A Borderless Museum – Growing the GVSU Art Collection Endowment

Grand Valley State University is leading in innovative ways to provide access to art for students, the community, and the state. For years, the goal was to build the collection. Now the primary need has shifted to focus on increasing and sustaining access for all. Students of all majors can engage with the collection every day on-campus or online, utilize art in their courses to learn visual literacy and analysis, and experience different cultures and points of view. 

What Makes the GVSU Art Collection Endowment Unique

  • A full 50 percent of the collection is displayed in over 130 buildings on all campuses and regional centers.
  • Grand Valley has built the second largest art collection in Michigan.
  • The collection includes 27,000+ works of art.
  • The university partners with 11 corporate, museum, and university collections throughout West Michigan to make even more art accessible digitally.

 


GVSU Art Endowment hosted by Nathan Kemler

GVSU Art Endowment hosted by Nathan Kemler


How You Can Help

Your gift to the GVSU Art Collection Endowment will help support the following:

Preserving the Art Collection

  • This includes preserving our more than 25,000 artworks to maintain their use and value for generations.
  • Attention to temperature and humidity in our storage facilities means continuous maintenance of infrastructure.
  • Increased use increases maintenance needs.
  • Ongoing support for our digital infrastructure and systems provides our community with 24/7 access to our collections and related learning resources online.

Expansion of Learning Opportunities

  • Learning tools will be developed for faculty to use in classrooms, including a digital-visual learning platform and use of learning centers.
  • Includes the addition of student-focused events like exhibition-themed social outreach and campus-wide recreational activities centered around the art collection.
  • With dedicated funding, we can pursue opportunities with K-12 educators and local organizations for access to our artwork, which will enrich our community.

Why It Matters

All Grand Valley students can engage with the collection every day, and utilize art in their courses to learn visual literacy and analysis, and experience different cultures and points of view.

Jason Quigno

Local Artists Inspires Students at GVSU Charter Schools

“The lesson not only highlighted an ArtPrize artist and his creative process but also provided cross-curricular connections, which further enhanced the quality and impact of the educational experience.”

Jayme Lesperance
Manager of Teacher Development, GVSU Charter Schools Office

Learn More

Art Piece

The Borderless Museum in Action at the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health

“On the GVSU Health Campus, the art throughout its public spaces is particularly utilized to spark conversations and alternative thoughts. These discussions open the door to creativity and enthusiasm for professional advancements in healthcare typically not embraced in most science-based curriculums.”  

Katie Branch, MSN, RN,
CHSE Director of Simulation, GVSU

Learn More

Students at Gordon Gallery

The Art Collection Supports Faculty Professional Development in Visual Literacy Series

“With every workshop I take and discussion of visual literacy I have, I feel increasingly confident in my ability to facilitate learning in students.”

Dan Cope
GVSU Affiliate Faculty Integrative, Religious, and Intercultural Studies

Learn More
 

Contact

Andrew Bixel
Director of Endowed and Planned Giving
(616) 331-5619
[email protected]



Page last modified August 17, 2022