Past Programs

Charles Burke: Tales of a Maestro CEO
October 11, 2023

Charles Burke spoke about his journey as an arts administrator, arts educator and his vision for the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. In February 2023, Charles Burke became the new President and CEO of Meijer Gardens succeeding David Hooker, who announced his retirement in 2022. Burke brings years of experience in arts and culture to his new role. He was president and CEO of The War Memorial Association in Grosse Pointe Farms for nine years and spent a significant portion of his career as both an executive and orchestral conductor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

This program was not recorded.

 

Nayda Collazo-Llorens: unmappings
November 8, 2023

An engaging speaker, artist Nayda Collazo-Llorens discussed her interdisciplinary practice and how she explores concepts of navigation and dislocation through her art. From the moment she began taking classes at an art school in her native San Juan, Puerto Rico at the age of five, Collazo-Llorens knew she wanted to be an artist. Today, her work is exhibited widely nationally and internationally and spans drawing, painting, printmaking, installation, video, and public art.

Laura DeBecker: Wish You Were Here
March 13, 2024

Laura De Becker is Chief Curator and the Helmut and Candis Stern Curator of African Art at the University of Michigan Museum of Art, She will discusses the complex issues of repatriation, provenance, and collaboration which are among the pressing issues facing museums with collections of African objects.

Tuliza Fleming: Building the Collection
April 10, 2024

Dr. Fleming is the Curator of American Art at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Smithsonian Institution where she worked to build the museum’s foundational American art collection.

Craig McDonald: Alden B. Dow- A Way of Life
May 8, 2024

Calling all fans of mid-20th century modern! Craig McDonald, Director of the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, delves into Dow’s influence and extensive career, which includes a number of buildings here in Kalamazoo.