Grand Valley State University’s Distinguished Artist-in-Residence for the 2024-2025 academic year, Katya Grokhovsky, will work closely with GVSU students on various explorations, projects and art forms.

The Padnos Distinguished Artist-in-Residency position, part of GVSU’s Department of Visual & Media Arts (VMA), was created to broaden art education and provide additional opportunities for students majoring or interested in the arts. Grokhovsky, selected for her global recognition and knowledge of the arts, will be the fifth person to hold the position at GVSU.

In a statement made to GVNext, VMA said they are excited about the prospect of exploring student art education through Grokhovsky’s “impressive professional background” and her “lived experiences as an immigrant artist.” Grokhovsky is a Ukrainian-born artist based in New York, and during her residency, she will focus on educating and mentoring students through her versatile expertise in painting, drawing, fibers, sculptures and performance in community-based art.

“(Grokhovsky’s) presence within the VMA department will enhance student learning, build community locally and will extend outward to the larger University and West Michigan communities,” said VMA’s statement. 

Through her work at GVSU, Grokhovsky will address issues of displacement and collective trauma, and investigate their meanings while using materials found in everyday life. Grokhovsky uses her art to inspire deep thinking about the world and will challenge the students at GVSU to create art that holds the capacity to open hearts and minds to complex topics and explorations.

“I am interested in intersections of disciplines and materiality through collaborative approaches and innovative thought processes,” Grokhovsky said. “(My teachings) stem from my own research and making with a view to broaden the contemporary art arena and work together.” 

Grokhovsky will continue her art while working with the students during her stay at GVSU, including through a project titled “Common Language,” which will ultimately be displayed in an exhibition at GVSU. The installation, which includes sculpture, fiber, painting and a video, will explore the narratives of migration and belonging. 

One of the works within the installation will feature a functional furniture piece with which the audience can interact. Inspired by the history of furniture making in the area, the exhibition will offer a space for connection and discussion surrounding a time of global conflict.

“I hope to engage in an active dialogue through my work and time here, and achieve new avenues of inquiry in my own work, and that of students,” Grokhovsky said.

During her residency at GVSU, Grokhovsky will expose students interested in pursuing art professionally to the daily proceedings and process of working and living as an artist. 

“I think an academic art residency like this has the potential to expose the students to an actively practicing professional artist,” Grokhovsky said. “Throughout my time here, there will be numerous opportunities of public engagement through talks, events and a culminating exhibition.”

Grokhovsky added that she is excited to place her work at GVSU and work alongside the students and faculty, believing this role to be an excellent avenue for opening opportunities and connections to students.