FOCUSA Kalamazoo Valley Community College PublicationSeptember 2017

WINTER REGISTRATION BEGINS OCTOBER 9

www.kvcc.edu/register

High school students who are exploring college options are invited to attend the 2017 Greater Kalamazoo Area College Night Oct. 9 at Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Texas Township Campus.

Representatives from more than 80 different colleges, universities and training institutions will be available from 6-7:30 p.m. to speak with students and their parents about post-secondary educational opportunities, their programs and campuses. Additionally, representatives from the U.S. Armed Forces will be on hand to discuss military opportunities and how military service can help pay for a college education.

Director of Enrollment Management EJ Bast said the event is an excellent opportunity and convenient way for college-bound students and their parents to explore their options.

“Where else can you access information about so many different colleges and universities under one roof?” he said. “It’s a great way to learn about the different higher education opportunities available. With so many options, there’s something for everyone. It’s one-stop shopping.”

A financial aid presentation, led by Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Director of Financial Aid Alisha Cederberg, will be held at 7 p.m. in the Dale B. Lake Auditorium. The presentation will cover scholarships, student loans, and the kinds of financial assistance available from the federal and state governments.

“I encourage anyone who has questions about financial aid to attend – there’s a lot of money out there to help with the costs of attending college – and the process can be complicated,” Cederberg said.

Cederberg will also discuss important changes coming to financial aid for the 2017-2018 school year.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about these changes,” she said. “Changes made to the FAFSA allow students and families to apply earlier for financial aid.”

College Night is co-sponsored by Kalamazoo Valley and Western Michigan University. The event is free and open to the public. For more information and the complete list of schools participating, visit www.kvcc.edu/collegenight.

MORE THAN 80 COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIESSLATED TO ATTEND COLLEGE NIGHT OCTOBER 9

Kalamazoo Valley’s student-run Havirmill Café and 418 restaurant in the Culinary and Allied Health Building, 418 E. Walnut Street, are opening for the fall semester on Sept. 12 with expanded hours and catering service.

Kalamazoo Valley’s culinary arts program reflects a belief in the transformative power of education to improve the health and well-being of area citizens and to sustain the community. Students learn in real production kitchens and food service environments, on a working sustainable farm, in a fully-functioning brewery, and in an active food production and distribution facility. The college’s Menus that Matter™ curriculum is grounded at the intersection of food production, social justice, environmental sustainability, nutrition, and health.

When the restaurant and cafe open, students will have developed basic, fundamental culinary skills. Culinary instructor Cory Barrett explained, “The idea in culinary school is to polish those skills. This is their first experience in a culinary sense of serving the public in a dinner setting.” Barrett stressed that the restaurant is a classroom above all else.

Culinary Operations Manager for Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Lucas McFarland said unique lunches will be available through the catering service. “We strive to provide exceptional hospitality for our guests with our catering services,” he said. Seasonally inspired sandwiches will include curried cauliflower with apple chutney, a yogurt-based chicken salad with cherries and asiago blue cheese, a southwest sweet potato sandwich, and a braised beef tongue sandwich with arugula, horseradish and sharp white cheddar cheese. The recipes are all designed with healthy and sustainable eating habits in mind reducing salt, sugar and fat intake. Many of the sides feature legumes for their health benefits and added protein. A rich, chocolate pinto bean fudge is already receiving rave reviews. The menu is ever-changing. “Our focus is on vegetable-forward thinking,” McFarland said.

The Havirmill Cafe offers ready-made items including fresh and inventive sandwiches, composed salads, salad bar, a hot bar featuring international cuisine with recipes from different countries on the menu each week, plus an assortment of made-to-order items showcasing simple preparation techniques and clean flavors that allow the natural ingredients to shine. Breakfast is also new this year. Coffee and baked goods like scones, breads and muffins will be available. “I am excited

to see how breakfast will be received,” McFarland said. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The 418 restaurant is open for dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The 418 restaurant menu will focus on locally sourced and Michigan-produced foods. “We’re trying to get as much as we can from the student run Food Innovation Center,” McFarland said. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are highly recommended. Locally produced beer, wines and hand crafted cocktails are available. For reservations, call 269.548.3200.

STUDENT-RUN CAFE & RESTAURANT TO REOPEN THIS FALL

Eli Rodriguez preparing Havirmill deli salads

Adrian College Albion College Alma CollegeAndrews UniversityAquinas CollegeArmy National Guard Baker CollegeCalvin CollegeCentral Michigan UniversityCleary UniversityCoast Guard Academy Cornerstone UniversityCottey CollegeDavenport UniversityEastern Michigan UniversityEastern Michigan University - Aviation Elmhurst College Empire Beauty School Ferris State UniversityFerris State University-SouthwestGlen Oaks Community CollegeGrace Bible CollegeGrand Valley State University Great Lakes Christian College

Hope CollegeIndiana TechIndiana University South Bend Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW)Indiana Wesleyan University Kalamazoo CollegeKalamazoo Community FoundationKalamazoo Valley Community CollegeKellogg Community College Kuyper College Lake Erie CollegeLake Superior UniversityLawrence Technological University Lawrence UniversityMadonna UniversityManchester UniversityMarietta CollegeMichigan Career & Technical Institute Michigan Department of Treasury-Student Financial Services Bureau

Michigan State UniversityMichigan Technological UniversityNorthern Michigan University Northwood University Oakland University Olivet CollegePurdue UniversityPurdue University NorthwestSaginaw Valley State UniversitySaint Mary’s CollegeSiena Heights UniversitySouthwestern Michigan CollegeSpring Arbor UniversityUnited States Coast GuardUnited States Military Academy University of Detroit MercyUniversity of EvansvilleUniversity of MichiganUniversity of Michigan- Dearborn University of Michigan-FlintUniversity of Saint FrancisWestern Michigan University

THE FOLLOWING INSTITUTIONS ARE SCHEDULED TO ATTEND:

MONDAY - FRIDAY7:30 A.M. - 2 P.M.

SEPTEMBER 12Opening Day Tuesday

NOVEMBER 22 - 26Closed for Thanksgiving Recess

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 15Open

DECEMBER 18 - JANUARY 7Closed for Winter Break

JANUARY 8Reopen for winter

MONDAY - FRIDAY5 - 7 P.M.

SEPTEMBER 12Opening Day Tuesday

OCTOBER 16 - 31Closed

NOVEMBER 1Open

NOVEMBER 22 - 26Closed for Thanksgiving Recess

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 8Open

DECEMBER 11 - JANUARY 7Closed for Winter Break

For reservations, call 269.548.3200

2 | www.kvcc.edu/KVFocus

Constantine area crop farmer Emilee Miller was one of the first Kalamazoo Valley students to express an interest in joining the college’s new Business Club. She plans to use her education to help other farmers succeed and she’s certain that the club will enhance her abilities.

“I’m really interested in learning the different types of soft skills that you

can’t learn from a textbook,” she said. “I come from an agriculture background and I want to help other farmers achieve bigger and better things. The business side of farming can be what makes or breaks a farmer.” The Business Club, being launched this fall, is open to business and accounting students and is meant to give them a chance to network with business professionals and to develop soft skills necessary for professional workplaces. “We’ve added more structure and opportunities for students to network,” explained Kalamazoo Valley business instructor Kathy Kerstetter, who serves as one of the group’s faculty advisors.

The other faculty advisors are Maryalice Reck, Steve Walman, and Kim Rohr. Administrative advisors are Coty Dunten and Mary Morehouse. The Business Club’s fall introductory meeting took place earlier this month. All students majoring in business and accounting were invited to attend.

The Business Club will maintain membership in Business Professionals of America (BPA) and will compete in state and national contests. Students who win competitions at the national level may qualify for scholarships. Business Professionals of America is described as the premier Career and Technical Student Organization for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration,

information technology and other related career fields. It has 45,000 members in over 1,800 chapters in 25 states and Puerto Rico. Business Club members can run for office to serve as president, vice president, secretary, treasurer or public relations chair. Miller said she plans to run for office. “I think it will be an awesome experience,” she said.

Club members will participate in Workplace Skills Assessment Program Events. Kerstetter explained that the (WSAP) Competitive Events program is BPA’s cornerstone program. Students prepare for and compete in contests in 86 events, under the five assessment areas of finance, business administration, management information systems, digital communication and design, management, and marketing and communication.

Members will also participate in regional leadership conferences offered at the state level each fall or winter; state leadership conference; national leadership conference offered by the National Center in late spring; and Business Professionals of America Week that takes place the second full week in February and coincides with Career and Technical Education Month.

“BPA Week will be a great opportunity to promote our chapter, have our students learn public relations skills,

and take pride in our local chapter,” Kerstetter said.

Business major Beth Allen spent her summer as a marketing intern at the Texas Corners farmer’s market and is also looking forward to joining the Business Club. “I think the club will be a really good opportunity to network and learn skills that are hands-on,” she said. “I’m looking forward to meeting other students and networking with people who are already working in the business world.”

“Students who are connected on campus are more likely to do well and be retained at the institution,” said Dunten, student activities, orientation and life resources coordinator for Kalamazoo Valley. “Students can get involved in so many groups that already exist or they can start their own.”

For a complete list of student clubs and organizations, go to https://www.kvcc.edu/campuslife/orgs/ or contact Coty Dunten at cdunten@kvcc.edu.

BUSINESS CLUB WILL GIVE STUDENTSA CHANCE TO NETWORK WITH PROFESSIONALS

Visually impaired since birth, 24-year-old Stephen Williams struggled through most of his grade school and high school years not knowing – or wanting - to access the services that were available to him to assist him in his classes. After finally connecting with support services in high school, he flourished – graduating from high school and wanting to continue his education.

Now a student at Kalamazoo Valley, Williams recognizes the benefits of support services and takes full advantage of the accommodations available to him through the Office for Student Access, the department within the college that provides educational accessibility and other support services to students with disabilities. Services provided include advising, counseling, advocacy and accommodations.

“They are a beautiful support group. I’ve almost given up so many times and they have always been there to support me,” Williams said. “People are afraid of what they don’t know and the criticism that might come along with using support services. I know I was. You don’t know what will happen until you try. You need to use the resources that are available to you and advocate for yourself.”

Because of his disability, Office for Student Access staff arranged with

Williams’ instructors to allow him extended time taking tests and enlarged print for in-class assignments and homework. Additionally, he meets with part-time counselor Korrine Wojcik and advocate/advisor Cara Blaim during the school year to talk about his classes, goal setting and problem solving.

“They help me not get frustrated and talk to me about what’s next,” said Williams, who hopes to one day be a personal trainer. “I’ve learned it is okay to fail. Life isn’t a race. I’m taking my time and approaching things differently.”

The Office for Student Access is run by full-time counselor Lois Baldwin with the assistance of the part-time counselor, the advocate/advisor, and part-time assistant Kathy Allen. The office works closely with the tutors and testing services in the Learning Center so students can receive seamless services.

Baldwin has been a champion for students with disabilities at Kalamazoo Valley for more than 28 years.

“Our number one job is to ensure equal access to all educational opportunities the college has to offer,” Baldwin explained. “We’re committed to making our college community inclusive and accessible for everyone. We’re

passionate about supporting student success.”

The office assists more than 400 students each semester.

“In addition to counseling and advising; our accommodations can range from reader/scribe services to adaptive equipment to interpreter services, Baldwin said. “It all depends on the student.”

The office also works directly with faculty members to ensure that accommodations are being met. “The faculty at Kalamazoo Valley are outstanding in working with our students,” she said.

According to Baldwin, the number of students with disabilities continues to increase in both number and breadth of disabilities. Student use of the Office for Student Access has increased steadily over the past several years. More than 3,000 students were seen in the office between 2012 and 2016. Students with psychiatric disorders, learning disabilities, and visual, physical and health impairments have all increased with the highest increase seen in the autism spectrum community.

George Stowe, 22, graduated from Kalamazoo Valley in May with his associate degree in accounting. Born

with a physical disability that impairs the function of his arms, Stowe utilized scribe services as well as in-class recordings and extended time on tests to help him complete his degree. He now works full time at Sprayer Services in their accounting department.

“The office really helped me, especially at the beginning,” Stowe said. “I was able to have more time, not feel rushed and perform better in class.”

The Office for Student Access is located in Room 2220 on the Texas Township Campus. Students are encouraged to self-refer if they believe they qualify for accommodations. Faculty, counselors and outside agencies can also refer students to the office.

For more information, call 269.488.4397, TTD 269.488.4358 or email studentaccess@kvcc.edu.

OFFICE FOR STUDENT ACCESSREMOVES BARRIERS TO SUCCESS

Business major Beth Allen at work at the Texas Corners farmers’ market

www.kvcc.edu/KVFocus | 3

Area employers looking for funds to assist in workforce training are encouraged to attend an upcoming Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF) information session at Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Groves Center Sept. 28 from 8 - 9:30 a.m.

The STTF provides competitive awards for employer-responsive technical training that enhances talent, productivity, and employment retention, while increasing the quality and competitiveness of Michigan’s businesses. Training is customized to meet employee technical skill requirements and must be short-term in duration, preferably less than three months. Apprenticeship training is an exception to the time limit.

Created by Governor Rick Snyder in 2013 to address the growing needs of Michigan companies to find skilled employees, the STTF has awarded more than $43 million to 1,422 companies

to assist in training, developing and retaining current employees. The average award amount per company is $33,938, with the average award amount per person just under $1,000.

Any for-profit business interested in applying for funds for the 2017-2018 fiscal year should plan to attend this month’s informational meeting. Representatives from Michigan Works! will run the session.

At the information session, participants will learn more about:• Expanding their workforce• Upskilling their workforce• STTF application process• Grant requirements• Types of training• Funding parameters

As one of the leading providers of corporate training in the state, the Groves Center is an ideal location to host one of the STTF informational sessions.

“Corporate Training at Kalamazoo Valley Community College delivers high-quality, cost-effective, outcome-based training solutions for area businesses and individuals in the format they require and in a time frame convenient to their operations,” said Kate Miller, corporate training specialist at the Groves Center. “Offering technical, soft skills and leadership programs, last year we served 1,025 individuals from 49 businesses in the region - ranging from small family-owned companies to large Fortune 100 organizations.”

Examples of specialized training offered at the Groves Center and previously funded by the STTF grant include Blue Print Reading, Pneumatics/Hydraulics, Robotics, Maintenance Troubleshooting, Mechatronics, GD&T and CNC.

“Very few training providers in the state offer these types of classes,” Miller said. “In fact, we are the only facility in the state to offer Basic Robotics for open enrollment.”

Training is offered on campus or at the employer’s site, depending on what is most convenient for each customer.

The Groves Center, 7107 Elm Valley Drive, Kalamazoo, is a state-of-the-art, 70,000-square-foot facility that includes a Mobile Robotics Lab, 3D Printer Room, HAAS CNC Lab, Mechatronics Lab, Electrical Panel Lab, Computer CAD/CAM Fanuc SIM Classroom and a FANUC Robodrill Room.

STTF applications will be accepted Sept. 18 through Oct. 6, and must be submitted to Michigan Works! Funds are anticipated to be awarded by the state in late November.

For more information about the STTF, visit www.michiganworkssouthwest.org.

For more information about Corporate Training Program options at the Groves Center, contact Kate Miller at kmiller1@kvcc.edu or visit www.kvccgrovescenter.com.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Sustainable Brewing program is one of the first ever to receive recognition from the Master Brewers Association of the Americas (MBAA). The college is among eight other schools in the United States and Canada to meet or exceed the guidelines and learning outcomes set by the MBAA.

“Our program, which was launched less than two years ago, continues to grow in popularity with students and with area employers,” said Associate Vice President for Instruction and the Bronson Healthy Living Campus Dean McCurdy. “This recognition puts Kalamazoo Valley up there with other institutions that have been doing this a lot longer.”

This recognition follows news of a recent award by the U.S. Open College Beer Championship. Kalamazoo Valley was the top winner in the craft beer competition for beers exclusively brewed by college and university brewing and fermentation programs.“We are thrilled to be recognized as one of the top brewing programs in North America,” McCurdy said. “These awards reflect the creativity, artisanship, and attention to detail that we’ve built into our award-winning curriculum. Competing successfully against the top colleges and universities throughout

North America is a validation of the investments we have made in recruiting excellent brewers and scientists to teach in our program. It also acknowledges the strong partnerships we’ve built with the local brewing community, and of the state-of-the-art brewery we opened at our Kalsec® Center for Sustainable Brewing Education on the college’s Bronson Healthy Living Campus.”

The Masters Brewers Association Review board brings practical, scientific, and academic excellence to the process of both guiding and recognizing new and existing brewing and fermentation science programs at colleges and university throughout and beyond North America. The review board comprises master brewers and leaders in the brewing academia and human resource professionals from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing, MillerCoors LLC, Deschutes Brewery, Oregon State University, UC Davis, Dalhouse University, Skagit Valley Malting, and Joh. Barth & Sohn Gmbh, and Co. KG.

Kalamazoo Valley offers a Certificate, Associate of Applied Science degree, and an Associate in Science degree in Sustainable Brewing. Program options are designed to prepare students for employment in brewing and related industries. Students can also transfer

coursework to complete a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Applied Science or Bachelor of Business Administration (Management) degree.

Students interested in the program should apply to the college at www.kvcc.edu/register. More information about the Sustainable Brewing program is available at www.kvcc.edu/programs/sustainable.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College alumni Nicholas Martin, a 2000 Loy Norrix High School graduate, was the first person in his family to attend college. He and his wife Kellee just moved to Florida with their two young children because Martin is beginning a Ph.D. fellowship at the University of Florida in the top ranked entomology department in the world. His research will focus on the chemical ecology of the Florida Hairstreak, Eumaeus atala, an endangered butterfly that’s native to Florida.

Martin credits his instructors at Kalamazoo Valley with setting him on the path to academic success. “Initially, I lacked direction, resources, and at times felt lost,” he recalled. “Fortunately, I found my path at Kalamazoo Valley with the help of some truly amazing instructors.”

Martin explains,” It was during Verne Mills’ cellular biology and genetics courses that I learned to organize and execute experiments, keep good notes, and think about questions conceptually, as opposed to just memorizing facts. Because of Gordon Beilby’s enthusiasm for biology, my ambiguous college goals transformed into ambitious pursuits in ecology and evolution. I learned through Joshua Upson’s logic class to construct good arguments and detect bad ones, which helped me to succeed in writing and evaluating scientific papers. Michael Raines gave me the confidence in my mathematical skills to pursue a minor in general mathematics. The skills I acquired through that minor helped me to develop a mathematical model describing the interactions between toxic insect herbivores and their predators.” Martin will soon submit the results of that model to an academic journal.

Martin’s research focuses on the Florida Hairstreak, Eumaeus atala, a butterfly that feeds exclusively on the ancient plant family of cycads. The plants produce a neurotoxin that renders them inedible to nearly everything but a few species. These butterflies also use bright warning coloration to let predators know they are toxic, a phenomenon known as aposematism. As caterpillars, they feed on the plant in large groups, which is atypical for butterflies in that family (Lycaenidae). They can completely defoliate plants and likely experience some competition with each other. Martin said group feeding probably helps to warn predators they’re toxic. He plans to find out what that optimal group size is and whether or not populations in nature are above or below that group size. “That way, we can better understand why they’re so abundant in some places and almost entirely gone in others,” he said.

Martin transferred to Western Michigan University after attending Kalamazoo Valley, earning a master’s degree. “Without the opportunities and instruction available at Kalamazoo Valley, I do not think that I would have made it to this point in my career,” he said. “I am deeply indebted to the faculty there, and the institution as a whole. Kalamazoo Valley allowed me to make a difference in my life.”

BREWING PROGRAM GAINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION AGAIN

Instructor Ian Salo leading an applied fluid power course

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTNicholas Martin

NEED TRAINING FUNDS? STTF CAN HELPBarley used in the brewing program

Brewing instructor, Brian Lindberg, inspecting a brewing tank

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Kalamazoo Valley Community College

BOARD OF TRUSTEESJeffrey E. Patton Chairman Lucinda M. Stinson Vice ChairmanSusan L. Miller SecretaryA. Christian Schauer Treasurer

Patrick A. Farmer TrusteeMary T. Gustas TrusteeT. Kenneth Young TrusteeMarilyn Schlack President

KV Focus is a publication of Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Questions about the publication may be directed to the college marketing department at 269.488.4821.

It is the policy of Kalamazoo Valley Community College not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, height, weight, or marital status in its programs, services, employment or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Campus Operations, 6767 West O Avenue, P. O. Box 4070, Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070, 269.488.4434.

Editor: Linda DeptaManaging Editor: Dawn KempDesigner: Robyn HughesPhotographer: Robyn Hughes Jacqueline Luttrell

Contributors: Linda Depta Erin Dominianni Dawn Kemp

Texas Township Campus6767 West O Avenue PO Box 4070Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070269.488.4400

Arcadia Commons Campus202 North Rose Street PO Box 4070Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070269.373.7800

www.kvcc.edu

Groves Campus7107 Elm Valley DrivePO Box 4070Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070269.353.1253

Bronson Healthy Living CampusPO Box 4070Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070269.548.3300

Non-Profit Org. U.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 995Kalamazoo, MI

Kalamazoo Valley Community College6767 West O Avenue, PO Box 4070Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070

The Center for New Media and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum at Kalamazoo Valley’s Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo host art exhibits during Art Hop each month. The Museum also hosts musical performances and planetarium shows. All Art Hop exhibits remain on display for the entire month at the Center for New Media. Opening night receptions run from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

“The city of Kalamazoo boasts a rich art and music community and Kalamazoo Valley is blessed to be a part of it,” said Tom Hamann, director for the Center for New Media. “Art Hop Fridays are an especially exciting time to experience downtown Kalamazoo.”

Food Innovation. Locally Delivered.

HEALTHYLIVINGsummitThe mission of this summit is to educate

medical professionals about “Food as Medicine” by emphasizing the linkage

between food and disease management.

OCTOBER 21 | 8 AM - 3 PMwww.kvcc.edu/healthylivingsummit

ART HOP AT THEKALAMAZOO VALLEY MUSEUM AND CENTER FOR NEW MEDIA

CENTER FOR NEW MEDIASEPTEMBER 8 & OCTOBER 6“The World of Gil Golde”The world according to Gil Golde is funny, crazy, satirical, and sometimes sad. Drawings, cartoons, and sketches reflect the insight of a gifted artist whose work takes you into another dimension.

OCTOBER 6“Finders Keepers, a Children’s Picture Book Launching”The self-publishing journey of Beth Purdy, Kalamazoo Valley faculty member

NOVEMBER 3Ceramics exhibit by Kalamazoo Valley students

DECEMBER 1 & JANUARY 5New Media ShowcaseThis juried exhibition of Kalamazoo Valley Center for New Media student art highlights their digital artistry in the categories of graphic design, illustration, web design, animation, game art, and multi-media

FEBRUARY 2Spotlight: Alumni ArtistsAn exhibition of visual art created by Kalamazoo Valley’s Center for New Media Alumni- Don Ashcraft- David Stokes- Yuko Enos

MARCH 2Kalamazoo Valley Faculty ShowAn exhibition of visual art created by Kalamazoo Valley Faculty and Staff

APRIL 6Alumni+ ShowcaseAn annual juried exhibition of visual artwork created by Kalamazoo Valley alumni

MAY 42018 Student Art ShowThis juried exhibition of Kalamazoo Valley student work in a variety of traditional mediums includes painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and ceramics.

JUNE 1Art & New Media Grad ShowArt & New Media graduates are highlighted in this exhibit featuring their best work in graphic design, illustration, web design, animation, and video.

KALAMAZOO VALLEY MUSEUMADMISSION IS FREEThe Kalamazoo Valley Museum is open until 9 p.m. on Art Hop Fridays year-round; doors close at 8 p.m., so be sure to arrive early to get your tickets for the 8 p.m. planetarium show. A variety of live entertainment, visual art, and music light shows are available for adult audiences each month.

• Friday Art Hop Visual Experience 5 p.m. | FREE• Friday Art Hop Live Music Experience 6 p.m. | FREE

SEPTEMBER 8Karen Frenchhall’s “Journey In” (sculpture) and music byDouble-Strung (country, bluegrass, gospel, acoustic rock)

OCTOBER 6Marcy Peake’s “Please Understand” (photography) and music by Never Mine (jazz from the 1920s to modern)

NOVEMBER 3Josh Gipson’s “Precision Productions” (art) and music by Mechele Peters & ‘Til the Cowboys Come Home (Americana old school)

DECEMBER 1Denise Miller’s “Reclaiming Humanness: An Historical Broadside Journey of Black Women as Reluctant Heroes, 1781 – present,” (art) and music byKalamazoo Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra (holiday classics)

Photo by Marcy Peake

Art Hop at the Center for New Media

Illustrations from “Finders Keepers” by Beth Purdy, Kalamazoo Valley art instructor