ArtPrize 2010

ArtPrize began in Grand Rapids, MI in 2009.  In order to promote art in the community, an event welcomed artists from the area - far and wide - to display a wide variety of artistic talent and the opportunity to win $250,000.  Wikipedia defines ArtPrize.  For more information, also check out http://www.artprize.org/.

I have had the opportunity to explore ArtPrize both years.  While clearly I am not an artist, I struggle with playing hangman and having to draw a stick figure, I am in awe at the amazing talent of the artists.  Some artists have argued that the entries and even the Top 10 winners of ArtPrize are not the most talented, but as a society we need to accept that with the public texting and voting for their favorites, the most talented isn't always the winner.

Randomly, here are some pictures of my favorites or most interesting art that I liked.  Some of them made the top 10.  ArtPrize continues through October 10, 2010. 

Top 10:  Young Kim - Salt & Earth (Salt & Clay)

One of Many of the Fish Artwork on Display

This "carpet" is made out of sand!

Top 10:  Wander Martich - Helping Mom One Penny at a Time (3D made of all pennies!)

Picture made of 250,920 small balls!

Top 10: Mia Tavonatti - Svelata (Stained Glass Mosaic)

Gloria Kirk-Hanna: Fiber Four Seasons

Nellie Durand: The Lake, made of Fiber

One of my Favorites: Mosaic made of Crayons!

Lori Hough: Giraffes made of Paper Mache



7000 Images created the Picture of the GR Symphony



Schemm & Buteyn: When We Are Mammoths 2010 (Aluminum/Steel/Wood)



Top 10: Bill Secunda - Dancing With Lions (1,000 pounds of cut nails)



Top 10: Birks, Jensen - Steam Pig Experiment (3D, Sound)

Mannequin designed in beads

Horses made of kitchen utensils

Florence Truskowski: Sweet Magnolia (Torn Paper Collage)

Top 10: Fredrick Prescott - Elephant Walk (3D)

Top 10: David Spriggs - The Vision (2-3D Imagery)

Top 10:  Chris LaPorte: Cavalry, American Officers, 1921 (2h Pencil on Paper)
800 hours and 8.5 months to complete this pencil drawing

There were two other Top 10 features that I didn't photograph, taken from www.ArtPrize.org

Top 10: Paul Baliker - A Matter of Time (3D Wood Sculpture)



Top Ten: Beili Liu - Lure/Wave, Grand Rapids (Lure/Forest) (3D Thread/Sewing Needles)


 

There are also pianos randomly throughout the city to enjoy making your own music.  Several popular artists have also performed free concerts for the public.  A great experience for all ages!