Posted by Connie Mettler on September 28, 2009 at 4:26pm
Rick DeVos scion of the Amway family in Grand Rapids, MI, announced in April the
world's largest Art Prize - $250,000 and invited all artists to come to GR in September to compete. The winner will be selected by the public! This, of course, means
YOU have to get to Grand Rapids soon to cast your vote. ~~
25,000 Peace Flags (and counting) by Kiaralinda and Todd The hope is that the exhibition will involve the public and get them looking at art, so it's all good. It
will be interesting to see the winning work. The choices of art experts often has me scratching my head, so the public can't do much worse in choosing a winner. In all over 1600 artists heeded the call. All around Grand Rapids from
September 23 to October 10 you can view, hear and participate in their art throughout the city. ~~
Jerry Berta's Art Cart I was there for the excitement Saturday and Sunday. Who knew Grand Rapids was so diverse and beautiful? Sun glinting off the river (bridges turned into art, monsters in the water, sculpture on islands) and excited people everywhere trying to take in as much as possible.
~~
Madeline Kaczmarczyk's mixed media pottery The art is on the street, in empty storefronts, in every restaurant and in the galleries. Then when you get bleary-eyed there is exciting performance art. ~~Connie plays Michael Combs' guitar
I came across some art fair artists too: (former) photographer
Michael Combs 6 foot wide mosaic encrusted ceramic guitar,
Jerry Berta's diner art cart complete with hot dogs,
Madeline Kaczmarczyk's ceramics "Womanology" and
Todd and Kiaralinda Ramquist's interactive peace flags. The peace flags encircle the B.O.B., an outdoor plaza filled with provocative work. My friend Jan Richardson's daughter, Heather, was dancing with the Ramquist's in her "Peace Angel" costume, complete with flashing lights. Did I tell you this is fun? Really--be there or be square! I'm casting my vote now. Here's an excellent article I found:
Grand Rapids Masters the Art of Urban Engagement -- good photos too.
I'm hoping I can get up there before its over. I live about 40min away from GR. My best friend lives in downtown GR and he's been telling me all about it.
Thanks, Connie, for the wonderful report. GR rocks when it comes to involving the public in selecting art. Hopefully, other cities will catch on to this idea.
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