The GRAM is trying a lot of new ideas these days from exciting programming to their new approach to big exhibition openings, which they have moved as of late to Sunday instead of the traditional Friday night many galleries still cling to with diminishing numbers. As a result of a city becoming more full with events and finally at a point where dining out is an activity to be enjoyed with the company of others any day of the week, it is generally a good thing.
But on Wednesday night, more than 3 days before the Feb. 2 opening of
Legacy: The Emily Fisher Landau Collection, the last of the 3 major exhibitions created via this rare partnership with the Whitney Museum of American Art, comes a special event. It's a chance to hear from Adam D. Weinberg, the Alice Pratt Brown Director at the Whitney Museum of American Art, as he shares with moderator (and Director and CEO of Grand Rapids Art Museum's) Dana Friis-Hansen. Wednesday night, the two will discuss the work on display (that you cannot see until Sunday.)
Ok, so maybe I am being a bit harsh here but I am doing so for two purposes.
The first is so you do not show up Wednesday and, immediately after the talk, get up and race to the steps only to be turned away by a truly angelic Friis-Hansen informing you that you will have to return on Sunday.
But the second -- and most important -- reason is to poke a bit at the odd timing of this lecture in connection to the opening, but to do so in a fashion that will not let it get in the way of you attending.
In this case, I am seeking to make a point that it is a really rare treat for West Michigan to host such a speaker in our city. (No worries about paying for admission on Wednesday night as those attending the lecture guests will receive a ticket to return when the
Legacy exhibition opens on February 2.)
Plus, such a moment allows you a chance to score some points with your friends who like many of the art events in our city but want to know more. You cannot do much better than Weinberg.
But don't take my word; take Friis-Hansen's.
"Adam Weinberg has over 30 years of experience in the art world, both nationally and internationally, and I've known him since the mid-80s," says Friis-Hansen of this curator, who knew Emily Fisher Landau personally. "He'll be sharing his unique insights and perspective on Landau's collection, how she collected her works, and the impact these works have made in the art community."
This is all part of the delight of having such a series like the Directors' Discussions because, according to Friis-Hansen, this is a great chance to dig deeper and explore how this collection helped define American art, what it means to take chances when art is fresh and controversial, and what it means to have these incredible works of art in Grand Rapids.
Admission: $15 nonmembers, $5 members (
buy tickets in advance here.)