Ferris’ Fine Arts Gallery presents a viewing and a video of Bryan Galloup’s collaborative work called “The Mission” until Saturday, March 23.
Galloup has been in this craft since 1976. Along with being a luthier, he runs Galloup Guitars in Big Rapids. Galloup Guitars preserves fine-stringed instruments and makes a line of guitars, along with training future craftsmen and women.
“The Mission” is a single handcrafted guitar that Galloup collaborated with other skilled artisans to create for Art Basel Miami Beach in 2020, with the guitar being valued at over $25,000.
Galloup explained how the name of the exhibit represented two things.
“It was a mission to get that by concept to completion,” Galloup said. “It also refers to mission-style furniture.”
Galloup believes that this guitar is one of a kind.
“It is a concept piece. I make guitars. This is something that will never be repeated,” Galloup said.
As this guitar is made from scratch, Galloup goes as far as to pick out the wood himself. Some of the woods he chose, he states, are regulated by the U.S. government because they are the most endangered woods in the world.
The process of building “The Mission” was tense, especially with having a deadline, but also making sure not to rush to the finish line.
“It ended up almost being a reality TV show, and it just became very tough to pull off,” Galloup said. “Every piece that was performed on that [instrument] was nailed right down till the very end.”
Galloup has a long-term relationship with Ferris, as he’s befriended many of the professors and general staff members over the years.
Because of his long-standing connection to the university, his work was able to make it into Ferris’ art gallery.
Professor Daniel Cronk is a long-time friend of Galloup’s. Cronk recommended Galloup’s work to Carrie Weis, the museum and art gallery director for Ferris. Weis then asked Cronk to connect them for his work to be in the Art Gallery before its next destination.
“We’ve known each other most of our lives, starting in our late teens,” Cronk said. “Weis asked me to make introductions which of course was my pleasure.”
Cronk holds Galloup’s craftsmanship in high regard and hopes that everyone will be able to see it.
“Bryan is a master – it is our privilege to be in his sphere,” Cronk said. “I hope everyone will take advantage of the opportunity to view this amazing work.”
Weis has reviewed many projects throughout her time at the art gallery. There are usually about one or two exhibits she and the gallery assistant choose each year.
She expressed the many reasons why Galloup stood out for the gallery.
“He is a really big deal in the music world,” Weis said. “The piece that he created is really unique, and it was made for the Miami Basel, which is an art exhibit that features work from the best artists from five different continents.”
“The Mission” has been on a tour since it was built in 2020. Weis believes that it would be a great opportunity to have “The Mission” at Ferris’ art gallery since it is only in Big Rapids temporarily.
“The Mission” will be in the gallery from March 11 to March 22. Ferris’ Fine Arts Gallery is located on the top floor of the David L. Eisler Center. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
C.E. – EC(C.E.R.S)