December 19, 2023

The Spark, KCAD's retail store highlighting local artwork, nominated for five awards

A customer shops The Spark at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Spark, Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University’s retail space focused on supporting the local creative ecosystem, is nominated in five categories for Grand Rapids Magazine’s Best of Grand Rapids 2024 readers’ poll.

The Spark’s nominations include Best Gift Shop, Best Home Décor, Best Place to Buy Local Art, Best Consignment Shop, and Best Jewelry.

The Best of Grand Rapids readers’ poll is a chance for locals to nominate and select the winners among favorite spots to shop, dine, drink, and more. Community members can show their support and vote for The Spark on the GRMag Best of Grand Rapids ballot before the ballot closes on Jan. 10, 2024.

Open since August 2023, The Spark extends the creative community of KCAD into the wider community of West Michigan. The collaborative and publicly accessible retail space invites visitors to purchase handmade goods from a diversity of local artists and makers.

Last-minute holiday shoppers can find a wide range of stylish, unique gifts for everyone on their list, including art prints, home décor, stationery, jewelry, craft kits, books, toys, and more.

"We are honored to be nominated among so many beloved local businesses,” said Mikayla Portee, retail manager for The Spark and a KCAD alumna. “It shows the warm welcome the community has given our efforts to uplift and support the work of local artists since opening this past summer.”

The Spark is located at 17 Fountain St. NW in downtown Grand Rapids. The Spark is open noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 19 to 21, then closed until Jan. 7. 2024.

The Best of Grand Rapids 2024 ballot closes Jan. 10, 2024. Vote today to support local artists and small businesses.

For more information, visit The Spark online or follow on Instagram @thesparkgr.