Theme: Contemporary Black Michigan Artists
As an institution committed to collecting work by local artists, the GVSU Art Museum strives to collect artwork by contemporary Black Michigan artists, while also acknowledging that we too, like other museums and galleries, need to do better in our collecting efforts. Black artists explore art from varying perspectives – ranging from landscapes, portraiture, artwork that reflects the Black American experience, and artwork that reflects only their personal thoughts and ideas. For those GVSU students and faculty, and our greater West Michigan community, who seek to discover more about contemporary Black Michigan artists, this section will provide the opportunity to learn about these artists while also providing the opportunity to explore more through tours, exhibitions, art creation, and more. While this space is a small gesture to smooth the bumpy road many marginalized artists have been forced to take at times, it is a step forward for the GVSU community in equal representation. The GVSU Art Museum will continue to make it our mission to elevate the stories of all artists.
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Rosie Lee, Barbershop Talk, acrylic on canvas, 2019, 2021.11.4.
Contemporary Black Michigan Artists in the Collection
The GVSU Art Museum collects artwork by Black contemporary Michigan artists in a variety of media including photography, drawings, prints, paintings, and mixed media. In this section, to connect with our community and showcase the creative and meaningful work being made here in our home state, we are highlighting Michigan artists.
To look at work by non-Michigan based Black artists, both contemporary and historical, check out our online database.
Ryan Crawley, Grand Rapids X, acrylic on canvas, 2020, 2020.18.1.
Andre Ray, Careful What You Wish For, acrylic on canvas, 2019, 2023.19.5.
Henry A. Brown, Untitled, cut paper collage, 2019.57.1.
Nuel Friend, Untitled, concrete trowel patch and enamel on wood panel, 2017, 2020.3.2.
Jamari Taylor, Jaylei Art, digital art, 2018, 2019.59.1.
Steven Reynolds, Strange Fruit, acrylic on canvas, 2021, 2023.19.12.
Curriculum Connections
The GVSU Art Museum can integrate artwork into your classroom discussions, assignments, projects, and more. Check out our calendar to see if one of our already planned events meets a goal for your students or reach out to us directly to plan something tailored to your needs. We can bring artwork to your classroom; you can visit our art storage or office spaces or book a tour of an exhibition or space on campus.
The GVSU Art Museum team can work with faculty one-on-one to create lesson plans or assignments. Whether you are looking for a behind-the-scenes experience, something hands-on, a creative usage of art in your classroom, or a more traditional assignment, we are here to assist you.
Consider these ideas for how artwork by Black Michigan artists can be used in your classes: including diversity and representation in both current and historical art history; using art to add visual context to history; exploring empowerment in women, gender, and sexuality studies; incorporating new artists into studio art studies; using portraiture to engender empathy and cultural understanding in psychology courses.
To talk with us about creating a curriculum connection, please contact:
Jessica Sundstrom, Learning and Outreach Manager
[email protected]
Melissa Campbell, Reflection, photographic print, 2008, 2008.378.1.
Building Tour
Coming soon!
Activities and Resources
Blog: Black Portraiture
To be able to see a representation of oneself is empowering. To see representation in an institution dedicated to displaying and preserving artistically and culturally significant objects is affirming.
Video: Interview with Nuel Friend
Artist Nuel Friend visits GVSU to discuss his creative process and the value of art in higher education.
Video: Interview with Henry A. Brown
Interview with artist Henry A. Brown for the exhibition 'Honest and Unrefined: Art Outside the Academy.'
Video: Panel Discussion from 'Convergence'
A conversation with artists in the exhibition Convergence: Cracks in the Glass Ceiling about their work, inspirations, and views on navigating life as creative professionals; Jasmine Bruce, Bryce Detroit, and Tashif "Sheefy McFly” Turner.
Learning Guide: Convergence: Cracks in the Glass Ceiling
This learning guide was created as a launch pad into learning about the themes of the 2023 Convergence exhibition. The questions and prompts can be used to start a deep-dive discussion on the main themes of the exhibition, Breaking Barriers, Pushing Boundaries, Activism in Art.
Past Exhibition: 'Convergence'
This exhibition featured eleven contemporary artists who are pushing boundaries into spaces that cultivate growth and coordinated expansion. The exhibit was co-created with MUSE GR, curated by Stephen and Taylor Smith.
Artist Profile: Sheefy McFly
Sheefy McFly, is a visual artist, muralist, rapper, and DJ, whose artwork and music can be experienced throughout Detroit. He has quickly become known as a contemporary artist with graffiti-based and counter-culture roots.
Artist Profile: Hubert Massey
Painting themes of community, culture, and education, artist Hubert Massey's public artworks can be seen in many different Michigan communities.
Artist Profile: Jasmine Bruce
Through her illustrations and murals, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based artist Jasmine Bruce strives to tell the untold stories of those around her, sending a message of connectivity, harmony, and peace.
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Artist Profile: Jon McDonald
While best known for his painted landscapes and cityscapes, artist Jon McDonald also works in portraiture, using the style to dive into themes of racism, Black history, Native American history, and the environment.
Header Images:
Left
Rosie Lee, Can I Get A Witness, acrylic on canvas, 2020, 2021.11.2.
Torrence Jay, Astro Noir, acrylic on canvas, 2022, 2023.19.2.
Ryan Crawley, Loud Lines I, acrylic on canvas, 2020, 2021.3.1.
Center
Jon McDonald, Concorde Palace, oil on canvas, 2019.33.1.
Markeyna Jefferson, Taken for Granted: Supremacy of God, photograph, 2018, 2018.82.1.
Paul Collins, Fist, oil on canvas, ca 1970, 2022.38.2.
Right
Jasmine Bruce, Release, digital painting, 2019, 2023.19.6.
Sheefy McFly, Polka Dot Portrait, 14-Color screenprint, 2021, 2023.19.9.
Hubert Massey, Magnolia’s Song, oil on Belgium Linen canvas, 2003, 2014.91.1.
Art on Campus
For more information about the artwork selection and installation process, please contact our Project Manager, Alison Christensen; [email protected].
University Art Collection
For questions related to any artwork in the University Art Collection, in storage or on view, please contact our Collections Manager, Nicole Webb; [email protected].
Learning
For questions about integrating artwork into curriculum, please contact our Learning and Outreach Manager, Jessica Sundstrom; [email protected].