News
From sister city to sister city
June 29, 2016
Bielsko-Biala, sister city to Grand Rapids, hosted Grand Valley State University Artists Megan Jones, Sean Hamilton and Professor Timothy Fisher for two weeks to complete a mural and visit the physical, historical and cultural sites as an exchange project. The project was initiated by former Grand Rapid's Mayor George Heartwell and the Committee for Bielsko-Biala Sister City, chaired by Jane Bush with special assistance by Joni Vander Till to acknowledge the history and appreciation of our Polish neighbor. Financial assistance for this project was in collaboration with the Padnos International Center, GVSU's Art and Design Department, President's office of GVSU and with the majority of resources provided by the City of Bielsko-Biala.
The mural depicts a semi-surreal scene of the three artists (or any visitor) being welcomed by proud Bielsko-Biala (the large central bird figure). The work is derived from the french artist Jean Gerard (a.k.a. J.J. Grandville) whose political work supported the early attempts of democracy of Poland in the 1830s. The work was developed as a collaboration by the three artists.
Bielsko-Biala is a city similar in size, climate and production as Grand Rapids, but in a beautiful mountainous region and within a six-hour radius by car to Bratislava, Prague, Krakow, Budapest, Vienna, Berlin, and Kiev. The artists wish to acknowledge the special efforts by the B.W.A. gallery members (Agata Smalcerz and Justyna Weronika Aabdz) and the very generous city Staff of Ms. Bozena Hlousek, Ms. Eva Kozak, and Ms. Anna Zgierska and the residents and artists of Bielsko-Biala for their warm hospitality and kindness.