Bringing the art of the people, to the people

Beginning on Jan. 11 and continuing through the end of February, there will be a joint exhibition between the Grand Valley Art Gallery and the Muskegon Museum of Art. The exhibition, “The Art of the People: Contemporary Anishinaabe Artists,” highlights Native American contemporary artwork from eleven different artists.

The theme of the exhibit is rooted in the continuity of cultural heritage which involves using art to tell the stories of the Anishinaabe people and their history. Some of the featured artists produced artwork using culturally traditional ways of artmaking, while others chose to create art in a more contemporary manner.

The exhibit is full of paintings, photography, beadwork, ceramics, jewelry, drawing, fibers and basketry.

Read more at www.lanthorn.com.

COVID-19 doesn’t break 20-year-old GV Christmas tradition

GVSU’s Christmas Eve Carillon Concert was held on the Pew Grand Rapids campus on Dec. 21. The retired GVSU carillonneur Julianne Vanden Wyngaard was once again able to climb the 112 steps up to the top of the Beckering Family Carillon Tower to play.

Vanden Wyngaard performed from the playing cabin with the windows of the bell tower’s belfry wide open for all to hear. As the audience for this concert is, and always has been, groups of cars parked outside to listen, the 20th anniversary concert was held without issue and made for anything but a “Silent Night.”

Grand Rapids Art Museum plays with (lack of) color

GRAM’s most recent exhibit, “In Black and White,” began Dec. 8 2020 and will continue on through March 13, 2021. This exhibition is centered around how and why artists choose to limit their creative palettes to only black and white, and what effect this has on the artwork. It emphasizes the visual power black and white has over the overwhelmingly large color spectrum the human eye is used to.

The exhibition is made up of works from GRAM’s permanent collection and includes prints, paintings, drawings, and photographs from artists including Frank Stella, Ellsworth Kelly, Louise Nevelson and Monir Farmanfarmaian.

Grand Rapids Art Museum puts together virtual happy hour

In partnership with Aperitivo, the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is offering their members an experience where artwork, wine, and cheese will be brought into their homes.

The first tasting event will be held on Jan. 21 where they plan to start off the year with an exploration of sparkles in wine, art, and cheese. Each wine and cheese pairing is selected by the Aperitivo staff and intentionally paired with specific artwork from GRAM’s permanent collection to tie in with this month’s theme of sparkles.

The evening will be guided by Dana Friis-Hansen, Director & CEO of GRAM; Amy Ruis, Owner of Art of the Table & Aperitivo; and Evan Talen, General Manager of Aperitivo. Members will learn how wine and cheesemaking is similar to artmaking as well as the history and background of the artwork.

Tickets are $80 and cover a tasting package with two bottles of wine and a two cheese plate with crackers, bread, and sides, free delivery or pick-up, and entrance to the Zoom event.