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Chris Stoffel Overvoorde Collection

Overview

Abstract

Biographical Note

Administrative Information

Detailed Description

Documents for Project: "Stories of Faith"

Letters to the Netherlands

National Christian Multicultural Student Leaders Conference

Calvin College Multicultural Year

Correspondence

Miscellaneous

Addendum

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Contact us about this collection

Title: Chris Stoffel Overvoorde Collection, 1938-2008

ID: COLL/188

Primary Creator: Chris Stoffel Overvoorde (1934-2019)

Extent: 17.0 Boxes

Arrangement: Folder level description

Professor of art at Calvin College. The collection includes research materials for the booklet Stories of Faith: Fifteen Heroes of Calvin College and the Christian Reformed Church; research materials for resident hall paintings; correspondence; materials from serving on various committees, i.e., Calvin College multicultural, Dutch Immigration Society, American Bicentennial heritage celebration, and Graafschap Christian Reformed Church Heritage Center; photographs; articles; presentations; artwork inventory; design projects; sketches; awards; and materials on exhibitions. [See also the Campus Titles Database.]

Chris Stoffel Overvoorde was born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on November 24, 1934. Before becoming the artist and art professor, he is known as today, Overvoorde attended Technical Schools and eventually the Royal Technicum PBNA to pursue a career path as a diesel engineer. In 1957, Overvoorde immigrated to the United States as diesel engineer. However, in 1961 he enrolled in Kendall School of Design to pursue visual design. He went on to the University of Michigan earning his B.S.D. degree in 1964 and his M.F.A. degree in 1966.

A big year came to Overvoorde in 1966; he not only became a U.S. citizen, but also became faculty of the Calvin College Art department. He started out as an instructor of art and eventually made his way to associate professor of art. He also served as director of exhibitions and chair of the Art Department.

Overvoorde is also known for his personal works of art. He has worked as a painter, printmaker, muralist, graphic designer, and stage designer. His work can be found in both public and private collections. His work has been involved in competitions and exhibitions. Four of Overvoorde’s paintings, depicting Dutch contributions to American life and culture, had made its way to Washington D.C. in 1976.  The four paintings were displayed at the Great Hall of Commerce.

On a personal level, Overvoorde is married to Greta Duifhuis. Together they have four children. He has served as a deacon and treasurer for the Christian Reformed Church. He has served his community by being a board member of the Grand Rapids Art Museum and a chairman for the Municipal Art Advisory Commission of Grand Rapids. Overvoorde reach emeritus status and retired in 1997.

Repository: Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Access Restrictions: ***PARTIAL RESTRICTION (boxes 3-4, 8-9)

Processing Information: Series 7 is composed of materials that were added to the collection in 2019.