Dana Friis-Hansen
Join us for a presentation by Dana Friis-Hansen, former Director & CEO of GRAM, in celebration of the unveiling of the Glen W. Johnson and Thomas P. Merchant Collection.
Friis-Hansen will reflect on the couple’s collecting life: their genuine excitement in discovering artists, pursuing works that moved them, and the pride they took in living with art. He’ll also speak to the difference between private collecting and museum practice, and how the generosity of collectors helps to shape what a museum can offer the public.
The Speaker Series was created through the generosity of philanthropists and art collectors Glen W. Johnson (1960 – 2022) and Thomas P. Merchant to bring world class speakers to Grand Rapids annually. Focusing on current exhibitions and current events, the speaker series engages artists and academics on topics relevant to the West Michigan community.
For more information, contact Visitor Services at 616.831.1000.