GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
20
Donor Spotlight: Jeff Gurney & Xuesi Li Gurney
Xuesi Li and Jeff Gurney
Xuesi, born in Guangzhou, China, and Jeff, a native Grand Rapidian, have loved being a part of the GRAM family for several years. They both share a passion for art in its many forms and the impact that it has on a personal level and to a community. One of the things Xuesi and Jeff appreciate most about GRAM is the accessibility of the museum staff and the engagement of visitors and artists to share in their personal observations of the artwork. As Jeff describes, “The expression of an artist versus the interpretation of an observer acts as a catalyst for thought provoking discussion and discovery. Xuesi and I have had the opportunity to view some phenomenal exhibits at GRAM and we have always enjoyed talking amongst the two of us, with other members, the Chief
Curator, the GRAM staff, or the artist themselves to learn more about a piece. To us, this interaction is priceless and adds a new dimension to the experience that you cannot always capture from just viewing an object and reading its accompanying note card. GRAM’s exhibitions and events provide that interactive atmosphere and access which we revel in.” Xuesi also adds, “I was immediately impressed when I came to the museum for the first time. Having lived in St. Louis and New York and visiting their art museums, I was pleasantly surprised by the caliber of the exhibitions at the GRAM and the friendliness of the staff. I have always felt welcomed when I have attended an event or exhibition at the Museum.”
Board Spotlight: Eddie T.L. Tadlock Eddie T.L. Tadlock, Assistant General Manager of DeVos Place/DeVos Performance Hall/Van Andel Arena (SMG), is an entrepreneurial executive with years of comprehensive facility management experience in operating stadiums, arenas, theaters, and convention facilities.
Eddie Tadlock
Eddie is the curator in residence for ArtPrize at DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena. In addition he coordinates Art Exhibitions throughout the year at DeVos Place, partnering with Kendall College of Art and Design, Avenue of the arts, and Grand Valley State University.
He is involved with many non-profit and cultural organizations, including the Heart of West Michigan United Way, BL2END Grand Rapids Community Foundation, St. Cecilia Music Center and the Grand Rapids Symphony. He currently serves several boards including the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Diversity in Arts and Music Festival, Community Sustainability Partnership, 2030 District, Boy Scouts of America, President Ford Council, West Michigan Jazz Society, and the City of Grand Rapids Ad Hoc Art Advisory Board. He is a self-described jazz junky, orchid-lover, art collector, Kulture Vulture blogger, Marine, Certified Tourism Ambassador, and bibliophile.