Grand Valley State University has been active in ArtPrize since the festival's inception in 2009. The University's participation has evolved changing in step with the competition. Each year Grand Valley participates as an ArtPrize sponsor, venue, and programming partner. ArtPrize 2020 has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to future ArtPrize events. 

GVSU has actively collected works of art for its permanent collection from past ArtPrize years. These pieces are on display across the Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses. 

2018 Artist & Entry

Kimberly Walker is a 17-year retired, active duty Army Combat Veteran who is now claiming her voice as an artist. Her installation Locked and Loaded will be shown at Grand Valley State University on the grounds of the L.V. Eberhard Center during ArtPrize Ten (September 19 - October 7, 2018). 

"It is my duty as an artist, Veteran, and U.S. citizen to inform the people of the United States about military women that are abused by their brothers-in-arms. Though my extensive research, which dates back to as early as 2001, I have discovered 46 cases that were swept under the rug. With the proliferation of #metoo and #sayhername, now is the time to talk about military sexual assault. I am using my life experience as a Soldier and my artwork to draw attention to these findings."

Official ArtPrize Entry:
http://www.artprize.org/68367

Pitch Night Cincinnati

In May 2018, Kimberly Walker took home a $5,000 grant at ArtPrize's Pitch Night Cincinnati. Walker captured the attention of the event judges, earning the opportunity to realize her vision at Grand Valley State University's (GVSU) L.V. Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan during ArtPrize 10 (September 19 - October 7, 2018). 

In Cincinnati, a panel of art professionals including Annie Dell'Aria, assistant professor of art history at Miami University selected Walker's work. "One of the reasons why we liked this piece is because it had a really powerful message,” said Dell’Aria, reflecting on the judges’ pick. “It will be a part of other works that are inspired by or completed by veterans, which would be an important thing to enter into that conversation.”

Information about GVSU and ArtPrize Pitch Night and artist Kimberly Walker

Bard to Go: Twelfth Night

ArtPrize Collaborative Artist

Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival, Time-Based Bard to Go: Twelfth Night

This production is directed by GVSU theatre professor Dennis Henry. The cast consists of GVSU undergrads Christa Wright, Quiana Flynn, Ryan Patten Justin Helou, Jacob Miller and Henry Morris. The stage manager is Katelyn Bonnano. The dramaturg and producer is Katherine Mayberry. The Executive Director of Grand Valley Shakespeare is Dr. James Bell.

https://www.artprize.org/67959

Performances:  
Saturday, September 29th - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 6 - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.