Maya Lin: Flow | May 18 - Sep 8, 2019
Now at the Grand Rapids Art Museum
F R O M
T H E
D I R ECTO R
Dear members, friends, and guests,
2018 – 2019 Board of Trustees
We’re looking forward to another inspiring and exciting summer at GRAM!
Tamara R. Bailey President Kathleen Stewart Ponitz Vice President Lizbeth O’Shaughnessy Secretary/Treasurer Luis E. Avila Patricia Betz Marilyn Crawford Sam Cummings Joseph H. Doele Jim Engelking Erin Gravelyn Diane Griffin Kurt Hassberger Christopher Hufnagel Ritsu Katsumata Rishi Makkar India Manns Jane Boyles Meilner Sydney DeVos Reames Christopher Rosmarin Carol Sarosik Eddie T.L. Tadlock Mitchell Watt Meg Miller Willit Foundation Board of Trustees Lauretta K. Murphy President Lizbeth O’Shaughnessy Secretary/Treasurer Tamara R. Bailey Thomas A. DeMeester Meg Goebel Greg Hooks Janet Nisbett Douglas Padnos Eddie T.L. Tadlock Douglas Williams Honorary Life Trustees Margaret Bradshaw Anita Carter Pamella DeVos Marilyn Q. Drake David G. Frey Mary Ann Keeler Mary Loupee Mary Nelson Kate Pew Wolters
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is proud to present its summer exhibitions opening May 18, Maya Lin: Flow and Michigan Artist Series, Melanie Daniel: Only Four Degrees. Flow features recent large-scale sculpture by renowned artist, and designer Maya Lin. Organized by GRAM in collaboration with Lin’s studio, the exhibition features sculpture that demonstrates Lin’s fascination with the natural environment, specifically water, as a subject. Lin has created two new sculptures for the exhibition that focus directly on West Michigan, Pin River – Grand River Watershed (2019) and The Traces Left Behind (from the Great Bear Lake to the Great Lakes (2019). The exhibition also creates a connection with Ecliptic, the community public park in Rosa Parks Circle designed by Lin that will mark its 20th anniversary next year. The latest installment of GRAM’s Michigan Artist Series, Melanie Daniel: Only Four Degrees, features large-scale paintings and works on paper that depict Daniels imaginary world that is at the brink of collapse by a chronic, longstanding disregard for its environmental well-being. Daniel’s big and strangely beautiful works hint at the adaptability of nature, in which plants and flowers overrun her lush canvases. Members are invited to join us for the exclusive member preview of Maya Lin: Flow and Melanie Daniel: Only Four Degrees, Friday, May 17, 7 – 9 pm. While planning warm weather outings, don’t forget to add GRAM’s diverse programming and events to the mix. The Museum’s summer schedule is packed full of events for the whole family to enjoy. Sign up your budding artist for our exciting Summer Art Camps and choose from a variety of camp sessions exploring painting, printmaking, and colorful fun. Stop by GRAM Studio on Saturday afternoons and select Thursday evenings to explore your creativity and enjoy hands-on art making activities in Drop-in Studio. Adults are invited to join us for a diverse array of workshops in GRAM Studio, including Creativity Uncorked and Adult Workshops. Head to the Museum for Light the Night on June 20, an event celebrating the longest day of the year complete with games, music, live performances, and an after-hours flashlight tour of the Museum! Enjoy warm summer nights downtown as we kick off our annual GRAM on the Green outdoor concert series! Held seven weeks in July and August, we invite you to enjoy the most popular local and regional music acts, dancing, drinks, art making, and the best food trucks in town. After the concert, don’t forget to head into the galleries and enjoy free admission until 9 pm as part of Meijer Free Thursday Nights. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day with music, art, food, and community! I look forward to seeing you at the Museum soon! Warmly,
Dana Friis-Hansen, Director and CEO
1
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
E X H I B I T I O N S
Maya Lin: Flow May 18 – September 8, 2019 GRAM is pleased to announce an exhibition of recent large-scale sculpture by renowned artist Maya Lin (b. 1959). Organized by GRAM in collaboration with Lin’s studio, the exhibition features sculpture that demonstrates Lin’s fascination with the natural environment, specifically water, as a subject.
Above: Maya Lin, The Deglaciation of the Laurentide, 2018. Paperboard, encaustic, aluminum 55-1/4 x 71 x 1” (140.3 x 180.3 x 2.5 cm). Photograph by Kris Graves. © Maya Lin Studio, courtesy Pace Gallery Cover: Maya Lin, Blue Lake Pass, 2006. Duraflake particleboard installation, dimensions variable 5’ 11” x 22’ 5” x 17’ 6” (180.3 x 683.3 x 533.4 cm), Overall. Installed from 30 x 36 x 36-1/2 (76.2 x 91.4 x 92.7 cm) to 71 x 36 x 36-1/2 (180.3 x 91.4 x 92.7 cm), 20 blocks, each. Photograph by G.R. Christmas. © Maya Lin Studio, courtesy Pace Gallery
Created in recycled silver, steel pins, paper and common building materials, Lin conceives these sculptures with the use of charting, mapping, and scientific research to determine each work’s ultimate design, layout, and structure.
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
2
E X H I B I T I O N S
Lin has created two new sculptures for the exhibition that focus directly on West Michigan. Pin River – Grand River Watershed (2019) is an installation made of steel pins embedded directly into the wall that forms a sparkling fifteen-foot-long outline of the Grand River Watershed. At 260 miles in length, the Grand River is Michigan’s longest waterway and has been critical to the history and economy of Grand Rapids. The Traces Left Behind (from the Great Bear Lake to the Great Lakes (2019) is a shimmering wall relief cast from recycled silver. In creating the work, Lin charted the span of contemporary bodies of water from the Arctic to the Great Lakes that were formed by the melting of the Laurentide Ice Shelf, which once covered much of the North American continent. Through scope, scale, and the transformation of materials, Lin expands our awareness of the Great Lakes, the geological forces that created them, and their connection to other bodies of water. With Flow, Lin, a committed environmentalist, focuses attention on the crucial role of water, both to our region, and to global survival. The exhibition also creates connection and dialogue with Ecliptic, the public park in Rosa Parks Circle created by Lin, that marks its 20th anniversary next year. Water – specifically the nearby Grand River–also directly inspired Ecliptic. Within the park, Lin featured water in three different forms—liquid, solid, and vapor—through the park’s ice rink and amphitheater, mist fountain, and table of flowing water. “I’ve always been fixated on water,” says Lin. “Maybe it’s because it exists in multiple states, and you can never understand it in nature as a fixed moment in time.”
Concurrent with Maya Lin: Flow, an adjacent display of Ecliptic-related models, plans, texts, and other materials explores Lin’s conception and creation of the park, which has transformed Rosa Parks Circle into a key gathering space at the heart of Grand Rapids. GRAM’s interactive gallery activities allow guests to experience the materials Lin uses through touch stations, share their favorite Ecliptic memory for other guests to read, and dive deeper into the history of Lin’s work in a relaxed and comfortable book nook.
Support for this exhibition is generously provided by: Herman Miller Cares Frey Foundation Eenhoorn, LLC. Wege Foundation Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs National Endowment for the Arts Wolverine Worldwide Applause Catering + Events Greenleaf Trust James and Mary Nelson BISSELL Inc. Lizbeth Sorensen O’Shaughnessy The Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation Shelley Padnos and Carol Sarosik Progressive AE Dirk and June Hoffius Greg and Meg Willit brightly Conduit Studio Robert Daverman, AIA / GR Community Foundation
Herbert G. Daverman Endowment Fund Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC Jeff Gurney and Xuesi Li Gurney Haworth, Inc. J. Visser Design Kathryn Chaplow Interior Design Ritsu Katsumata and Stafford Smith The Keeler Foundation AKA Miner S & Mary Ann Keeler Fund Jane and John Meilner Barbara and Jim O’Connor Martin and Enid Packard Kathleen Stewart Ponitz Reagan Marketing + Design, LLC Milt and Barbara Rohwer Bill Scarbrough and Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Triangle Associates, Inc. Additional Support Provided by GRAM Exhibition Society and the Friends of Maya Lin Group. Listing as of print date.
Above: Maya Lin, Blue Lake Pass, 2006. Duraflake particleboard installation, dimensions variable 5’ 11” x 22’ 5” x 17’ 6” (180.3 x 683.3 x 533.4 cm), Overall. Installed from 30 x 36 x 36-1/2 (76.2 x 91.4 x 92.7 cm) to 71 x 36 x 36-1/2 (180.3 x 91.4 x 92.7 cm), 20 blocks, each. Photograph by G.R. Christmas. © Maya Lin Studio, courtesy Pace Gallery 3
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
E X H I B I T I O N S
Exhibition-Related Programs and Events
Photo by Jesse Frohman
Photo by Ngoc Minh Ngo
ARTIST TALK
Maya Lin: Art and Environment Friday, May 17 6 pm – 7 pm Cook Auditorium GRAM members $5, Public $15
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
Join us for a conversation with renowned artist, and designer Maya Lin. Lin will discuss her current GRAM exhibition Maya Lin: Flow, her commitment to environmentalism, and the crucial role of water, both to our region and to global survival. Lin interprets the natural world through science, history, politics, and culture, creating a remarkable and highly acclaimed body of work in art and architecture. Lin has been the subject of numerous solo exhibitions at museums and galleries worldwide.
Moderator: Ron Platt, Chief Curator, GRAM Anticipating the 20th anniversary of the opening of Ecliptic, GRAM will convene key individuals in the history of the park to share their memories and insights on its inception, development, and construction, as well as its two decades as a civic gathering spot. Looking forward, the Conservancy team will share plans for preservation and support of the park in the future.
Ecliptic: Past, Present, Future Tuesday, June 11 7 pm - 8 pm Free for members, Public $10
Limit two tickets per membership. Online tickets available during the GRAM Member Pre-Sale starting April 23 at artmuseumgr.org/mayalin. Tickets available to the public starting May 1.
MEMBER EXHIBITION OPENING
Maya Lin: Flow Friday, May 17 7 pm – 9 pm Free, GRAM Members Only Join us for the exclusive member opening of Maya Lin: Flow. Members enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and live entertainment.
Above: Maya Lin, Silver Niagara, 2012-2013. Recycled silver, 48-1/8” x 75” x 1/2” (122.2 cm x 190.5 cm x 1.3 cm). Photograph by Kerry Ryan McFate. © Maya Lin Studio, courtesy Pace Gallery
Support for the member opening is generously provided by Greenleaf Trust. RSVP by May 10, 2019, by calling 616.831.2909 or online at artmuseumgr.org/memberopening.
Support for the Artist Talk and Community Conversation is generously provided by Herman Miller Cares.
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
4
E X H I B I T I O N S
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
Land. Water. Parks. People. Date and Time TBA Moderator: David Marquardt, Director, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Maya Lin’s vision for Ecliptic was inspired by native cultures and the importance of the Grand River in their lives. Her design embracing the three states of water draws people together today. This conversation will explore how artists and landscape designers have used water to bring people together, as well as the important ideas shaping the restoration along the Grand River today. More information about this event will be available soon at artmuseumgr.org.
Art in the Urban Environment: Downtown Walking Tour June 14 and July 17, 10 am – 12 pm August 11, 1:30 – 2:30 pm $12 per adult, $8 per child, $8 per GRAM member Join GRAM for a downtown walking tour in connection with, Maya Lin: Flow and Lin’s focus on public art spaces and parks. Participants meet on the front steps of GRAM with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Explore Maya Lin’s Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle, and discover water in three different forms: liquid, solid, and vapor. Explore other outdoor art sculptures in downtown Grand Rapids, and hear stories and secrets behind many known and lesser known works of art, including how they came to occupy these outdoor urban spaces. Fee includes the walking tour and Museum admission. Participants can register on the website or by calling 616.831.1000.
Photo by Ngoc Minh Ngo
Above: Melanie Daniel (Canadian, b. 1972). Sharing (detail), 2018. Oil on canvas, 40 x 40 inches. Image courtesy of the Artist.
MICHIGAN ARTIST SERIES
Melanie Daniel: Only Four Degrees May 18 – September 8, 2019 Melanie Daniel’s urgent concern for humankind’s relationship with the natural world has fueled the paintings and works on view in Melanie Daniel: Only Four Degrees, her Michigan Artist Series exhibition at GRAM. In these recent large-scale paintings and works on paper, Daniel imagines a world at the brink of collapse by our chronic, longstanding disregard for its well-being. The people who populate her rich narrative pictures are painfully aware of their difficult circumstances and have adopted various methods to cope with their new surroundings. Daniel’s garish, unnatural palette, dense areas of vibrating pattern, and skewed perspectives underscore her subject’s unease within their surroundings. The figures in her paintings and drawings still attempt the mundane tasks of daily life–preparing food, taking selfies, etc. but in a world inhospitable to a normal routine, they appear unmoored and exhausted. Daniel’s big, brash, and strangely beautiful works hint at the adaptability of nature, in which plants and flowers overrun her lushly filled canvases. Melanie Daniel was born in Victoria, British Columbia, and is based in Tel Aviv, Israel. She exhibits her art internationally, recently in exhibitions in the U.S., Canada, Israel, and Sweden. Among her recent awards are a Pollock-Krasner Grant and a New York Foundation for the Arts Grant, and in 2009 Daniel was awarded a solo exhibition for the Tel Aviv Museum of Art’s Rappaport Prize for a Young Israeli Artist. She is currently the Padnos Distinguished Visiting Artist/ Professor at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she teaches a course in advanced drawing. Support for this exhibition is generously provided by: Steelcase Inc. Beusse & Porter Family Foundation The Jury Foundation
5
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
F U T U R E
E X H I B I T I O N S
Coming This Fall
David Wiesner & The Art of Wordless Storytelling October 12, 2019 – January 12, 2020 David Wiesner has enthralled readers for three decades, and his remarkable career is surveyed in this first-ever retrospective devoted to his art. The exhibition features 70 original watercolors from some of Wiesner’s most famous books, including three for which he won the prestigious Caldecott Medal: Tuesday (1992), The Three Pigs (2002), and Flotsam (2007). Also on view is work from Wiesner’s earliest artistic successes while still a student at the Rhode Island School of Design to his most recent book project—his first graphic novel, Fish Girl, published in 2017.
Above: David Wiesner (American, b. 1956). Original design for National Poetry Week poster (Detail), 2001. Watercolor on paper, 21 x 14 inches. Support for this exhibition is generously provided by: Wege Foundation Karl and Patricia Betz James and Mary Nelson Dirk and June Hoffius Greg and Meg Willit Jeff Gurney and Xuesi Li Gurney Haworth, Inc.
Additional support is provided by the GRAM Exhibition Society. Listing as of print date.
This exhibition has been organized by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
6
K I DS
A N D
FA M I L I E S
Hands-on Artmaking for All Ages May: Portraits from Pieces Whoever said a portrait has to look realistic? Build a wacky portrait of yourself or a friend using bits and pieces from magazines. June: Calder’s Moves Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alexander Calder’s La Grande Vitesse in GRAM Studio. Get inspired by Calder’s mobiles, then find the right balance in constructing a hanging sculpture that is activated with the slightest movement.
Drop-in Studio Every Saturday, 1 pm – 4 pm Every third Thursday of the month, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm Free with admission, free for members The next time you visit the Museum on a Saturday, drop in to GRAM Studio and enjoy hands-on art-making and gallery activities. Drop-in Studio is a great opportunity for individuals of all ages to learn a new skill and gain a deeper engagement with the art work on view.
Story Time Program: Art Safari Thursday, May 16 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm All ages, free The Grand Rapids Art Museum and Grand Rapids Public Library have teamed up to present a fun outing for the whole family. Begin by reading an animal themed story with GRPL Staff and join in with a song and dance. Then, GRAM docents will lead a safari throughout the Museum in search of animals big and small while you complete a scavenger hunt. Afterward, head to GRAM Studio to create a unique work of art! Registration is not required. This program is held on Meijer Free Thursday Nights and is available to guests at no cost, thanks to the generous support of The Meijer Foundation.
7
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
July: Mini Sculpture Parks Gain inspiration from artist Maya Lin’s landscape-based sculptures and architecture, then create your own sculpture park in GRAM Studio. Using simple materials, find a link between landscape, sculpture, and architecture. August: Reclaimed Sketchbooks Combine colorful papers and collage materials to assemble a sketchbook that’s as unique as you are. Take your sketchbook up to the galleries to hone your drawing skills. September: Sculpture Challenge Recycle, re-use, and re-purpose materials to create a work of art. Pick up a mystery bag of materials and assemble a unique sculpture only using what you find inside. For more information, please contact GRAM Studio at 616.831.2927 or gramstudio@artmuseumgr.org.
Sponsored by:
K I DS
GRAM Discovery Club Select Wednesdays May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, and September 11 10:30 am – 11:30 am $3 per child, $7 per adult, free for members Children 3-5 years old and their families are invited to participate in GRAM Discovery Club program. Each month features a new theme to engage young children with games, stories, music, and an art project in GRAM Studio.
A N D
FA M I L I E S
May 8: Nursery Rhymes This month, journey through your favorite nursery rhymes. Search the Museum on a treasure hunt and look for clues in the artwork. Play games inspired by nursery rhymes, then create a work of art to commemorate your nursery rhyme journey. June 12: Art Safari Go on a safari in the galleries in search of animals in the artwork. Then, head to GRAM Studio to create a special animal-themed artwork of your own. July 10: Superheroes in the Museum Superheroes have invaded the Museum! Participants go through superhero training by exploring super-human features in the artwork. Enjoy games, listen to a special hero inspired story, go on a treasure hunt, and create your own superhero costume. August 14: A Trip Around the World Explore artwork featuring faraway places during a treasure hunt game, and get stamps in your GRAM passport along the way. Sing songs and hear a story in the galleries, then head to the Studio to make a special souvenir to remember your trip. September 11: Music and Movement It’s time for a dance party! Play instruments, learn dance moves inspired by the artwork, and hear a story to sing along to. Then, head to the Studio to make a special work of art inspired by rhythm. The deadline to register for GRAM Discovery Club programming is two days prior to event date. To register, visit artmuseumgr.org/discoveryclub or contact Group Experience Manager, Kristen Hoeker, at 616.831.2930 or khoeker@artmuseumgr.org.
Baby and Me Tour Select Tuesdays May 21, June 18, July 23, August 20, and September 24 11 am – 12 pm Free Moms, dads, caregivers, and grandparents are invited to join us for an interactive tour and discussion inspirited by our latest exhibitions and permanent collection. Expect a special kind of outing where no one minds if a baby lends their opinion with a coo or a cry. Strollers permitted; carrying or baby wearing is encouraged. Baby & Me tours are perfect for children age 0-18 months. Tours meet in the Museum lobby. Please pre-register online at artmuseumgr.org/tours or by calling Visitor Services at 616.831.1000.
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
8
K I DS
A N D
FA M I L I E S
Second Saturday Sketching Tour Every Second Saturday of the Month May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, and September 14 1 pm – 2 pm Free for members, free with admission
Drop-in Tours Select Tuesdays and Saturdays 1 pm - 2 pm Free for members, free with admission
On the second Saturday of each month, join a docent-guided sketching tour of GRAM’s exhibitions. Sketching is a great opportunity to look more deeply at the works of art on view as well as express your own creativity. This event is open to individuals of all ages and levels of experience. Drawing supplies are available for each participant. Registration is not required. Tours meet in the Museum lobby.
Drop in to GRAM and explore the galleries with one of our dedicated docents to explore our newest exhibitions and the Museum’s collection. This is a fantastic opportunity for art lovers of all ages to explore the many excellent works at GRAM. No registration required. Tours meet in the Museum lobby. Upcoming Drop-in Tours Saturday, May 18 Tuesday, May 21 Saturday, Jun 1 Tuesday, Jun 11 Tuesday, Jun 18 Saturday, Jun 29 Tuesday, Jul 16 Saturday, Jul 27 Tuesday, July 30 Saturday, Aug 3 Tuesday, Aug 13 Saturday, Aug 24 Tuesday, Aug 27 Saturday, Sep 7 Tuesday, Sep 17 Saturday, Sep 28
Maya Lin: Flow GRAM’s Collection - World Diversity Day Portraits Through the Years Going Green at GRAM GRAM’s Collection - Furniture and Design Collection Maya Lin: Flow GRAM’s Collection - Women in Art GRAM’s Collection - Made in the Mitten GRAM’s Collection - Abstract Art Portraits Through the Years Maya Lin: Flow GRAM’s Collection - Women in Art GRAM’s Collection - Art and Travel GRAM’s Collection - Exploring the Mysteries of Color Billy Mayer GRAM’s Collection - Abstract Art
For more information about tours, visit artmuseumgr.org/tours or contact tours@artmuseumgr.org. Drop-in Tours held on Meijer Free Tuesdays are available to guests at no cost, thanks to the generous support of The Meijer Foundation.
Light the Night Thursday, June 20 5 pm – 9 pm Free until 9 pm Flashlight Tours 9 pm – 10 pm $15 per person $10 per member or member guest Make the most of one of the longest days of the year with after-hours exhibitions and gallery activities exploring light and shadow. Enjoy light up art-making activities, scavenger hunts, prizes, guided tours at 6:30 pm and 7:45 pm, a live musical performance, and more. This event is free until 9 pm, then we’ll turn off the lights and take you on an exclusive after-hours flashlight tour of the Museum. Flashlight tours have a limited capacity, all tour guests must be 10 years old and over and must preregister by calling 616.831.1002 or at artmuseumgr.org/ flashlight-tour.
9
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
K I DS
GRAM Summer Art Camps 2019 $120, members receive 20% off, need-based scholarships available Monday – Friday, 9 am – 12 pm GRAM Summer Art Camp provides children and teens, ages 4 through 15, with the opportunity to experience creativity and innovation in a unique and transformative setting. Campers take part in observation and discussion in the Museum’s galleries, discovery and hands-on activities in GRAM Studio, and learn collaborative problem-solving processes through communication and creation.
A N D
FA M I L I E S
Artful Discoveries & Adventures June 17 - 21: ages 4 - 6 (Sold Out) June 24 - 28: ages 7 - 9 Past, Present, and Future July 8 - 12: ages 4 - 6 July 15 - 19: ages 7 - 9 Eco-Art July 22 - 26: ages 10 - 12 Art and Identity July 23 – August 2: ages 13 - 15 Book your child’s spot early, as sessions sell out quickly. Register online at artmuseumgr.org/sac. For more information, please contact Studio Experience Manager, Crystal Chesnik, at 616.831.2927 or gramstudio@artmuseumgr.org. Support for Summer Art Camp is generously provided by: Herman Miller Cares Reagan Marketing + Design Tom Merchant & Glen Johnson ImageQuest Listing as of print date.
Art for Life Programs are supported by GRAM’s Art for Life program, dedicated to sustaining and growing the vital work of the Learning and Creativity Department.
The Art of Healthy Living Select Thursdays July 18, August 1, August 15, and August 29 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Free Families of all ages can explore the connection between art and healthy living at GRAM. Each program has a different theme and includes story time with staff from Cherry Health, an exhibition tour, and art project. Registration is not required. Ideal for ages 4-8 years old. For more information, visit artmuseumgr.org/healthyliving. July 18: Five Senses August 1: Move to the Beat August 15: Smart Sleep August 29: Building Smart Bones
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
10
J U ST
FO R
A D U LT S
Creativity Uncorked Select Fridays May 31, June 14, July 12, August 9, and September 6 6:45 pm – 9 pm $40, members receive 20% off
July 12: Art in the Air This summer, enjoy flying a kite personally designed by you. Tour the galleries and draw inspiration from the works on view, then head to the Studio to design and build an artistic kite to take your art to the skies.
After the Museum closes its doors, we invite you to grab a friend and enjoy a glass of wine in GRAM Studio at Creativity Uncorked. Enjoy a program tailored toward the exhibitions on view or the Museum’s collection each month. Arrive early at 6:15 pm to enjoy two complimentary drinks, music, and mingling with fellow art lovers, followed by a private tour and art making. May 31: Painting Future Landscapes Explore Melanie Daniel’s vibrant paintings of dystopic near-future landscapes during a private after-hours tour of Only Four Degrees. Use acrylics to paint your specimens or the future environments and landscapes in which you imagine they’d grow.
August 9: Mixed Media Symbolism Can objects represent a person, place, or experience? Can mark making express a particular emotion? Artists have been using symbols for centuries to represent various subjects that carry significant meaning and represent our personal experiences. Join us for a private tour exploring symbolism in art before creating a mixed media drawing that captures your emotion and experience. September 6: Exquisite Corpse Drawings Collaborate with friends in this workshop and create
June 14: Painting Portraits Find inspiration during a tour of Self, Symbol, Surrogate: Artist Portraits from GRAM’s Collection and discuss the historical and modern methods of creating portraits. Develop a deeper understanding of materials and processes while painting an expressive portrait of yourself or a friend.
11
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
mysterious figures by drawing a head, torso, and legs and combining them with other participant’s drawings. Exquisite Corpse is the perfect artistic group activity involving elements of unpredictability, chance, and unknown factors. Enjoy an after-hours tour of Michigan Artist Series: Billy Mayer featuring humorous mash-ups to form unlikely juxtapositions and unique figures together.
J U ST
Adult Workshops Select Sundays May 19, June 23, July 21, and August 18 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm $35, GRAM members receive 20% off
FO R
A D U LT S
August 18: Plein Air Urban Landscapes Enjoy the summer air by spending some time drawing outdoors. Join us as we take GRAM Studio outdoors for plein air pastel drawings. Beginning as far back as the 16th century, plein air art making was used as a way for the artist to study the natural landscape. Using the city around us as inspiration, you will get a crash course in perspective and scale as you capture the uniquely human landscape that is Grand Rapids.
Attend GRAM’s Adult Workshops and discover an afternoon of art-making and gallery activities. Tour the Collection and explore the history of different artmaking processes, then experience an in-depth demonstration of tools and techniques before creating your own unique project. Leave with a printed record of what was taught along with a list of resources for continuing at home. No experience is necessary–just an open mind and a willingness to try something new. All materials provided. Doors open at 12:15 pm. Open to ages 16+. May 19: Decorative Canning A form of basketry used in furniture since ancient times, rattan caning is as beautiful as it is functional. Discover the history of furniture caning and examine its use in furniture in GRAM’s collection. Learn caning techniques and practice the patterns while weaving a decorative wall panel.
September 22: Figure Painting The human figure can communicate much of what is beneath the surface of an individual. Capture and accentuate these unique qualities using line, value, and color. During this workshop, GRAM Studio will have a live model present as you practice rendering the human form through expressive and gestural mark making. June 23: Wire Drawings ($35) Gain inspiration from Alexander Calder’s three-dimensional line drawings of people, animals, and objects created using wire. Then, explore drawing as a three-dimensional process by manipulating wire to capture the movement and personality of a person or object. Practice continuous line drawings before translating one into a wire sculpture. July 21: Drypoint Prints Drypoint printmaking is a process that allows you to draw directly onto a printing plate, producing fine, delicate lines. Rub the plate with soy-based ink and run through a printing press for an incredibly detailed print. Learn about line quality, cross hatching, and contour lines while producing prints that capture a person’s likeness.
If you register multiple participants or for multiple Creativity Uncorked or Adult Workshop events, you can receive quantity discounts. Receive $3 off each ticket when purchasing three tickets and $4 off each ticket when purchasing four or more. Registration is required for all GRAM Studio workshops. Space is limited to 30 participants, so reserve your spot today at artmuseumgr.org/gramstudio. For more information, please contact GRAM Studio at 616.831.2927 or gramstudio@artmuseumgr.org.
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
12
AT
T H E
M U S EU M
SAVE THE DATE
Seventh Annual Live Artfully Dinner Honoring Scott and Linda LaFontsee Friday, September 13, 2019 6 pm Cocktails 7:30 pm Dinner 8:30 pm Program
GRAM on the Green Returns for 2019! GRAM on the Green Thursdays, July 11 – August 22, 2019 6 pm – 9 pm Free GRAM on the Green is back! The annual outdoor summer concert series returns for its eleventh season with a diverse lineup of seven performances. Make the most of your summer evenings and join GRAM for Thursday nights filled with FREE outdoor live music, dancing, food trucks, and a cash bar. Come for the music, and stay for the art, as the Museum is also open late for Meijer Free Thursday Nights! Performances are held outdoors on the Museum Terrace and will take place rain or shine. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Payne at 616.831.2917 or pr@artmuseumgr.org
The Grand Rapids Art Museum presents its seventh annual Live Artfully Dinner on Friday, September 13, 2019. Live Artfully is an annual event celebrating the vibrant culture of the West Michigan community, and the individuals whose leadership, support, and collaboration make it possible. The 7th annual celebration honors Scott and Linda LaFontsee for the many roles they play in expanding artistic accessibility, providing platforms for artistic expression, and for bringing art to the forefront of our community for the past 30 years. Proceeds from the event will support the operational needs of the museum, and a portion of the proceeds will go toward the Museum’s Acquisitions Fund, established to grow the museum’s art collection. The Live Artfully Dinner is a benefit event that GRAM hosts each year, celebrating art and those who help make Grand Rapids and West Michigan a vibrant arts and cultural community. Sponsorship opportunities are now available. Limited tickets will be available beginning July 1. For information about the event, please call Marnie McGuire, Manager of Corporate and Individual Giving, at 616.831.2901 or visit artmuseumgr.org/liveartfully.
Support for GRAM on the Green is generously provided by:
Yoga at GRAM Select Thursdays May 30, June 13, July 18, and August 15 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm Cook Auditorium Free The Grand Rapids Art Museum and AM Yoga present Yoga at GRAM, with support by Priority Health. Join us on select Thursday evenings for exceptional Vinyasa-style yoga classes with instructors Ashley Yost and Mali Jane. Thanks to the generous support of Priority Health, classes are donation-based and proceeds go directly to support AM Yoga. Sponsored by:
Meet GRAM’s Membership Manager Meet GRAM’s new Membership Manager, Denisse Zavala! A graduate of Grand Valley State University, Denisse joined the Museum in September 2017 as the Communications Assistant, and has since then greatly contributed to the GRAM team. She’s passionate about cultivating membership and providing experiences for members that create conversations about art and the local creative community. Connect with Denisse at 616.831.2912 or dzavala@artmuseumgr.org.
13
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
AT
T H E
M U S EU M
Art for Life Challenge Inspire creativity and imagination by supporting dynamic art education programs through the Art for Life Challenge Match. GRAM needs your help to raise $25,000 for Learning and Creativity programs. Founding Art for Life members Bill and Marilyn Crawford are offering a dollar-for-dollar challenge match of up to $25,000 for donations in support of Learning and Creativity programs. For every $1 that is donated through August 31, 2019 to Art for Life programming, GRAM will receive a matching contribution up to $25,000. Gifts directed to the Art for Life Challenge Match are dedicated to sustaining and growing the vital work of our Learning & Creativity Department. By providing essential support for art education, your gift supports thousands of underserved community members in innovative art education programs to inspire learning in the museum environment and to foster connections across our city.
Support Your Museum Your support empowers GRAM to connect people through art, creativity, and design. Here are some highlights from the past year. GRAM served 194,998 people. 38% of guests were first time visitors. 19,615 Visitors received complimentary admission on Meijer Free Tuesdays and Meijer Free Thursday Nights, marking a 6% increase over the prior year. 13,304 attendees participated in public programs like art-making in GRAM Studio, artist talks, GRAM on the Green summer concerts, Sunday Classical Concert Series, and Yoga at GRAM. 6,631 students received docent-guided tours of the exhibitions and collection works on view.
Give online at artmuseumgr.org/artforlife or send your gift in the enclosed reply envelope. Be sure to write “Art for Life Match” on your gift.
Providing Access to the Arts The arts have the power to strengthen and transform our community, and GRAM is committed to breaking down barriers to participation so that everyone has an opportunity to engage in enriching art experiences. GRAM provides free admission to hundreds of people each week through Meijer Free Tuesdays and Meijer Free Thursday Nights. The Museum also offers year-round admission to individuals or families who receive government food assistance, through the Museums for All initiative. Museums for All is a national access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), with over 250 participating organizations. GRAM is joined by the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) in offering access to West Michigan families through Museums for All. Support for Museums for All is provided by Amway.
The Museum’s award-winning arts and literacy program, Language Artists, engaged 1,468 third grade students from eight local school districts, including 100% of third grade students from Grand Rapids Public Schools. 3,368 studio participants enjoyed hands-on, art-making activities through Drop-in Studio, available every Saturday and the third Meijer Free Thursday Night of each month. To give today, please see the donation envelope attached for your convenience or give securely online at artmuseumgr.org/donate
NOW AT THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
14
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Permit No. 126
N W
E S
PEARL
MO
JW MARRIOTT
NR O
CAMPAU
EC
EN T
LO U
MO
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT
Admission
Museum Hours Tuesday & Wednesday: Thursday: Friday & Saturday: Sunday: Monday:
10 am – 5 pm 10 am – 9 pm 10 am – 5 pm 12 noon – 5 pm closed
Handicap parking is available in ramps. Curbside drop-off and wheelchairs also available. Call GRAM Security at 616.242.5033 for assistance.
NR
OE
IS
OT TA WA
ER
IONIA
AMWAY GRAND PLAZA
OTTAWA
MONROE
Grand Rapids Art Museum 101 Monroe Center Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Auditorium is equipped with assisted hearing
Members: Adults: Seniors/Students (w/ID): Youth (6–17): Ages 5 and under:
Free $10 $8 $6 Free
Admission is free on Meijer Free Tuesdays and Thursday Nights. Tuesdays: 10 am – 5 pm Thursdays: 5 pm – 9 pm
Parking is easy and accessible General Information: 616.831.1000
Now at the Grand Rapids Art Museum is a triannual publication featuring the programs and events of the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Programs and publications of GRAM are made possible in part with the support of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Grand Rapids Art Museum Foundation Endowment. Now at GRAM is printed on recycled paper.
artmuseumgr.org