By Matthew Makowski, Grand Valley State University
The German-born American artist Mathias Joseph Alten (1871-1938) is often referred to as the dean of Michigan painters. Working in a traditional representational style, Alten incorporated the aesthetics and techniques of the Impressionist Movement in paintings infused with light and punctuated with deft brushwork. Based in Grand Rapids, Alten created more than 3,800 works over a more than 40-year career, including landscapes, seascapes, portraits and florals.
Grand Valley State University holds the largest public collection of Alten’s work in the world.
- What: ‘Mathias J. Alten: An Evolving Legacy’
- When: Exhibition dates: ongoing
- Where: George and Barbara Gordon Gallery, DeVos Center, Building E, Room 103 and 202, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
- Hours: Gordon Gallery hours are Friday and Saturday, 1-5 p.m.; closed on holiday weekends
For more information about Art Gallery exhibitions, visit gvsu.edu/artgallery or call 616.331.3638.
