Author

Zinta Aistars

Zinta Aistars is the creative director of Z Word, LLC. She is the producer and host of the weekly radio show, Art Beat, on WMUK. 

Zinta Aistars's Latest Articles

Marisa Bianan
Marisa Bianan: Carrying on the legacy of dance at Wellspring Dance Company

After 43 years of founding and running Wellspring Dance Company, Cori Terry is passing the mantle to new Artistic Director Marisa Bianan. Terry says she feels like "she hit the jackpot" in Bianan with someone who "has it all."

Simpler space, simpler time: Cooper Township one-room schoolhouse charms as small events venue

Thanks to the vision and hard work of the building's neighbors, a charming one-room schoolhouse in Cooper Township now hosts small events that celebrate important milestones — and more.

How to offer hope to earth’s youngest stewards about climate change

“You can’t save a place you don’t love. You can’t love a place you don’t know. And you can’t know a place you haven’t learned.” – Baba Dioum, a Senegalese environmentalist

Kalamazoo’s Healthy House for Women offers women in recovery a loving place to stay

"Our core values are to be sober, safe, and self-sufficient. I think there is a balance between self-sufficiency and community. I don’t want the women to think they can do everything by themselves."

Conrad Kaufman: Drawing from the land for nourishment and art

“I live an organic lifestyle, but I’m not overzealous. It is all about the quality of life and the quality of death. I enjoy being alive — and I respect life forms; I don’t step on a spider if I can help it. I didn’t study ecology. I lived it. My landscapes in my art represent that.”

Faith rooted in the Earth: Kalamazoo pagans honor the seasons, cycles, and web of life

Modern paganism is a religious movement founded on principles derived from living on this planet we call home. And its practices and tenets have a lot to teach us about Earth and human care during this time of climate crisis.

To build a bridge: Kalamazoo Chinese Academy nurtures cultural roots and fosters new speakers

In its 52nd year, the Kalamazoo Chinese Academy serves more than 50 area families, teaching language, performing arts, and traditional dance to both Chinese and non-heritage learners.

Scenes from Z Acres
Planting the Z flag: One writer finds her version of home

On this birthdate of our nation's freedom, maybe you, too,  have dreams of finding your own version of independence and home. As the child of Latvian immigrants, Zinta Aistars never felt quite at home. Until she discovered a remote 10 acres with a 'writer's cottage.' Twelve years ago, she found Z Acres. And hasn't looked back.

Siblings without rivalry: Two sisters reunite by running community-driven Kalamazoo businesses

There's the story. And then there's the story behind the story. Zinta Aistars uncovers a moving tale of how two community-positive entrepreneurs (who happen to be sisters) took very different paths in life — that ultimately converged in their hometown of Kalamazoo.

Love Muffins keeps sweet aroma going at former beloved Kalamazoo bakery

'Better When Shared' is a tagline of Kalamazoo's Love Muffins which features scrumptious carrot cake based on a family heirloom recipe. Love Muffins will soon add a storefront and also be sharing a kitchen at the former Boonzaaijer Bakery, which continues to sell baked goods at the Kalamazoo Farmers' Market. 

Our Sponsors

Gilmore Foundation

Our Media Partners

Battle Creek Community Foundation
Enna Foundation
BINDA Foundation

Solutions journalism takes time, trust, and your support.

Close
Psst. We could use your help today!

Don't miss out!

Everything Southwest Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.