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Black Portraiture

To be able to see a representation of oneself is empowering. To see representation in an institution that is dedicated to displaying and preserving artistically and culturally significant objects is affirming.

GVSU Art Museum Collection

Published April 1, 2024 by Nicole Webb

Women of Abstract Art

Born at the beginning of the 20th century, abstract art is marked by its freedom of color, shape, and lack of conventional composition. Since then, female artists have embraced, and even championed, abstraction.

Abstract Art Gender Women Artists

Published March 1, 2024 by Nicole Webb

Artists Collecting Artwork

Over the years, the GVSU Art Museum has worked with artists who have collected prints by artists who they have worked side-by-side with, collaborated with, or simply appreciated their story and artwork.

Exhibit GVSU Art Museum Collection

Published February 1, 2024 by Nicole Webb

An Artist's Winter Wonderland

While it sometimes can be difficult to appreciate a snowy landscape this time of year, deep into a Michigan winter, many artists have found a special way to transform the grey winter light into a winter wonderland.

GVSU Art Museum Collection Landscapes Michigan Artists

Published January 1, 2024 by Nicole Webb

A Year in Review: 2023 Art on Campus

As 2023 comes to a close, and we begin to look forward towards a brand-new year, the GVSU Art Gallery reflects on a year full of exhibits, new relationships formed from our community, and of course, new artwork adorning walls of our GVSU campuses.

Campus Art GVSU Art Museum Collection

Published December 1, 2023 by Nicole Webb

Remembering Those Who Served

Many GVSU collections honor and remember military veterans.

GVSU Art Museum Collection Historic Photographs

Published November 1, 2023 by Nicole Webb

Masks in Art: Identity or Disguise?

A mask conceals something from view. It can cover part of someone's face or their entire identity. It can be used to disguise, hide, protect, or frighten. A mask can be something that is physically worn, or something we wear metaphorically.

GVSU Art Museum Collection

Published October 1, 2023 by Nicole Webb

En Plein Air: Painting in the Open Air

En plein air or plein air painting, is the act of painting outdoors. Artists paint directly with their subject, the landscape around them.

GVSU Art Museum Collection Landscapes Michigan Artists

Published September 1, 2023 by Nicole Webb

The Gap Between Art and Science: Botanical Illustrations

Prior to photography, botanical illustrations gave an accurate pictorial depiction of plants and plant traits for a scientific purpose that illustrates a plant’s form, color, and details.

GVSU Art Museum Collection Illustration

Published September 1, 2023 by Nicole Webb

Out of the Box: A Look at the Print and Drawing Cabinet

The GVSU Art Museum Collection includes over 2,000 work of art on paper as part of the Print and Drawing Cabinet.

GVSU Art Museum Collection Printmaking

Published July 1, 2023 by Nicole Webb

Abstract Art: A Break from Reality

Abstract art does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of reality, but rather uses a visual language of shapes, colors, forms, lines, and marks to achieve its effect.

Abstract Art GVSU Art Museum Collection

Published June 1, 2023 by Nicole Webb

Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Art and Artists

At the GVSU Art Museum, AAPI month gives us the opportunity to highlight some of the amazing artists and artwork in our collection, representing countries and cultures from the Asian continent and the Pacific islands.

GVSU Art Museum Collection

Published May 1, 2023 by Nicole Webb

The Art Within a Still Life Painting

For some, it may seem like a boring genre of painting; yet, if you dig into the details of a still life painting, there is much more there than just a pile of unrelated objects.

GVSU Art Museum Collection Michigan Artists

Published April 1, 2023 by Nicole Webb

Empowering Female Artists

The GVSU Art Gallery strives to bring recognition to the achievements of all women artists from all periods and nationalities, including local, national, international and GVSU alum artists.

Gender Women Artists

Published March 1, 2023 by Nicole Webb

Artists Transforming a Nation

Art has the powerful capacity to illustrate narratives and individuals’ perspectives. The expressive nature of art has led artists to use their art as a form of activism and awareness to become influential voices within our communities.

GVSU Art Museum Collection

Published February 1, 2023 by Nicole Webb

Contemporary Interpretations of Ancient Stories

Artists have captured Greek myths in their art since the ancient Greek sculptors carved marble representations of gods and goddesses. This tradition has been continued by modern and contemporary artists.

GVSU Art Museum Collection Mythology

Published January 1, 2023 by Nicole Webb

Art on Campus in 2022: Collaborations

In 2022, 1,000 works of art were installed throughout all GVSU’s campuses bringing new artwork that reflects the unique programs, services, and resources from different departments.

Campus Art GVSU Art Museum Collection

Published December 1, 2022 by Nicole Webb

Portraiture: Photographs to Selfies

In 1839, Robert Cornelius took the first known photographic portrait of a human taken in the United States, an image of himself.

Contemporary Photography GVSU Art Museum Collection Historic Photographs Photography Portraiture

Published September 2, 2022 by Nicole Webb

Portraiture: Paintings to Photographs

Portraiture, the human desire to capture our own likeness, is one of the oldest art forms.

GVSU Art Museum Collection Portraiture

Published August 1, 2022 by Nicole Webb

Tiny Art, Big Stories: The History of Mughal Miniature Paintings

At a distance, Indian miniature paintings convey vividly colorful stories of scripture, people, and events throughout the ages. On closer examination, they are a kaleidoscope of tiny, intricate brushstrokes applied delicately with a single-haired brush.

GVSU Art Museum Collection Indian Art Painting

Published July 1, 2022 by Nicole Webb

Page last modified September 9, 2026