Students, faculty to compete in ArtPrize

Grand Valley State University students, faculty and alumni will showcase their talents among the 1,739 artists from around the world competing in ArtPrize, September 23-October 11 in Grand Rapids.

The sole entry being displayed on Grand Valley’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus venue this year is a collection of works by 14 current and former jewelry and metalsmithing students.

Beverly Seley, coordinator of the jewelry and metalsmithing program, said the works on display cover all class levels and demonstrate the range of techniques, materials and approaches found in contemporary metals and jewelry.

Ross Tanner, ’15, who is showcasing a bracelet crafted from drafting equipment inherited from his late uncle, said showing artwork at ArtPrize is a valuable entryway to large-scale exposure as an artist.

“Exhibiting during ArtPrize breaks down any potential barriers that an artist may have to exhibiting work in a gallery or museum setting," Tanner said. "This gives students the opportunity to find all the resources needed to obtain a space and exhibit their work.”

Below is a list of Grand Valley students and faculty competing in ArtPrize this year:

• “Framing the Experience” by Grand Valley art and design students
  Location: Grand Valley’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus (301 W. Fulton St.)
  Vote code: 61964
   
• “Try To Remember” by Margaret DeMaat, art education major
  Location: Fifth Third Bank/Warner Norcross & Judd LLP (111 Lyon St. NW)
  Vote code: 61392
   
• “Starts in the Park” by Chelsea Whitaker, photography major
  Location: Bagger Dave’s (241 W. Fulton St.)
  Vote code: 62000
   
• “Origami Lighthouse” by William Newstead, natural resources management major
  Location: Courtyard Marriott Downtown (11 Monroe Ave. NW)
  Vote code: 61356
   
• “Ocean Installment” by Kenny Urena, psychology and preprofessional studies (premedical) major
  Location: Swift Printing & Communications, Inc. (404 Bridge St. NW)
  Vote code: 61102
   
• “Recess Community” by Melody Schmidt, post-graduate education student
  Location: Buffalo Wild Wings (8 Ionia Ave.)
  Vote code: 62500
   
• “Arcus” by Monica Johnstone, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences communications and advancement director
  Location: Processing Fiber at 250 Monroe (250 Monroe Ave., 3rd floor)
  Vote code: 61034
   
• “Auralwood” by Jacob Pierzchala, adjunct professor of communication studies
  Location: Grand Rapids Public Museum (272 Pearl St. NW)
  Vote code: 62070
   
• “The Family Portrait Project” by Stafford Smith, assistant professor of photography
  Location: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (11 Sheldon Ave. NE)
  Vote code: 61977
   
• “Mathias Alten Triptych” by Bill Ryan, director of Grand Valley’s New Music Ensemble; Jeremy Crosmer, GRSO assistant principal cellist; and Alexander Miller, GRSO assistant principal oboe
  Location: St. Cecilia Music Center (24 Ransom Ave. NE)
  Vote code: 61158

More than 15 Grand Valley alumni will also have entries in ArtPrize this year.

For more information, visit the ArtPrize website.