Grand Rapids Art Museum Announces Curatorial Staff Appointments

Grand Rapids, MI, December 15, 2022 – The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) today announced two key appointments to its curatorial team — Jennifer Wcisel has been promoted to Associate Curator, and Terra Warren has been appointed Assistant Curator. Jennifer and Terra have assumed the responsibilities of their new roles and collectively bring a depth of curatorial experience in the arts and nonprofit sectors to the Museum. 

The appointments follow a recent organizational realignment focused on providing exceptional art experiences and deepening community engagement. The positions play strategic roles in managing and implementing the Museum’s diverse artistic program of rotating exhibitions, in addition to the permanent collection plan and acquisitions. Together with a cross-departmental team, Jennifer and Terra are responsible for implementing key strategic initiatives as part of the Museum’s new five-year strategic plan. 

“The appointments of Jennifer Wcisel and Terra Warren carry forward the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s commitment to creating engaging and relevant art experiences with our community,” commented GRAM Deputy Director for Art, Learning, and Engagement Christopher Bruce. ​“Jennifer’s thoughtful and empathetic approach to exhibition design has created some of the Museum’s most thought-provoking exhibitions over the years. Under her knowledgeable curatorial leadership, and with the welcome addition of Terra’s experience and fresh perspective, the Museum will continue to create transformative art experiences in Grand Rapids.” 

GRAM’s calendar of upcoming exhibitions features work in a wide array of media spanning the early 20^th century to today, from groundbreaking photography and mixed media digital art to contemporary ceramics and American portraiture. The schedule begins with Rethinking Monuments: American Sculpture in its Time (Jan. 13 – April 8, 2023) and Presence: The Photography Collection of Judy Glickman Lauder (Feb. 11 – April 29, 2023) in the early months of 2023. 

Jennifer Wcisel

As Associate Curator at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Jennifer Wcisel leads the Museum’s program of rotating exhibitions and collection installations, and facilitates the growth of the Museum’s permanent collection. She serves on GRAM’s tactical team, helping to shape the Museum’s priorities and strategic direction, and has served as chair of the Museum’s diversity, equity, and inclusion task force. Her exhibitions at GRAM include Carole Harris: Bright Moments (2022), Hand and Machine in Harmony: Regional Arts & Crafts (2021), Beauty, Drama, and Nature: Ukiyo‑e Prints (2020), Melanie Daniel: Only Four Degrees (2019) and Self, Symbol, Surrogate: Artist Portraits from GRAM’s Collection (2019).

Jennifer joined the museum staff in 2015 as Curatorial Assistant before being promoted to Assistant Curator in 2019. She previously worked with the interpretation, media, and evaluation team at the Indianapolis Museum of Art to develop audience-centered gallery activities and experiences. Jennifer holds a master’s degree in Arts Administration from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Aquinas College, Grand Rapids. 

Terra Warren

As Assistant Curator at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Terra Warren assists the Associate Curator in the research, development, and implementation of engaging exhibitions that further the Museum’s mission of connecting people through art, creativity, and design. Before joining GRAM, Terra was part of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum’s curatorial team, where since 2016 she supported exhibitions, including the recent major retrospective of artist Alex Katz, as well as departmental administration. She is pursuing a doctorate in art history at the City University of New York’s Graduate Center, holds a master’s degree in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University, and a bachelor’s degree with honors in Public History from Western Michigan University. 

About the Grand Rapids Art Museum
Connecting people through art, creativity, and design. Established in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the art museum is internationally known for its distinguished design and LEED® Gold certified status. Founded in 1910 as the Grand Rapids Art Association, GRAM has grown to include more than 6,000 works of art, including American and European 19^th and 20^th-century painting and sculpture and more than 3,000 works on paper. Embracing the city’s legacy as a leading center of design and manufacturing, GRAM has a growing collection in the area of design and modern craft.

For museum hours and admission fees, call 616.831.1000 or visit artmuseumgr.org. 

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