Founded in 2025 by Caralyn Jellison, Joe Velick, and Sydney Lingenfelter, VEIL Grand Rapids is the flagship branch of VEIL Collective. Its origins began as an idea between Caralyn Jellison and Sydney Lingenfelter in 2023, when working as an exhibiting artist duo. Following the three shows curated independently by Jellison and Lingenfelter, Joe Velick came into the picture in early 2025. The three founded VEIL together- a genesis of the founder's last names and a metaphor for the "veil" between high-brow galleries and accessible creative opportunities. In the fall of 2025, VEIL participated in the international arts competition ArtPrize and won the award for Juried Best Venue. The venue also hosted the winner of the Grand Prize in the 2D category. 

Now, VEIL Grand Rapids is partnering with Avenue for the Arts to bring accessible creative workshops and critique nights to the Western Michigan community. Stay informed about upcoming opportunities and ways to get involved on Instagram @veil_gr_ or sign up for our newsletter on Substack.