Text: R. Collins
Contemporary, transformational glass; glass-shaded lamps; intriguing still life paintings, ceramics, and electronics: these are all pieces of current Grand Rapids Art Museum exhibitions that will be available for the viewing once the museum opens to the public again on Saturday, August 1st in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Expanded safety measures will accompany the opening, such as: face coverings, regular deep cleans, and touch-free interactions, among others.
“I’m thrilled to announce the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s reopening and welcome everyone back to our galleries,” stated Dana Friis-Hansen, director and chief executive officer at the GRAM, in a press release.
“The wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, and guests remains our top priority, and we’re excited to reopen our doors with enhanced precautions and limited hours so our visitors can safely enjoy the transformational power of art,” Friis-Hansen added.
Upon opening, visitors can access the extended exhibitions of “A New State of Matter: Contemporary Glass,” on view until October 4th; and “Useful Beauty: Design Highlights from the Permanent Collection,” on view until November 1st. “A New State of Matter” includes the work of 19 artists examining the materiality and symbolic potential of glass and its resiliency, delicacy, and transparency. The other exhibition, “Useful Beauty,” highlights the beauty and creativity of modern design with a broad selection of decorative and functional objects the exhibition prompts viewers to consider deeper. A rotating presentation of works from the GRAM’s permanent collection are also on view on all three levels of the facility.
As of now, the GRAM is open Tuesdays, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and guests enjoy free admission both days. Saturdays the GRAM is open to its members from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and to the public from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The GRAM is encouraging guests to reserve tickets online for a 10 percent discount and it is also having a stacked member appreciation soft opening on July 25th, 28th, and 30th. For those seeking to enjoy the GRAM from home, the museum will continue sharing free digital resources, including artist interviews and talks, virtual tours, artmaking activities, and more.
