Staff Directory

Alison

Christensen

chrisali@gvsu.edu

Project Manager and Curator of Public Spaces

Art Gallery Support Facility

(616) 331-8051

LinkedIn Profile

As Project Manager for the Art Gallery, Alison:

• Manages campus art projects relating to new building construction, building renovations and department art requests.
• Manages artwork acquisitions, project budgets, project timelines, artwork preparation & installation, team supervision and vendor communications.
• Builds relationships that strengthen ties and creates consensus between other GVSU departments which encourages open communication in support of the University learning goals - following the strategic plan and corresponding mission & vision statements.
• Serves as departmental liaison in Facility Planning and Student Services Auxiliary monthly team meetings and as the Art Advisory Committee Chair for new building projects.

Alison completed her Master in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership degree, emphasis in Community Impact, from GVSU in 2019 and earned the Graduate Dean’s Citation for Academic Excellence – Outstanding Final Project award.  In 2004, Alison received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from GVSU. Alison is passionate about utilizing the arts as a tool in civic engagement. She encourages and strengthens community relationships by serving as a board member for the  Grand Rapids Gallery Association (GRGA),  the Division Avenue Arts Collective (DAAC), and the GVSU Children’s Enrichment Center Taskforce. Alison is also a member of the GVSU Women’s Commission, GVSU University Club and GVSU Positive Organizations.

Alison began working for the Art Gallery in 2009 as a preparator and became the project manager in 2015.  While working at GVSU, Alison has received specialized training from the Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies, completed the PMI Project Management Fundamentals Course, and presented at the 2019 Southeastern Conference of Public Administration. Prior to her appointment at GVSU, she worked for DTE Energy’s Learning Zone, Lafontsee Gallery and Jeffery Roberts Homes, INC.

Alison comes from a family of sailors and has sailed with them in the Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race 11 times. She enjoys exploring Michigan’s natural and cultural resources with her husband, son and chocolate lab.

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