Gretchen Minnhaar

Gretchen Minnhaar, Architect/Artist, passed away on Friday, June 29, 2018.  Born in Rosario, Argentina she traveled from Argentina to the United States to study architecture. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Engineering from Lawrence Institute of Technology in Southfield, MI. Returning to Argentina she received her Masters of Architecture. She also entered the one year Doctoral Program in City Planning and then went on to receive a Masters in Business Administration from Atlantic University, Florida. Her education in art was varied and lengthy having received training on three continents. Throughout her years as an international artist from 1974 to 2014, she had over 55 exhibits and awards including the One Woman Show in Rosario, Art Prize 2009-2011, Miami International in 2011, Studio Valenti, Vicenza, Italy, Art San Diego, Art Miami, and Art Toronto. She brought her philosophy of art and architectural planning to Grand Rapids where she is quoted as saying “My view of the world is more colorful and more relaxed. It’s not better, it’s just very different”.  She believed that good architectural planning enlivens a city and brings people out into the open. Gretchen hoped to bring the spirit of Latin culture to Western Michigan. Locally she was represented by Agora Gallery, which connected artists with collectors for over 25 years. She also served the Grand Rapids Community as a member of the Grand Rapids Development Association, the Dwelling Place, and she was the Director of the Grand Valley University Foundation.  Surviving are her husband, Dr. Luis Tomatis; one daughter, Gabriela Minnhaar-Tomatis and her husband Ted Vecchio; two grandchildren, Luis Vecchio and Teodoro Vecchio. In keeping with her wishes cremation will take place and no formal services will be held. The family would like memorial contributions to be directed toward Gretchen Minnharr Endowed Scholarship at Aquinas College.

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