Over the course of his career Mathias Alten completed more than 3,000 works of art, primarily oil paintings, but also executed watercolors, pastels, murals, pen and ink and charcoal drawings. His work was influenced by the landscapes and techniques he discovered abroad, but also remained deeply connected to the rural Michigan landscape widely featured throughout his career. Joel Zwart, Curator of Exhibitions at Grand Valley State University Art Gallery, will discuss Alten’s remarkable artistic career and his impact on the art world and the people of West Michigan.
Thursday, May 13, 2021
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Virtual Adult Program
Registration is required for this program on Eventbrite.
Free! Donations appreciated
See some of Alten’s unique pieces of watercolors and sketches from the GVSU Art Gallery Collection on display at the Holland Museum from March 12-July 25: Mathias Alten: Beyond the Oil Paintings.
About the Presenter
Joel Zwart | Curator of Exhibitions at Grand Valley State University Art Gallery | He/Him/His
Joel Zwart is an accomplished museum administrator and curator with a demonstrated history of leadership and service in the higher education and museum industry for over 20 years. He has extensive experience at a broad range of institutions and has organized more than 200 exhibitions, including “Mathias J. Alten: An American Artist at the Turn of the Century” currently on tour in Michigan over the next two years.
Presently, Joel serves as Curator of Exhibitions at Grand Valley State University, where he manages exhibition development, design, and installation at all university galleries. He also assists with placement and installation of the permanent collection throughout all university buildings and outdoor spaces, and oversees special projects.
Zwart joined the GVSU Art Gallery team in 2016 after serving for 14 years as the Director of Exhibitions at Calvin University. In that role, he oversaw the development and opening of the new Center Art Gallery, managed the (106) Gallery from 2006-16, and led the re-organization of the university’s permanent collection of art.
Zwart has an M.A. in Historical Administration from Eastern Illinois University and a B.A. in History with minors in Art and French from Calvin University, and continues to serve on various committees at museums and non-profit organizations.
