Blue & White Invitational | Art History Series: Dutch Vanitas

Step into the fascinating world of Dutch art with Gemma Fletcher, Arts Education Manager at the Holland Area Arts Council. Enjoy an engaging and approachable talk exploring the symbolism and hidden meanings behind Dutch Vanitas paintings, from luxurious objects and flowers to subtle reminders of the passage of time. Discover how artists of the Dutch Golden Age used everyday items to tell deeper stories about beauty, wealth, and mortality. Presented in partnership with the Holland Area Arts Council, this special program celebrates the Blue & White Invitational exhibition and invites guests to connect art, history, and storytelling in a unique and meaningful way. 

Friday, July 31, 2026
6 to 7:30 pm
Holland Area Arts Council
150 E. 8th Street • Holland, MI 49423 

$15 per person

Program Partner:

Originally from the United Kingdom, Gemma Fletcher is a West Michigan-based artist and educator currently serving as Education Manager at the Holland Area Arts Council. Her work explores a love of color and surface decoration, drawing inspiration from everyday moments, textiles, and the natural landscape. Working across paint, print, collage, and stitch, Gemma creates joyful, layered works that celebrate pattern and texture. She earned both her B.A. and M.A. in Fine Art from the University of Central England in the UK.