Staff Directory

Jessica

Sundstrom

sundstje@gvsu.edu

Learning and Outreach Manager

(616) 331-8054

As Learning and Outreach Manager for the Art Gallery, Jessica:

• Supports faculty in academic outreach by building resources, structures and systems and through curricular assignments, collection use, and building and gallery visits.
• Plans public programming, including talks, tours, art-making, etc., that enhance exhibitions through education, interpretation, and social engagement
• Manages the Art Gallery’s social media accounts, the university’s involvement with ArtPrize, and the Friends of Alten and Friends of Art membership groups

Jessica graduated from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA with a bachelor’s degree in both art history and English. After working in various fields of education for a few years, Jessica then went to King’s College London where she graduated with a Master’s degree in Education in Arts and Cultural Settings. She worked at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts from 2018 – 2023, first as the Assistant Curator of Youth and Family Programs and then as the Associate Educator of Youth and Family Programs. While at the KIA, Jessica coordinated school tours, trained docents, ran community outreach programs, organized Family Nights, and facilitated the monthly Art Detectives programs. She also curated Young Artists of Kalamazoo County (2019-2023), High School Area Show (2020-2023), and other youth-friendly exhibitions, such as Celebrate! (2023-2024), Lines That… (2023), What is Going on in This Picture? (2022-2023), It’s a David Small World (2021), and more. Jessica was proud to lead the KIA’s Education Department through 2020-2022, taking on many additional responsibilities such as ARTbreaks, ARTful Evenings, and admin.

Seeking a new challenge, Jessica was excited to be welcomed as the Learning and Outreach Manager with the GVSU Art Gallery. She lives in Grand Rapids with her partner and her large number of books and embroidery supplies.

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