McBride Gallery: A Perspective of Walter and Lois McBride’s Work and Influence in Grand Rapids

Gallery Exhibition

When

January - February
(Church open Monday through Thursday: 9AM - 3PM)

Where

1005 Giddings Ave SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
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Nestled in the heart of Grand Rapids, in historic East Congregational Church, the McBride Gallery celebrates the life and legacy of two of the city’s most influential artists, Walter and Lois McBride. This newly named gallery serves as a tribute to their profound contributions to the local arts scene and East Congregational Church, showcasing a rich collection of their artwork, tapestries, and personal stories that illuminate their enduring impact on the culture of Grand Rapids.

Walter McBride, a renowned painter and muralist, and former Director of GRAM and his wife, Lois McBride, an exceptional tapestry artist, were both deeply embedded in the fabric of the city’s creative evolution. Their works reflect the unique intersection of modern art and traditional techniques, capturing moments of beauty, introspection, and innovation. Through this gallery, visitors will encounter not only their finished pieces but also experience many future art shows from local and global artists.

January and February will showcase the McBride Gallery’s namesakes, Lois and Walter.  This showing is an intimate glimpse into their work, featuring biographical displays that detail their professional milestones, photos that capture their personalities, and commissioned privately held pieces. This collection highlights both Walter and Lois’s individual achievements as well as their shared dedication to enriching the cultural landscape of Grand Rapids.

In collaboration with the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), The Meyer May House, private collectors, and other civic institutions, the show will also present a selection of archival materials, offering historical context and connecting the McBrides’ work to the broader art movements and community developments of their time.

Through immersive exhibits and thoughtful curation, the McBride Gallery is a living tribute to the enduring influence of Walter and Lois McBride on the art world, and a place where their legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Gallery