Focus on Dutch art

Through the generosity of donors, Grand Valley has recently acquired two major collections of contemporary Dutch artwork. Together, the collections total 800 prints that represent the best of graphic art produced in the Netherlands over the last half century.

The artwork, now housed at Grand Valley's newly established Print and Drawing Cabinet when not being exhibited, is likely the most comprehensive collection of contemporary Dutch works on paper in the state, according to Henry Matthews, director of Galleries and Collections at GVSU.

Selections from both collections are now on display at two locations at Grand Valley:

'Cyril Lixenberg 4x10+'
Oct. 7-Nov. 1, GVSU Art Gallery, Allendale
'Cyril Lixenberg 4x10+' features prints -- most of them large, colorful abstract designs -- produced by Amsterdam-based graphic artist and sculptor Cyril Lixenberg over his 40-plus year career.

The internationally acclaimed artist recently donated his personal art collection to Grand Valley in memory of his wife, Saskia. That his work is together in one place, accessible to students and the general public, and exhibited in Michigan -- Lixenberg's self-described 'second home' -- was his intention in donating the collection, the 70-year-old artist said.

Included in the exhibit are small models of Lixenberg's large-scale steel sculptures which are installed in parks and public buildings throughout the Netherlands and the United States. Lixenberg's sculptures can be seen at Grand Valley, Holland Community Hospital, and in Muskegon and Grand Haven. He has also exhibited his work and juried shows in Ann Arbor and throughout the state.

Several books written about the artist and his work are at the Art Gallery.

An opening reception for 'Cyril Lixenberg 4x10+' takes place 5-7 p.m. on October 10 at the Art Gallery. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; open until 7 p.m.on Thursdays. Call (616) 895-2564 for more information.

'The Dutch Collection of Prints'
Now through 2003, GVSU Meijer Campus in Holland
A selection of prints by contemporary Dutch artists marks the first exhibition held at Grand Valley's Meijer Campus in Holland. 'Honoring the Brooks Family: The Dutch Collection of Prints' pays tribute to James and Donna Brooks, longtime Holland residents, who have made the exhibit possible.

'The Dutch Collection of Prints' opened September 30 and will be on display through fall 2003 at the Meijer Campus, 515 S. Waverly Rd. in Holland. Building hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. There is no admission charge.

The 30 prints on display are a sampling of a collection of 500 prints by contemporary Dutch artists recently acquired by Grand Valley. Works by the 200 artists represented in the collection can be found in major museums of contemporary art throughout the Netherlands and Europe, according to Matthews.

The museum-quality collection depicts the best of graphic art produced in the Netherlands over the past 50 years. It was amassed by Amsterdam artist Cyril Lixenberg, who over the decades acquired works by Dutch colleagues he admired -- many times exchanging his own artwork for that of his colleagues and friends. His resulting collection is a showcase of the many styles, movements, and controversies that characterize Dutch works on paper over the last half century.

That the prints are exhibited first in Holland is a tribute to James and Donna Brooks, whose financial gift to Grand Valley facilitated the purchase of the collection. More selections will be exhibited at Grand Valley's Art Gallery in Allendale in January, and in a collaborative exhibit at galleries throughout Holland in September 2003 (see schedule below).

Donna Brooks, former chair of the Grand Valley Board of Trustees, now serves as a trustee of the university until 2009. In 1991 she was honored with the Grand Valley Leadership Award. James and Donna Brooks also have established two scholarships for students at GVSU and serve in other leadership roles.

James, the retired owner of the former Beverage America, is now managing partner of Alpha Genesis, a medical and biotech education firm, and chairs the West Michigan Strategic Alliance, a group that works to promote the pooling of resources between Grand Rapids and Lakeshore communities. In 2001 he was inducted into the West Michigan Business Hall of Fame.

Print and Drawing Cabinet
Grand Valley's newly established Print and Drawing Cabinet is intended to be an ongoing resource for students, the general public, and for future exhibitions. The Cabinet is housed in GVSU's Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids and is open for study or tours. Call Henry Matthews (number below) to arrange a tour.

Upcoming exhibits from the Dutch art collections
(in addition to the two mentioned above)

¿ 'The Dutch Collection of Contemporary Prints'
featuring prints from a large variety of contemporary Dutch artists
January 6-February 7, 2003
GVSU Art Gallery, Allendale Campus

¿ Collaborative exhibitions at the Holland Museum, Holland Arts Council,
De Pree Art Gallery at Hope College, and GVSU's Holland Meijer Campus
September 5-19, 2003

For more information, please call the Art Gallery at (616) 331-2564.