By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
As part of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park current art exhibit, A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy, there will be a special lecture titled “Great American Collectors” on Sunday, April 14, at 2 p.m.
The exhibition, running through Aug. 25, is “a celebration of Meijer’s desire to build a world-class sculpture collection,” according to supplied material. It displays “eleven different ‘chapters’, each based around original works of art from Meijer Gardens’ permanent collection as well as exclusive loans from sculptors and galleries that Meijer knew and admired. … in addition, the exhibition will debut a series of important recent acquisitions to Meijer Gardens’ permanent collection, including works by El Anatsui, George Segal and George Minne.”
The free (with regular admission) and open to the public “Great American Collectors” lecture will have Dr. Craig Hanson, Associate Professor at Calvin College discussing “the role of collectors in the United States, and the legacy of art patronage,” according to supplied material. “Fred Meijer, as an art collector, is among a small group of philanthropists who believed that art should be shared widely with the public. He saw his collection as a tool to enrich lives through the power of art.”
Other exhibit events scheduled associated with the exhibit there will be a series of free-with-admission programs:
The Art of Fine Art Collecting — Sunday, May 5, 2 p.m. Presented by Linda and Scott Lafontsee, Owners of Lafontsee Gallery. You don’t have to have the resources of Meijer Gardens to build your own fine art collection. Join the owners and artists behind Lafontsee Galleries to learn easy ways to live with original artwork that inspires you every day. Linda and Scott Lafontsee have represented local artists for over 30 years in Grand Rapids.
Charcoal Drawing with Anna Greidanus — Friday, June 14, 3-5 p.m. Presented by Anna Greidanus, Professor of Art, Calvin CollegeHead outdoors with artist Anna Greidanus and learn the relaxing and inspiring practice of charcoal drawing. A gestural, loose and rapid approach is both less intimidating to first time artists and an effective form of observation. Class size is limited to 15 guests. (Please register online at MeijerGardens.org/calendar)
Summer Sculpture Walks — Sculpture Park Niches, The Gallery – Tuesday, July 30, 6 p.m. Sculpture Park Niches, The Groves – Sunday, Aug. 11, 11:30 a.m. Get off the beaten path and explore lesser known areas of the Sculpture Park. See fantastic examples of Modern and Contemporary sculpture instrumental to Fred Meijer’s collection style and legacy. Meet outside of the Indoor Sculpture Galleries and be prepared to walk and stand for at least 90 minutes, rain or shine.
Exhibition programs are drop-in and registration is not required.
For more information visit meijergardens.org .
