About Grand Valley Artists
Founded in 1957 by artists including Bill Kubiak, Armand Merizon, Reynold Weidenaar and Carl Forslund, Grand Valley Artists has grown from a small realist collective into an inclusive community where artists of every medium and style come together to learn, create, and share.
History
Explore the rich history of Grand Valley Artists, from its 1957 founding to today’s thriving creative collective in Grand Rapids. More than six decades ago, ten artists set out to create a space where creativity could thrive. Today, that vision continues to evolve as Grand Valley Artists supports hundreds of members and students across West Michigan.
Mission
Nurture excellence in the visual arts by providing opportunities for self-expression, education, and exhibition within West Michigan’s vibrant cultural community.
Vision
An inclusive creative network where artists connect, collaborate, and contribute to the region’s artistic vitality.
Values
CREATIVITY & INNOVATION
GVA considers art essential. We are committed to freedom of artistic expression and nurturing excellence in the visual arts. We value the individual and collective contributions of artists in society and the ingenuity and innovation resulting from the creative process.
LEARNING
GVA promotes varied learning and skills building opportunities. Doing so nurtures excellence in the visual arts and increases the value of GVA to our members and to the larger arts community in West Michigan.
PARTNERSHIP
GVA supports the interdependence of artists, organizations and others interested in the arts as essential to community vitality and artistic success. Through partnerships, we seek to establish priorities, enable alignment of resources and leverage knowledge that leads to greater opportunities for artistic expression.
INCLUSION
GVA values an equitable, diverse and inclusive Michigan. We interpret this as fair access for all to the tools and resources needed to realize a creative cultural community.
COMMUNITY
GVA is part of the West Michigan arts community and supports engagement and collaboration. We promote the expansion of exhibition and arts opportunities for our members and the larger creative community.
Board Members
President - Diane Haworth
Secretary - Mary Jane Pories
Treasurer - Lori Bildson
Vice President - Denise DeVries
Director of Education - TBA
Sketch Studio - Kathy Bechtel, Leon Lou, Diane Haworth
Director of Marketing - Jesús M. Solis
Website - Jeremy Kuhn
MailChimp - Anna Donnahue
Director for Facilities - Dale Kenel, Richard Schaf
Director of Engagement - Open
Director of Development - Dana Donnell
Visit Our Studio
Grand Valley Artists Studio & Gallery
2661 29th Street SE, Suite B
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Hours
Monday: 10 am - 12 pm - Portrait Sketch
Tuesday: Scheduled Art Classes
Wednesday: 10 am - 1 pm - Open Studio
Thursday: Critique; first Thursday of the month. Clothed model, 3rd & 4th Thursday of the month.
Friday: 10 am - 1 pm - Still Life/Open Studio
Saturday: 10 am - 1 pm - Life Sketch Only
Sunday: Closed
Get Involved
As a paid member, you will receive weekly GVAeNews, where you will be updated on all of the activities going on that week. These goes out every Monday through email.
In addition you will also be signed up to our private and closed Facebook page Titled GVA "Hunkering Down"
And of course you will have plenty of opportunities to exhibit your work on our monthly themed showing in our gallery space, at minimal or no cost to you.
Plus many more perks. You will be surprised how far your membership can go. So don't delay and join us today.
