"What places show Christian art in West Michigan?"

[Eric Nykamp]

Ok, many of us are familiar with the professional galleries in town ... but what other places can you go to get a show? What churches and non-profit spaces offer opportunities for artists to show work (especially art about Christianity)? I have always wanted to create a list of these kinds of places for artists to go to find connections, but where have you shown? Who is the contact person? What are their addresses, phone numbers, and/or email addresses?

[Eric Nykamp]

VW - this is a great list!

It looks like something you may have printed up before, no? Ever consider doing a presentation on how to put together a show???

Eric

[Jim Van Farowe]

You can see Christian art at my house. Call for details (235-7201).

[Sandy Meyer]

I am a member of Gallery Uptown-an artists' co-op gallery in Grand Haven. If you would like to have an exhibit during the 2009 year, I could arrange for that. If interested, I could give more details at the meeting.
Colorfully,
Sandy

[Eric Nykamp]

Wow! That one I will pass on to the steering committee for GR CIVA to look at.

[Virginia Wieringa]

CONTACTS AND ENCOURAGEMENTS FOR
GETTING AN ART SHOW IN GRAND RAPIDS.
Working up to having a show.
Visit the venues. Some places can handle a few pieces, some up to 30.
Perhaps you’d like to propose a group show.

Step 1- create a ‘body of work’ which is strong and has a connection. Seek the reaction of
non-artists as well as artists to see if your work is accessible to non-artists.
Step 2- photograph your work
Step 3- create a few pages of contact sheets large enough for your work to be seen
Step 4- write a resume, include contact information and a photo of yourself and a brief
artist’s statement that clearly sets forth your purpose in simple English, not
in‘artspeak’.
Step 5- assemble your written and photographed material together in a folder for an
attractive presentation
Step 6- include a business card (Don’t have a business card? That’s your next step)
Step 7- visit the location or phone the contact person and deliver your information folder
Be enthusiastic and friendly. Be yourself.
Step 8- wait
Step 9- wait
Step 10- recontact the location or person and ask if your folder has been evaluated. If
you’re not accepted, ask for feedback and how your work could be a better fit for that
venue. If you’re accepted, get to work. You now have a new set of problems.

See next list.

Preparing for a specific show
1- measure the space so that you can plan the sequence of the show. Perhaps they already have that information available for the artists.
2- Examine the hardware used to hang the show in the space, so you know what to expect. Most hardware accommodate D rings and wire.
3- Work on paper should be framed and under glass or plexi. No unframed glass.
4- No sawtoothed hangers. Screweyes should also be avoided.
5- At home lay out those measurements on the floor and arrange the art in the sequence where you think it’s the best. Draw a plan so that you can hang the show that way when you get to the space
6- Create nametags (ask if prices on tags is allowed- at most churches, no.)
Artist’s name- title- media- website. cut neatly – bring poster putty
7- Pack things carefully- protecting with bubble wrap or cardboard between pieces.
8- Plan on spending 2 hours with the person in charge- in some circumstances, you are the only person to do the hanging. Know in advance. Bring a friend.
9- Bring an artist’s statement to post with the show. Leave a price list and business cards and postcards if you have them. (www.vistaprint.com)

[Joann Koning]

First I just want to express my appreciation for the opportunity to participate in your group's meeting last week. Though not an artist I have a deep appreciation for the arts and would like to be insturmental in bringing art into the various places within my area of influence. One such place is my workplace, The Reformed Church in America Michigan Regional Center. One of my roles here is to feature the work of local christian artists here in the building. We typically will display an artist's work for a couple of months. We keep a price list on hand in the event someone wishes to purchase a workpiece. Many people visit our building and this truly is a means for an artist to sell their work. The other place where I would like very much to have an artist display their work is at my church. This would be a new concept for our congregation which I think will be well received. We have some great wall space. If someone has interest in displaying their work in either one of these venues, please do contact me. Thanks again for the opportunity to meet you. I look forward to the next opportunity to be with you again. Joann Koning

[Renee Brott]

I currently work at First United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids. We have a monthly show in the church art gallery and a yearly juried spiritual art competition (www.thecelebrationofthearts.com) If you're interested contact Mark Loring (Director of Music and Arts Ministries) at 451.2879 or 227 East Fulton St GR.

[Virginia Wieringa]

I was going to respond to this with phone numbers, but I thought about privacy issues.

If you want a show, you should contact the church or non-profit for information. You could send a resume and photos of your work to get their attention. My list as of January 2009:

Bella Vista Church- Connie Kuhnle
Bethlehem Lutheran- Carmen Maret.
Calvin Christian Reformed Church- Mark Vanderhill
Church of the Servant CRC- Virginia Wieringa
First United Methodist Church- Rhonda Coleman
Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church- John Knight
Hope Reformed- Sue Ellis
Park Church- Bets Casey
St Mary's Health Care- Michelle Rabideau, St Mary's Doran Foundation
Terryberry Gallery in St Cecilia- Cheri McClain-Beatty
Pine Rest Postma Worship and Education Center - Sharon Chapin
2nd CRC-Grand Haven
Fountain Street Church
Reformed Church in America Regional Center- Joann Koning

[Chris Brewer]

Add Calvary Baptist Church, Grand Rapids to the list. We're especially interested in "Art That Tells the Story," but have shown a variety of work including landscapes, and lathe turned pieces by one of our church's artists. Feel free to contact me if you're interested. Thanks.

[Beth Bronkema]

Hi Beth Bronkema here from the Community in Ada. We are having an art exhibit in conjunction with Arts in Ada day on May 16 in our narthex if you are interested call me at 6169150238!