Contemporary Art Club
The Contemporary Art Club at Cultivate offers a dedicated space for rigorous engagement with the practices and discourses that define contemporary art today. This series, held fourth Thursday evenings, is meticulously designed for artists, critics, and enthusiasts who seek to deeply understand and actively participate in the evolving landscape of contemporary art.
Dates: Fourth Thursdays
Time: 6:00-8:00pm, not a drop-in experience
Location: Cultivate, 620 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Admission is $10 for supplies and to support the artist facilitator!
Register at the door, or in advance below!
What to Expect
Our monthly art club offers a dynamic and enriching experience that delves into the complexities of contemporary art. Participants gain a deep understanding of diverse artistic themes and practices through a blend of expert-led discussions and hands-on exploration. This format not only enhances your knowledge of art history and current trends but also encourages practical application, allowing you to experiment with different media and techniques. Engaging in this creative process alongside a community of like-minded individuals fosters a supportive environment where feedback and collaborative learning contribute to personal and artistic growth. This club is an ideal setting for anyone looking to expand their artistic horizons, refine their skills, and connect with others in the art community.
​
Session Structure
Introduction and Contextual Overview (20 minutes): Every meeting begins with a presentation about the week's contemporary art theme or featured artist. We cover essential background information, highlight significant works, and discuss the cultural or political influences shaping the art. This introduction sets the stage for deeper understanding and thoughtful discussion.
In-depth Discussion (20 minutes): Discussion as a group led by the facilitator with occasional guest speakers. These conversations aim to broaden perspectives and explore nuanced topics involved in the art, art practice, or artist.
Artistic Practice and Exploration (60 minutes): Inspired by our earlier discussions, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into your own art-making process. This part of the session is dedicated to practical application, where you can experiment with different media and techniques that reflect contemporary artistic practices. Whether you're trying something new or perfecting a familiar medium, this is a time to push your creative limits.
Critique and Reflection (20 minutes): We wrap up each session with a constructive critique, providing a space for you to present your work and receive feedback from peers and facilitators alike. This segment is fundamental for refining your artistic approach and contributing to the growth of our creative community.
Schedule of Weeks
​
​
September 24, 2024: Art and Social Change
- Introduction and Contextual Overview: Explore the work of artists like Doris Salcedo, Theaster Gates, and Banksy who use their art to address social issues such as gentrification, political unrest, and social justice.
- In-depth Discussion: Discuss the impact of art as a tool for social change and how it can provoke dialogue and influence public opinion.
- Artistic Practice and Exploration: Participants will create artworks that reflect or respond to a social issue of their choice using mediums like painting, sculpture, or installation.
- Critique and Reflection: Analyze how these artworks communicate their messages and their potential societal impact, fostering a discussion on effectiveness and engagement.
​
October 22, 2024: Abstract Expressionism and Emotional Depth
- Introduction and Contextual Overview: Understand Abstract Expressionism by discussing the works and techniques of Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Helen Frankenthaler, focusing on how they convey deep emotional experiences.
- In-depth Discussion: Explore how abstract expressionism allows for the expression of complex emotions and introspection.
- Artistic Practice and Exploration: Participants will be encouraged to create their own abstract expressionist artworks, focusing on personal expression through color, form, and texture.
- Critique and Reflection: Discuss the emotional depth of each artwork, considering how abstract forms can evoke varied viewer responses.
​
January 28, 2025: Modernism and Urban Dynamics
- Introduction and Contextual Overview: Explore how modernist art was shaped by and responded to the changes in urban life, discussing artists such as Piet Mondrian, Fernand Léger, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
- In-depth Discussion: Discuss the influence of urbanization on artistic expression and the representation of dynamic urban spaces.
- Artistic Practice and Exploration: Participants will create works that reflect modernist styles or respond to urban themes, using geometric shapes, urban landscapes, or abstract representations.
- Critique and Reflection: Share and critique the artworks, focusing on how effectively they capture the essence of urban life and modernist aesthetics.
​
February 25, 2025: Postmodernism and Identity
- Introduction and Contextual Overview: Examine postmodern approaches to identity through the works of Cindy Sherman, Barbara Kruger, and Kehinde Wiley, discussing how they use their art to challenge and reconstruct identities.
- In-depth Discussion: Explore how postmodern art questions traditional narratives around identity and society.
- Artistic Practice and Exploration: Create artworks that utilize techniques like collage, mixed media, or digital photography to explore and express complex identities.
- Critique and Reflection: Discuss how these artworks challenge or reinforce cultural and personal perceptions of identity.
March 25, 2025: Contemporary Sculpture and Space
- Introduction and Contextual Overview: Look at how contemporary sculptors like Anish Kapoor, Rachel Whiteread, and Antony Gormley use space and form in their sculptures.
- In-depth Discussion: Analyze the relationship between sculpture, space, and viewer interaction, considering how sculpture transforms public and private spaces.
- Artistic Practice and Exploration: Participants will work with clay, wire, or recyclable materials to create small-scale sculptures that interact with space and form.
- Critique and Reflection: Reflect on the sculptural works created, discussing how space and material choice affect viewer perception and engagement.
​
April 22, 2025: Conceptual Art and Ideas as Artwork
Introduction and Contextual Overview: Explore the development and significance of Conceptual Art by discussing pioneers such as Sol LeWitt, Marcel Duchamp, and Yoko Ono. Examine how these artists prioritize ideas over traditional aesthetic and material concerns.
In-depth Discussion: Delve into the impact of Conceptual Art on the broader art world, discussing how it challenges the definitions of art and the role of the artist.
Artistic Practice and Exploration: Participants are encouraged to develop their own conceptual art pieces. This might involve drafting written descriptions, plans for installations, or creating simple objects that embody complex ideas.
Critique and Reflection: Share and critique each concept, focusing on the strength and clarity of the ideas presented rather than their physical execution. Discuss how effectively these concepts engage the viewer intellectually and emotionally.
​
May 27, 2025: Performance Art and Cultural Dialogue
- Introduction and Contextual Overview: Examine the use of performance art as a medium for cultural critique and dialogue, discussing the work of artists like Marina Abramović, Yoko Ono, and Tania Bruguera.
- In-depth Discussion: Consider the power of performance art in engaging audiences and provoking thought on cultural and social issues.
- Artistic Practice and Exploration: Conceptualize and outline performance art pieces that could be executed in public or private spaces, focusing on interaction and message.
- Critique and Reflection: Share concepts and critique the potential impact and feasibility of proposed performance pieces, considering ethical and practical aspects.
​
Who Should Attend
Our monthly art club is designed for artists, art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of contemporary art and its practices. It is an excellent opportunity for those who seek to enhance their artistic skills, explore new media, and engage in meaningful discussions about art's role in society. This club is perfect for individuals who appreciate a collaborative environment where they can both learn from and contribute to a community of creative minds. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to refine your technique or a newcomer eager to explore the art world, this club offers valuable insights and experiences that enrich your artistic journey.
​
​
About the Facilitator
​
Mallory Shotwell (she/her) is the Founder and Director of Cultivate, a role she has passionately embraced to merge the realms of contemporary art and community engagement. Her commitment to this mission is rooted in over 20 years of experience as an educator and a decade each as an interdisciplinary artist and curator. Mallory's journey in the arts and education has been significantly shaped by her time in Madison, WI, where she collaborated with local, county, and state arts councils for 8 years, deepening her commitment to arts and artist advocacy and support.
​
Before launching Cultivate, Mallory dedicated herself to education as a Montessori teacher, fostering creativity and independence among her students. Her curatorial practice includes working with organizations like Arts and Literature Laboratory, Lansing Art Gallery, the Bubbler, and most recently the Arts Council of White Lake. As an interdisciplinary artist, her work is rooted in sensorial engagement and storytelling, working with organizations like Pod Save America and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and has exhibited at the Indiana Green Invitational and the Other Art Fair presented by Saatchi Art, underscore her influence in contemporary art.
​
Beyond her professional life, Mallory is a mother to a 15-year-old son, an artist himself, and she enjoys spending her time as an avid reader and dual-state Master Gardener, illustrating her belief in the nurturing power of art, education, and community.
​​
