Three former Grand Valley Students exhibit art at Mary Free Bed

Three artists who studied at Grand Valley are included in the annual Mary Free Bed Fine Arts Exhibition, which focuses on contributions of Michigan artists who are disabled. The exhibition, featuring more than 33 artists, opened to the public on April 16 and continues each day, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. through September 4, at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, 235 Wealthy Ave. SE, Grand Rapids.
 
Toni Zaccanelli graduated from Grand Valley in 1992 with a BFA degree. In 1975, she was in a car accident from which she suffered quadriplegia. After completing therapy at Mary Free Bed, she participated in one of their first Fine Arts Exhibitions, which has been an annual event for 30 years.

Derrick Hollowell, who had mobility and muscle spasm issues as a child, attended Grand Valley through 1987 and studied art with an emphasis on printmaking. He currently operates The Gallery at 742 Franklin, a community art gallery, and is active in community building and as a mentor and youth instructor.

Dave Nichols, who has a degree in commercial art from Lansing Community College and also attended Grand Valley, continues to create art despite his recent liver transplant. His art has included silk screening, airbrushing and cartoon caricatures.

The Mary Free Bed Guild purchases selected works from the exhibition for permanent display in the hospital, including pieces from each Grand Valley artist. The remaining works, at the discretion of the artists, are available for sale. View Grand Valley photo gallery to the right of this story.

Learn more about each artist and the exhibition here, or call (616) 242-0400.