Over the summer, the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) displayed a variety of exhibitions highlighting different aspects of both classical and contemporary art. The GRAM is currently featuring four different exhibitions.
GRAM’s gallery programming, which is planned roughly three years in advance, was specially designed to give museum-goers a classic museum experience and is something that is both fun and playful.
One of the GRAM’s current exhibitions is a compilation of digital artwork from the Thoma Collection called “Message from our Planet.” Another includes abstract paintings by Ellsworth Kelly and Jack Youngerman called “Surrounding Shapes.” Both will remain on display until September 9 and September 12, respectively. Additionally, “Object Oriented,” a still life exhibition featuring Pablo Picasso, as well as “Nocturnes,” which emphasizes shadows and some of art’s thematic elements. Both are on display until August 12, and all four exhibitions provide visitors with a sense of togetherness.
“Our current exhibitions are purposefully very different from one another,” said Jennifer Wcisel, GRAM’s associate curator. “The underlying goals are to present exhibitions that have the power to connect people, tell interesting stories and appeal to various members of our community.”
Wcisel said exhibition delivery is one part of GRAM’s larger effort to focus more on the community. Other efforts, like GRAM adult workshops, gallery chats and fundraisers, have also proven to be effective tools in reaching community members.
Collaborating with West Michigan artists and designers is another top priority for GRAM. To support its goal, the museum currently features over 200 selections from Michigan’s 2023 Festival of the Arts Regional Arts Exhibition. It even intends to introduce the Michigan Artist Series’ next installment this upcoming spring, which will have pieces from Detroit-based painter, Mario Moore.
Wcisel said collaborations like these are critical to the museum’s success and depend on West Michigan’s rapidly growing art scene.
“In the past, the museum was not as connected with the city and our community here in West Michigan,” Wcisel said. “Many museums rely on tourists to make up their visitorship, and while we love when tourists come through our doors, our visitors are primarily people who live here, work here and go to school here.”
In order to fund the ongoing work of the organization, the GRAM will hold its annual fall fundraiser on Sept. 9 called Autumn Affair, which raises money to support the museum’s creative and educational programming.
According to GRAM’s website, the fundraiser encourages individuals to “enjoy activities across the museum, including a strolling, market-style dinner with open seating, seasonal food and drink offered by local vendors, live entertainment and fun surprises throughout the evening.”
