
Grand Rapids is set to welcome a new destination for art and socializing with the opening of The Grey Rabbit, a unique bar and art gallery located at 700 Wealthy St. SE. The establishment, which occupies a 1,600-square-foot space that was previously home to Elk Brewing, aims to blend fine art with expertly crafted cocktails in a relaxed setting.
Owned and operated by Will Warren, this marks Warren’s first foray into business ownership after a successful 40-year corporate career. The Grey Rabbit features a capacity of 45 guests indoors and 50 on an outdoor patio, providing ample space for visitors to enjoy the dual offerings of art and drinks.
The venue will highlight both national and local artists, with plans to rotate exhibits every 6-8 weeks. The inaugural exhibit, “Flower Bomb,” will spotlight 13 West Michigan artists, debuting during a soft opening scheduled for September 27. This gallery initiative is curated in partnership with Michael Burmeister, the owner of Button Gallery in Douglas.
To enhance the cultural experience, The Grey Rabbit plans to offer a cocktail menu that will rotate in response to the artwork being displayed. Guests can also expect a curated selection of wines and locally-sourced beers from notable West Michigan breweries, such as Speciation Artisan Ales and Founders Brewing Co. The food menu will include light bites, featuring options like charcuterie boards and artisanal cheeses.
Warren’s vision for The Grey Rabbit includes a focus on de-stigmatizing the traditional art gallery experience, aiming to cultivate a casual atmosphere that encourages friendships and conversations about art. The decor of the bar reflects this vision, featuring a hand-carved wooden bar sourced from a demolished French church and tables crafted by a local artisan.
The outdoor space is designed for social engagement, complete with decorative wrought iron fencing from France and fire pits to create an inviting environment for gatherings. Located in a vibrant part of the city, The Grey Rabbit is surrounded by other popular establishments, such as Mammoth Distilling taproom and The Winchester.
Overall, The Grey Rabbit strives to create an engaging atmosphere where guests feel comfortable discussing art and enjoying unique culinary options. As a pioneering venture for Warren, it represents a significant addition to the Grand Rapids community, blending local culture, artistry, and social interaction in a single venue.
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Additional Resources
- Denver Post
- GR Magazine
- MLive
- Crain’s Grand Rapids
- GR Magazine Events
- Wikipedia: Art Gallery
- Google Search: Grand Rapids art exhibits
- Google Scholar: Art in Grand Rapids
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Art Gallery
- Google News: Grand Rapids art events
