The De Vos Family (think Amway) of West Michigan is offering a the world's largest Art Prize - $250,000!
There is so much to learn about this prize and all the smaller venues surrounding it. The competition is going to take over Grand Rapids, MI, in the fall with much press and activity going on. The winner is by public vote! You heard me right, the public.
# Top 10 entries will receive a prize
# Multiple artists can collaborate on an entry
# Artists may only submit one entry
# Property owners/renters in downtown Grand Rapids can become a venue
# Number of artists represented is only limited by number of venues that become available
Learn more at: http://www.artprize.org/about-artprize
What is even more interesting is their online blog that tells the story about all the exciting things going on around the Prize. Be sure to keep track of what's going on day to day at blog.artprize.org
Sara, not an idiot...will you get financial return for your investment? hard to tell...yet, there you are in the midst of all the hoopla (well deserved hoopla) why not be a part of it? Attending Art Prize last year was one of the coolest things I did all year. Long hours -- but you'll be indoors and not caught up in the weathers vagaries.
In an 8 x 8 there wouldn't even be room for friends to help. A large part of the fun of AP is the unknowns...and you get to be part of that. Good for you.
What an adventurer you are, Sara! I can certainly understand your wanting to be part of this really exciting venue. I hadn't heard about the art fair part of it -- how way cool that is!
My first inclination is to ask you about the costs of this venue? Did it cost a lot to be part of it? If not (I hope not). Since you are already committed I'd make sure you have work in a wide variety of price points, this really is a test market, and a really clean looking display. I'd also show only originals -- in keeping with the venue. You live close, after a day you can swap out work for what you think will work better for you.
Does the list of artists have contact information? If so, contact my friend Jerry Berta. He lives in Rockford, is an old hand at art fairs and participated last year -- as a solo artist, and will be there again this year. Tell him I told you to call him. He is a great guy and should have lots of good advice.
Take the whole thing as another learning experience, getting that PhD in "art fair management" -- relax, learn, learn, learn. I hope to be there on the first Saturday and Sunday and will try to find you. Do you have the list of the others in the Recital hall? If so, can you find out who your neighbors are? Perhaps you can take out the wall between you and make a more expansive looking space...
Comments
In an 8 x 8 there wouldn't even be room for friends to help. A large part of the fun of AP is the unknowns...and you get to be part of that. Good for you.
My first inclination is to ask you about the costs of this venue? Did it cost a lot to be part of it? If not (I hope not). Since you are already committed I'd make sure you have work in a wide variety of price points, this really is a test market, and a really clean looking display. I'd also show only originals -- in keeping with the venue. You live close, after a day you can swap out work for what you think will work better for you.
Does the list of artists have contact information? If so, contact my friend Jerry Berta. He lives in Rockford, is an old hand at art fairs and participated last year -- as a solo artist, and will be there again this year. Tell him I told you to call him. He is a great guy and should have lots of good advice.
Take the whole thing as another learning experience, getting that PhD in "art fair management" -- relax, learn, learn, learn. I hope to be there on the first Saturday and Sunday and will try to find you. Do you have the list of the others in the Recital hall? If so, can you find out who your neighbors are? Perhaps you can take out the wall between you and make a more expansive looking space...
Best wishes...keep us posted!