Theme: Contemporary Black Michigan Artists
Contemporary Black Michigan Artists
As an institution committed to collecting work by local artists, the GVSU Art Museum strives to collect artwork by contemporary Black Michigan artists, while also acknowledging that we too, like other museums and galleries, need to do better in our collecting efforts. Black artists explore art from varying perspectives – ranging from landscapes, portraiture, artwork that reflects the Black American experience, and artwork that reflects only their personal thoughts and ideas.
For those GVSU students and faculty, and our greater West Michigan community, who seek to discover more about contemporary Black Michigan artists, this section will provide the opportunity to learn about these artists while also providing the opportunity to explore more through tours, exhibitions, art creation, and more. While this space is a small gesture to smooth the bumpy road many marginalized artists have been forced to take at times, it is a step forward for the GVSU community in equal representation. The GVSU Art Museum will continue to make it our mission to elevate the stories of all artists.
Rosie Lee, Barbershop Talk, acrylic on canvas, 2019, 2021.11.4.
The GVSU Art Museum collects artwork by Black contemporary Michigan artists in a variety of media, including photography, drawings, prints, paintings, and mixed media. In this section, to connect with our community and showcase the creative and meaningful work being made here in our home state, we are highlighting Michigan artists.
To look at work by non-Michigan based Black artists, both contemporary and historical, check out our online database.
Ryan Crawley, Grand Rapids X, acrylic on canvas, 2020, 2020.18.1.
Andre Ray, Careful What You Wish For, acrylic on canvas, 2019, 2023.19.5.
Henry A. Brown, Untitled, cut paper collage, 2019.57.1.
Nuel Friend, Untitled, concrete trowel patch and enamel on wood panel, 2017, 2020.3.2.
Jamari Taylor, Jaylei Art, digital art, 2018, 2019.59.1.
Steven Reynolds, Strange Fruit, acrylic on canvas, 2021, 2023.19.12.
DeAnthony Carter, Powerline, oil on canvas, 2025.29.1.
Alfield Reeves, The Souls of Black Folk, photograph, 2022, 2024.39.1.
Joey Williams, Wit Cho Messy Ass, acrylic on canvas, 2025.29.4.
Sheefy McFly, Alligator Toupee, mixed media on woodcur, 2024, 2024.47.6.
Mario Moore, Distant Relatives, 6-color, hand-pulled screen print, 2021, 2024.29.1.
The GVSU Art Museum can integrate artwork into your classroom discussions, assignments, projects, and more. Check out our calendar to see if one of our already planned events meets a goal for your students, or reach out to us directly to plan something tailored to your needs. We can bring artwork to your classroom; you can visit our art storage or office spaces, or book a tour of an exhibition or space on campus.
The GVSU Art Museum team can work with faculty one-on-one to create lesson plans or assignments. Whether you are looking for a behind-the-scenes experience, something hands-on, a creative usage of art in your classroom, or a more traditional assignment, we are here to assist you.
Consider these ideas for how artwork by Black Michigan artists can be used in your classes: including diversity and representation in both current and historical art history; using art to add visual context to history; exploring empowerment in women, gender, and sexuality studies; incorporating new artists into studio art studies; using portraiture to engender empathy and cultural understanding in psychology courses.
To talk with us about creating a curriculum connection, please contact: Jessica Sundstrom, Learning and Outreach [email protected]
Melissa Campbell, Reflection, photographic print, 2008, 2008.378.1.
Header Images:
Left
Rosie Lee, Can I Get A Witness, acrylic on canvas, 2020, 2021.11.2.
Torrence Jay, Astro Noir, acrylic on canvas, 2022, 2023.19.2.
Ryan Crawley, Loud Lines I, acrylic on canvas, 2020, 2021.3.1.
Center
Jon McDonald, Concorde Palace, oil on canvas, 2019.33.1.
Markeyna Jefferson, Taken for Granted: Supremacy of God, photograph, 2018, 2018.82.1.
Paul Collins, Fist, oil on canvas, ca 1970, 2022.38.2.
Right
Jasmine Bruce, Release, digital painting, 2019, 2023.19.6.
Sheefy McFly, Polka Dot Portrait, 14-Color screenprint, 2021, 2023.19.9.
Hubert Massey, Magnolia’s Song, oil on Belgium Linen canvas, 2003, 2014.91.1.