Grand Gala: 20 years at the Center
Saturday, May 22, 2027
6:00 pm — 11:30 pm
The Grand Rapids Art Museum’s Annual Gala celebrating 20 years at Monroe Center
Co-Chairs: Sam Cummings | Pamella DeVos | Hank Meijer
Honorary Co-Chair: Kate Pew Wolters
In 2027, the Grand Rapids Art Museum will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its landmark downtown building — a milestone for the institution, and for the city and region it serves.
The GRAM Gala 2027 kicks off a full year of celebration, honoring the donors, artists, and civic partners who have built GRAM into a cultural cornerstone. This isn’t just an anniversary party — it’s the launch of a citywide moment, and you have the opportunity to help lay its foundation.
Two decades after leading the capital campaign that built GRAM’s new downtown building, Sam Cummings, Pamella DeVos, and Hank Meijer are reuniting as Gala Co-Chairs along with Honorary Co-Chair Kate Pew Wolters — returning to lead the celebration of the building they helped bring to life.
JW Marriott
235 Louis Street NW
6:00 pm Gala Cocktail Hour
7:00 pm Dinner
GRAM After Party
101 Monroe Center Street NW
9:00 pm Desserts and Entertainment
Featuring singer and trumpeter Mr. Chris Norton with his band.
Attire:
Black Tie: Black, White, and Sparkle
Valet Parking at JW Marriott.
Trolley shuttles will be available to and from the JW Marriott and GRAM.
Gala tickets are nonrefundable. If you are unable to attend, your tickets will be donated back to GRAM as a contribution to the event.
For more information, email donate@artmuseumgr.org
Sponsorship Opportunities
As a sponsor, you’ll stand alongside GRAM at the exact intersection of art, community, and downtown vitality— reaching an audience of civic leaders, collectors, and longtime champions of the arts, all gathered for one unforgettable evening at the start of an unforgettable year.
Twenty years at the heart of downtown. One extraordinary night to begin the next twenty.
Join us in celebrating where we’ve been — and investing in where we’re going.
$100,000 Presenting Sponsorship
All sponsor levels and ticket options include entertainment, dinner, and an open bar.
- Welcome Toast recognition as Presenting Sponsor
- 10-person cocktail reception and art storage tour with GRAM Curators.*
- Wine and cheese reception for 20 guests with Director and CEO and GRAM Curators.*
- 20 VIP Access tickets to Yayoi Kusama Exhibition
- Recognition as Presenting Sponsor
- Two dinner tables for twenty guests & after party table
- Premium wine service at dinner with dedicated server
- Logo/name placement on website and event materials
- Donor Circle*** or Corporate Partner benefits****
- Fair market value of 20 tickets: $4,000
$50,000 Table Sponsorship
All sponsor levels and ticket options include entertainment, dinner, and an open bar.
- Welcome Toast recognition as Lead Sponsor
- Wine and cheese reception for 20 guests with Director and CEO and GRAM Curators.*
- 15 VIP Access tickets to Yayoi Kusama Exhibition
- Dinner table with 10 seats & after party table
- Premium wine service at dinner with dedicated server
- Logo/name placement on website and event materials
- Donor Circle*** or Corporate Partner benefits****
- Fair market value of 10 tickets: $2,000
$25,000 Table Sponsorship
All sponsor levels and ticket options include entertainment, dinner, and an open bar.
- Verbal recognition as Signature Sponsor from podium
- Wine and cheese reception for 10 guests with Director and CEO and GRAM Curators.*
- 10 VIP Access tickets to Yayoi Kusama Exhibition
- Dinner table with 10 seats & after party table
- Premium wine service at dinner with dedicated server
- Logo/name placement on website and event materials
- Donor Circle*** or Corporate Partner benefits****
- Fair market value of 10 tickets: $2,000
$15,000 Table Sponsorship
All sponsor levels and ticket options include entertainment, dinner, and an open bar.
- Verbal recognition as Benefactor Sponsor from podium
- Reserved table at after party.
- Table with 10 seats
- Private tour for up to ten guests with a GRAM curator**
- Donor Circle*** or Corporate Partner benefits****
- Name placement on website and event materials
- Fair market value of 10 tickets: $2,000
$10,000 Table Sponsorship
All sponsor levels and ticket options include entertainment, dinner, and an open bar.
- Verbal recognition as Sustainer Sponsor from podium
- Table with 10 seats
- Private tour for up to ten guests with a GRAM curator**
- Donor Circle*** or Corporate Partner benefits****
- Name placement on website and event materials
- Fair market value of 10 tickets: $2,000
$5,000 Ticket Sponsorship
- 6 tickets to Gala
- Private tour for up to ten guests with a GRAM curator**
- Donor Circle*** or Corporate Partner benefits****
- Name placement on website and event materials
- Fair market value of 6 tickets: $1,200
$3,500 Ticket Sponsorship
All sponsor levels and ticket options include entertainment, dinner, and an open bar.
Please note this sponsor level is for individuals. Corporations that purchase at this level will be listed as an event contributor, instead of an event sponsor.
- 4 tickets to Gala
- Donor Circle benefits***
- Name placement on website and other event materials
- Fair market value of 4 tickets: $800
$2,000 Ticket Sponsorship
All sponsor levels and ticket options include entertainment, dinner, and an open bar.
Please note: A limited number of individual tickets will be available for purchase.
- 2 tickets to Gala
- Name placement on website and other event materials
- Donor Circle benefits***
- Fair market value of 2 tickets: $400
Individual Ticket
A limited number of $500 individual tickets will be available for purchase beginning February 1, 2027. Ticket sales end May 7, 2027 at 4pm.
- Includes entertainment, dinner, and an open bar.
- Fair market value each ticket: $200
Underwriting Opportunities
Only one of each underwriting opportunity is available.
Guest tickets must be purchased separately and may be reserved early.
GRAM After Party Sponsor
The Party moves to the Museum with live music and desserts.
Guest tickets must be purchased separately and may be reserved early.
- Recognition as After Party Sponsor from the Podium
- Logo prominently displayed on bars at the GRAM After Party.
- Logo on After Party cocktail napkins.
- Listed as After Party Sponsor in printed program.
$10,000 Champagne Toast Sponsor
Guest tickets must be purchased separately and may be reserved early.
- Recognition as Champagne Toast Sponsor at podium
- Listed as Champagne Toast Sponsor in printed program.
Attire
Black Tie:
Black, White, and Sparkle
Joining us from out of town?
Accommodations in Grand Rapids
The JW Marriott Grand Rapids, situated in the heart of Hotel District in Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, provides modern luxury in a place where you can be mindful and present. As the first JW Marriott in the Midwest, discover the beauty overlooking the city and Grand River featuring 331 refined rooms and suites across 23 floors. Embrace our mindful amenities with our recently renovated Wellness Floor – featuring Seraphina Spa, fitness center featuring robust workout equipment, an indoor pool, and steam rooms.
From the welcoming lobby and the functional, relaxing rooms to the friendly service and city views, it’s a stay you’ll feel good about. This Downtown Grand Rapids Hotel features multiple spaces to work or relax in, free Wi-Fi throughout and easy access to news, weather, maps, directions and city events. A skywalk offers convenient access to Devos Place Convention Center, Van Andel Arena and dozens of restaurants and night clubs.
Make yourself at home in the Hotel District, in Downtown Grand Rapids, steps from the Grand Rapids Art Museum and Van Andel Arena. Whether you’re touring the breweries of “Beer City USA” or the art collections at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Hyatt Place Grand Rapids / Downtown puts you at the center of the action.
We offer a selection of spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas. A fully equipped kitchen ready for your favorite cuisine. Complimentary grocery delivery service to fill your refrigerator and satisfy cravings. Free Internet for connecting to work and the outside world. Free hot breakfast to start mornings off right and a fitness center for strengthening your body and soul. Relax and unwind when you want. And stay focused and productive when it’s essential. At Residence Inn, we’ll make sure you thrive during your stay.
Access and Parking:
JW Marriott — 235 Louis Street NW
Valet Parking will be available at JW Marriott.
6:00 pm Gala Cocktail Hour
7:00 pm Seated Dinner
GRAM After Party — 101 Monroe Center Street NW
Trolley available to take you to GRAM.
Accommodations are available for guests with mobility needs. To arrange yours, please contact Annmarie Ventura at aventura@artmuseumgr.org
