ArtPrizing

Yesterday, Tom and I headed to Grand Rapids to take in some of ArtPrize.  (This event is far, far too big and overwhelming to do in just one day.  This year, there are over 1,500 entries in over 160 venues.)

We loaded the trusty ArtPrize app on our phones and headed north.

The best thing about ArtPrize?

The diversity of works presented.

And the accessibility.

So easy.

So much to see.

(And we only saw the tip of the iceberg. . . )

At this early stage of the process (it just opened on the 23rd), the public voting is still open.  The app made voting super easy!

We'll be looking forward to seeing if any of our favorites end up with top rankings.  Tom and I are both betting on this one to be finalist . . . 

(You may remember seing this in a previous blog post; we were lucky to have an exhibit by the artist at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts last spring, so we were already familiar with his work.)

I also really liked this one . . . 

Each plate depicts a "last meal" request from a death-row inmate.  (There are nearly 600 plates in the exhibit, and the artist considers this a work in progress.)

But this is the exhibit that really captured my heart . . . 

The artist is Paula Kovarik (she's from Memphis).  Her exhibit was titled "The Thread That Connects."

Her quilting was exquisite; very free-flowing and unusual.

I loved this dress she stitched!  (It was one of Tom's favorites, too.  You can see him above, checking out another of her pieces.)

 So inspiring!  Her work was just stunning.

Tom and I had a great time.  If you're anywhere in the Grand Rapids area, I'd encourage you to visit ArtPrize.  (It runs through October 11.)  It is truly an awesome and joyous event.  

Comments

[Carole]

That looks like a really amazing art show. Those quilts are fantastic, I especially love the black and white one.

[Bonny]

Each of those artists is so creative and unique. The last meal one is beautiful and horrifying, and the quilts are amazing, both artistically and technically. I would like that big rusty gear sculpture in my back yard!

[Patty]

Wow! I would have loved to see the last meal piece. Glad you guys had a great day!

[margene]

I was surprised to realize it has been a year since the last Art Prize! s Paula Kovarik's quilts have so much to say about loving each other in profound ways. Thank you for sharing the artworks of a few of the artists!

[Jo]

What a wonderful exhibit, and super that they included the art of quilting.

[Vicki]

Ohhhhh myyyyyyy, that dress! That black & white (ying-yang?) quilt! And that last photo... some very familiar little motifs there!!

[kmkat]

That looks fabulous!

[Karen]

I found you through Honore's blog. This looks fascinating. We'll be driving to Chicago in October and I was hoping this would still be on, but it closes just before we leave. Thanks for sharing.