If you have any time between September 20 and October 8 and live anywhere near Grand Rapids, MI, you owe it to yourself to attend the amazing ArtPrize. This is an open international art competition decided by public vote and expert jury who award $500,000 in prizes. ArtPrize is held throughout the city and is recognized as the most attended public art event on the planet.
Last year's grand prize winner of $200,000 was James Mellick, who has participated in art fairs for many years, with his entry "Wounded Warrior Dogs."
I talked to Jim in Grand Rapids and had a very good feeling that he could win with his wood carvings and the touching story of how the dogs were heroes and lo and behold a few days later he did win.
Artists who do art fairs have a feeling for the public and when there is a popular vote (as in this case) they stand a very good chance of being chosen. I knew him from participating in art fairs in Ohio, in particular the Ohio Designer Craftsmen shows in the Columbus area.
Here's an image of the advertising he was handing out asking visitors to vote for him:
Learn more about Jim, his work and start planning on making your entry for 2018!
See his presentation at the ArtPrize link: http://www.artprize.org/62592
Comments