Ladies Literary Club repurposed for ArtPrize

Photo+courtesy+calvin.edu.

Photo courtesy calvin.edu.

The Ladies Literary Club a hidden piece of history located in downtown Grand Rapids, has been the home for multiple organizations and uses since its construction in 1887.  Richard Harms, a retired Calvin College archive curator, described the LLC as the first clubhouse constructed by a women’s society.  It served as a model at that time for other women’s groups interested in planting their own buildings

After 136 years of serving this women’s organization, the LLC decided to disperse, and the building was donated to Calvin College in 2007.  Calvin continues to use the facility with the same educational intent as the LLC, using the space for many of its events such as concerts and lectures.

Now, the historic building is up for grabs once again. Ken Heffner, the Student Activities Director at Calvin College, described that “it does cost money to own the building, which is offset in part by renting it to outside groups.  The building was donated to Calvin 10 years ago, and much of the cost of renovating it was covered by grants; but there is still a net cost to the college, which is why it is for sale.”  The building is still owned by Calvin College for the time being.

Calvin was in search of new ways to utilize the space when Paula Manni, Calvin College’s Arts Programming Assistant, came up with an idea.

“The Ladies’ literary club is the perfect place to hold an exhibition because it’s right next to the central hub of Art Prize,” Paula Manni explained, “so when people are going there to pick up their pamphlets and maps and things for Art Prize, they will be able to enjoy the artwork of Eliza Fernand.”

Calvin College has been participating in Art Prize for the last eight years at the 106 Gallery on Division in downtown Grand Rapids.  However, due to financial purposes, Calvin decided after nine years not to renew their lease on the space.  Paula Manni helped form the idea to use the LLC for an exterior installation in the downtown district of Art Prize.

This year, Eliza Fernand, a quilter, was the artist chosen for the venue.  She hopes to provide a much deeper meaning in her exhibition that also incorporates the three main themes of the LLC: education, gender and race.  The title for her exhibition is labeled “EQUITY NOT EQUALITY,” focusing on the idea that “our systems do not allow every person to start on equal ground. Equity acknowledges systemic oppression and aims to give different opportunities to different people.”

This theme holds true to its venue. In 1887, when the LLC was organized, women were not considered equal in standards to men, and still received legal discrimination with divorce, property, employment and more.

“I’m really excited for this exhibition,” Paula Manni said, “because I think Eliza’s artwork makes a bold statement, and I hope this then opens an opportunity for conversation about this topic, so that we can create a society to let women stand on equal playing fields.”

The roots of the Ladies Literary Club are of great importance. Hopefully they will continue to shine through future events such as ArtPrize.