Gordon Gallery closed for renovations

The George and Barbara Gordon Gallery, which contains the world's largest collection of artwork by Mathias J. Alten, is temporarily closed for renovations through July 16.

The gallery, located in Building E in the DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, will undergo what Henry Matthews, director of Galleries and Collections, called a "complete makeover."

"We felt it was time to refresh the look and retell the story of Mathias Alten and his journey," Matthews said. "There are also many new gifts that will expand our ability to tell Alten's story and showcase the generosity of George and Barbara Gordon, and others who have made donations."

After the gallery is repainted with a new color scheme that will visually connect the two floors of exhibition spaces, 96 pieces of Alten's artwork will be reinstalled with a new thematic approach, combining certain topics together. Some themes will include Spanish paintings, Michigan farm scenes, Dutch and French topics, and portraits, including Alten's notable self-portrait and one of his daughter, Camelia.

A native of Germany, Alten immigrated to Grand Rapids as a teenager. Often referred to as the "Dean of Michigan Painters," Alten spent his career painting in Europe and across the U.S., but always returned to Grand Rapids, his professional base of operation and home until his death in 1938.

Alten's many creations have been exhibited widely at major American art institutions, and many can be seen in various buildings around the city of Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids collectors George and Barbara Gordon donated their initial gift of Alten works in 1999. The couple has since added to the collection annually. In 2012, a second floor gallery was constructed, which added 1,253 square feet of exhibition space.

Once the gallery reopens in July, it will be open to the public with free admission every Friday and Saturday, from 1-5 p.m., and will be closed on holidays. For more information, call (616) 331-2563 or visit the Art Gallery website.