Mathias Alten's great-granddaughter to perform at GVSU

Mathias Alten's great-granddaughter will celebrate the life and works of the noted artist with a recital at Grand Valley on July 13. 

“Alten Afternoon: A Musical Celebration of Mathias J. Alten” will be performed by Linda Boozer-Vasilaki and her husband, Yuri Vasilaki, and will take place in the George and Barbara Gordon Gallery in the DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. A reception will begin at 3:30 p.m. with the formal music program beginning at 4 p.m.

“My love of music started when I learned to play violin, using great-grandfather’s violin, which I still use when I teach and perform with my students,” said Boozer-Vasilaki. “I am thrilled to be able to bring the family and friends of Alten together to enjoy an afternoon of music and fellowship and to be able to play a few pieces with my husband. I feel honored to be a part of this musical celebration, and hope that the tradition will continue for years to come.”

The Art Gallery at Grand Valley created and published the book, "Mathias J. Alten: An Evolving Legacy.” The hardcover book includes color illustrations and scholarly essays exploring Alten's artistic legacy. The book is available for purchase at both Laker Stores on the Allendale and Pew Grand Rapids campuses.

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 operations and home until his death in 1938.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Galleries and Collections at (616) 331-2563 or [email protected].