Inside ArtPrize
The masterminds of ArtPrize have a method to all the madness. Take an inside look at how the spectacle comes together.
ArtPrize
Latest in ArtPrize
ArtPrize: Pictures Don’t Do it Justice
Rapid Growth Media's Publisher Jeff Hill takes you on an urban adventure through downtown Grand Rapids, checking out a slew of ArtPrize venues before the big crowds arrive.
Passion for fine art, furniture compels popular Grand Rapids designer to open unusual gallery
Deborah Johnson WoodPaula S. Fogarty's undying passion for fine art, furniture and design has driven her to create an unusual new gallery where she marries Grand Rapids-made vintage furniture with mid-century modern pieces and pulls it all together with fine art by world-renowned artists. The new endeavor? Fogarty Collection, 560 5th Street NW, Suite 301. Fogarty owns Paula Scott Unlimited (her middle name is Scott), a product design, development and marketing firm at the same address. But with a degree in Art History, the former president of Kindel Furniture felt a need to combine her passions under one roof. Peter Jacob, designer and owner of Profile Peter Jacob, is a collaborator in the endeavor.Vintage furniture from Baker, Widdicomb, Sligh, and, of course, Kindel, will head the list of home furnishings. The Collection features the paintings, sculpture and bronzes of eleven renowned artists from Michigan, New York, New Hampshire and elsewhere, including Detroit's Janice Trimpe and local sculptor Carlos Aceves."It's time to bring compelling art to the area," Fogarty says. "These artists have real compelling subject matter and execution that will appeal to people who are sensitized to the arts, especially this community right now with ArtPrize being here.""I'm doing this because I can't help myself," Fogarty says, followed by a hearty laugh. "It was inevitable that at some point I would parlay my passion for art and furniture into some kind of a showroom. The atmosphere is one of a highly collected and eclectic mix of what I would call 'best of kind' objects, whether contemporary or antiques."Fogarty Collection's grand opening on September 22 featured the five ArtPrize artists who will call the venue "home" during ArtPrize 2010. The Collection will be open every day during ArtPrize hours. After ArtPrize, the hours will be Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends by appointment.Source: Paula S. Fogarty, Fogarty Collection and Paula Scott UnlimitedDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
SCVNGR: A New Way to Discover ArtPrize
ArtPrize organizers coordinate with Experience Grand Rapids and SCVNGR associates to give ArtPrize visitors a new way to explore the event.
CEOs for Cities’ Carol Coletta on ArtPrize
CEOs for Cities' Carol Coletta talks about ArtPrize and what it means for Grand Rapids and growing cities everywhere.
Reserve wine bar to open in downtown Grand Rapids with a happy surprise for ‘Open Water’ fans
Deborah Johnson WoodBilled as one of the Midwest's premier wine destinations, Reserve wine bar will open next week in downtown Grand Rapids. Inside, wine lovers can treat their taste buds to 270 wines while they treat their eyes to a mix of contemporary and vintage design elements as well as artist Ran Ortner's "Open Water No. 24," the first winner of ArtPrize."We're very pleased about this," says Betsy DeVos, who is a partner in Reserve with her husband Dick DeVos and Kameel Chamelly, owner of Martha's Vineyard. DeVos's son, Rick DeVos, is the mastermind behind ArtPrize. "Dick and I didn't want to see it leave Grand Rapids," she says. "Being the first ArtPrize winner, we thought there is no way it should leave our community. We didn't have any idea where we might move it and were well into the design of the wine bar when the architect suggested the space above the cruvinet."At Reserve, 201 Monroe Ave. NW, customers will be able to enjoy over 100 wines by the glass and another 170 or so by the bottle. A custom-made cruvinet wine dispensing system keeps wines palate-ready for about six weeks after opening, so patrons can enjoy a taste of a particular wine without having to purchase the entire bottle. "We will have a number of different flights of three different varieties, and other wines will be by the bottle," DeVos says. "The number will ebb and flow because, if you know Kameel at all, he's always looking for new wines and new winemakers, and he's knows a lot about them."Reserve offers a menu of small plates, wine education by sommeliers and space for private wine tasting dinners with wine pairings.Source: Betsy DeVos, Reserve; Andrea Groom, Wondergem ConsultingDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
New Grand Rapids boutique upcycles vintage goods for home, gifts, souvenirs
Deborah Johnson WoodAngie Seabert says that in the hotel business, out-of-town visitors are always asking where they can buy souvenirs. She now has an easy answer: Minty Keen, her new boutique of upcycled, vintage and handcrafted goodies. Minty Keen, in the Ledyard Building at 125 Ottawa Ave. NW, is situated just a short walk from Grand Rapids' downtown hotels and the DeVos Place convention center. Seabert plans to capitalize on that location. Her quirky collection of works by local artists, repurposed and reused home décor items, fresh flowers and Michigan souvenirs could help tourists fill up their suitcases before heading home. "I worked in the hotels and had people asking about Michigan key chains and other things, but I'm not into plastic, I'm into handmade," Seabert says. "I have a nice mix of small items like magnets, key chains, drinking glasses and post cards from local artists that all have 'Michigan' on them."But, Minty Keen isn't just for the out-of-towners – it's for anyone looking for that one-of-a-kind gift or the perfect accent for their home. Seabert worked in the floral industry for six years and will soon offer small plants and fresh flowers. In the meantime, the shop is blooming with the works of local artists, such as Lisa Price's block print tea towels and pillows, Amy Hosacker's watercolors and pillows shaped like a Michigan license plate (they spell out ArtPrize) and Jacob Zars' sculpture and illustrations.Events at the store will feature ReFab Fridays where customers can bring in an item that needs some fabric or new colors to get ideas on how to repurpose it. Knit-Wit Wednesdays invite knitting enthusiasts to come in and get some pointers from Seabert's mom, Sue Mesbergen.Grand Opening events are Friday, September 17 at noon. Regular shop hours will be Tuesday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.Source: Angie Seabert, Minty Keen; Anne Marie Bessette, Grand Rapids Downtown Development AuthorityDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
Grand Rapids outdoor concert venue gets $559K facelift in time for Celebration, ArtPrize
Deborah Johnson WoodThe stage area in Ah-Nab-Awen Park directly in front of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is too small for many of the performances it hosts, and performers have to bring their own generator to have enough electricity for lighting and equipment. Not anymore. The Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority will invest $559,000 to improve the park, including work to enlarge the stage and supply it with an electrical power panel – all in time for Celebration on the Grand and ArtPrize, both happening in September. The stage is adjacent to the downtown Riverwalk, a multi-mile pedestrian walkway on the banks of the Grand River, and these are just a few of the improvements now underway with the guidance of Nagel Construction, says DDA Executive Director Jay Fowler. "A stretch of the Riverwalk from Bridge Street south to the Gillette Bridge is being replaced with concrete and new lighting," Fowler says. "A retaining wall and some terraces next to the river suffered ice damage several years ago and have been redesigned with handicap access to the river's edge."The design includes a seating wall and platform on the river's edge where anglers can fish or walkers can take a load off and view the city skyline across the river, Fowler says. A walkway around the back of the stage will give people a way to bypass the stage during performances. "This reinvigorates the park as a great venue for downtown events," Fowler says. "A lot of the larger events are too big for Rosa Parks Circle and we wanted to accommodate large events downtown. There's a beautiful view of the city and skyline, and we don't have to close off streets to accommodate crowds in the heart of downtown."Source: Jay Fowler, Grand Rapids Downtown Development AuthorityDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
For artist Joel Berry, the world can be black and white
Some art you pass by, some art you look at, and some art sucks you in. Local artist Joel Berry creates the third kind, turning everyday objects into art that is far from commonplace.
ArtPrize announces six neighborhood exhibition centers, opening of venue registration
Deborah Johnson WoodIn an effort to make it easier for visitors to get to more venues during ArtPrize 2010, six new exhibition centers have been selected as beginning points where visitors can register to vote, shop for ArtPrize memorabilia and see works by at least 25 artists at each location. Each of the exhibition centers is a nonprofit organization. ArtPrize officials hope the centers will encourage visitors to explore more areas of the three-square-mile downtown exhibit district. The exhibition centers are:• Grand Rapids Art Museum• Diocese of Grand Rapids' Cathedral Square• Women's City Club• Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts• Grand Rapids Public Museum• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the only center outside the downtown district."David Hooker is the president of Meijer Gardens and an ArtPrize board member, and Meijer Gardens was active in curating some of the downtown locations last year," says Rick DeVos, ArtPrize founder. "They wanted to open up their spaces at the gardens and provide a shuttle at their expense in and out of downtown."DeVos says each exhibition center will be sponsored and professionally curated. The curators will respond to artists' requests for venues, selecting the art for the venue, choosing its placement in the venue and managing the show as an overall experience.Registration this year is more structured due to having more time. Last year, venues and artists registered at the same time. This year, venues register from March 15 to April 15; artists register from April 19 to May 27. Artist and venue matching takes place from June 1 to July 1. ArtPrize 2010 runs from September 22 through October 10.Venues pay $100 to register, artists pay $50."We're not making any estimates on numbers of participants this year," DeVos says. "Part of the fun and excitement is not really knowing what people will do from year to year. We'll just wait to see what happens."Source: Rick DeVos, ArtPrize; Michael Zalewski, Seyferth & AssociatesDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
ArtPrize: Pictures Don’t Do it Justice
Rapid Growth Media's Publisher Jeff Hill takes you on an urban adventure through downtown Grand Rapids, checking out a slew of ArtPrize venues before the big crowds arrive.
Passion for fine art, furniture compels popular Grand Rapids designer to open unusual gallery
Deborah Johnson WoodPaula S. Fogarty's undying passion for fine art, furniture and design has driven her to create an unusual new gallery where she marries Grand Rapids-made vintage furniture with mid-century modern pieces and pulls it all together with fine art by world-renowned artists. The new endeavor? Fogarty Collection, 560 5th Street NW, Suite 301. Fogarty owns Paula Scott Unlimited (her middle name is Scott), a product design, development and marketing firm at the same address. But with a degree in Art History, the former president of Kindel Furniture felt a need to combine her passions under one roof. Peter Jacob, designer and owner of Profile Peter Jacob, is a collaborator in the endeavor.Vintage furniture from Baker, Widdicomb, Sligh, and, of course, Kindel, will head the list of home furnishings. The Collection features the paintings, sculpture and bronzes of eleven renowned artists from Michigan, New York, New Hampshire and elsewhere, including Detroit's Janice Trimpe and local sculptor Carlos Aceves."It's time to bring compelling art to the area," Fogarty says. "These artists have real compelling subject matter and execution that will appeal to people who are sensitized to the arts, especially this community right now with ArtPrize being here.""I'm doing this because I can't help myself," Fogarty says, followed by a hearty laugh. "It was inevitable that at some point I would parlay my passion for art and furniture into some kind of a showroom. The atmosphere is one of a highly collected and eclectic mix of what I would call 'best of kind' objects, whether contemporary or antiques."Fogarty Collection's grand opening on September 22 featured the five ArtPrize artists who will call the venue "home" during ArtPrize 2010. The Collection will be open every day during ArtPrize hours. After ArtPrize, the hours will be Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends by appointment.Source: Paula S. Fogarty, Fogarty Collection and Paula Scott UnlimitedDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
SCVNGR: A New Way to Discover ArtPrize
ArtPrize organizers coordinate with Experience Grand Rapids and SCVNGR associates to give ArtPrize visitors a new way to explore the event.
CEOs for Cities’ Carol Coletta on ArtPrize
CEOs for Cities' Carol Coletta talks about ArtPrize and what it means for Grand Rapids and growing cities everywhere.
Reserve wine bar to open in downtown Grand Rapids with a happy surprise for ‘Open Water’ fans
Deborah Johnson WoodBilled as one of the Midwest's premier wine destinations, Reserve wine bar will open next week in downtown Grand Rapids. Inside, wine lovers can treat their taste buds to 270 wines while they treat their eyes to a mix of contemporary and vintage design elements as well as artist Ran Ortner's "Open Water No. 24," the first winner of ArtPrize."We're very pleased about this," says Betsy DeVos, who is a partner in Reserve with her husband Dick DeVos and Kameel Chamelly, owner of Martha's Vineyard. DeVos's son, Rick DeVos, is the mastermind behind ArtPrize. "Dick and I didn't want to see it leave Grand Rapids," she says. "Being the first ArtPrize winner, we thought there is no way it should leave our community. We didn't have any idea where we might move it and were well into the design of the wine bar when the architect suggested the space above the cruvinet."At Reserve, 201 Monroe Ave. NW, customers will be able to enjoy over 100 wines by the glass and another 170 or so by the bottle. A custom-made cruvinet wine dispensing system keeps wines palate-ready for about six weeks after opening, so patrons can enjoy a taste of a particular wine without having to purchase the entire bottle. "We will have a number of different flights of three different varieties, and other wines will be by the bottle," DeVos says. "The number will ebb and flow because, if you know Kameel at all, he's always looking for new wines and new winemakers, and he's knows a lot about them."Reserve offers a menu of small plates, wine education by sommeliers and space for private wine tasting dinners with wine pairings.Source: Betsy DeVos, Reserve; Andrea Groom, Wondergem ConsultingDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
New Grand Rapids boutique upcycles vintage goods for home, gifts, souvenirs
Deborah Johnson WoodAngie Seabert says that in the hotel business, out-of-town visitors are always asking where they can buy souvenirs. She now has an easy answer: Minty Keen, her new boutique of upcycled, vintage and handcrafted goodies. Minty Keen, in the Ledyard Building at 125 Ottawa Ave. NW, is situated just a short walk from Grand Rapids' downtown hotels and the DeVos Place convention center. Seabert plans to capitalize on that location. Her quirky collection of works by local artists, repurposed and reused home décor items, fresh flowers and Michigan souvenirs could help tourists fill up their suitcases before heading home. "I worked in the hotels and had people asking about Michigan key chains and other things, but I'm not into plastic, I'm into handmade," Seabert says. "I have a nice mix of small items like magnets, key chains, drinking glasses and post cards from local artists that all have 'Michigan' on them."But, Minty Keen isn't just for the out-of-towners – it's for anyone looking for that one-of-a-kind gift or the perfect accent for their home. Seabert worked in the floral industry for six years and will soon offer small plants and fresh flowers. In the meantime, the shop is blooming with the works of local artists, such as Lisa Price's block print tea towels and pillows, Amy Hosacker's watercolors and pillows shaped like a Michigan license plate (they spell out ArtPrize) and Jacob Zars' sculpture and illustrations.Events at the store will feature ReFab Fridays where customers can bring in an item that needs some fabric or new colors to get ideas on how to repurpose it. Knit-Wit Wednesdays invite knitting enthusiasts to come in and get some pointers from Seabert's mom, Sue Mesbergen.Grand Opening events are Friday, September 17 at noon. Regular shop hours will be Tuesday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.Source: Angie Seabert, Minty Keen; Anne Marie Bessette, Grand Rapids Downtown Development AuthorityDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
Grand Rapids outdoor concert venue gets $559K facelift in time for Celebration, ArtPrize
Deborah Johnson WoodThe stage area in Ah-Nab-Awen Park directly in front of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is too small for many of the performances it hosts, and performers have to bring their own generator to have enough electricity for lighting and equipment. Not anymore. The Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority will invest $559,000 to improve the park, including work to enlarge the stage and supply it with an electrical power panel – all in time for Celebration on the Grand and ArtPrize, both happening in September. The stage is adjacent to the downtown Riverwalk, a multi-mile pedestrian walkway on the banks of the Grand River, and these are just a few of the improvements now underway with the guidance of Nagel Construction, says DDA Executive Director Jay Fowler. "A stretch of the Riverwalk from Bridge Street south to the Gillette Bridge is being replaced with concrete and new lighting," Fowler says. "A retaining wall and some terraces next to the river suffered ice damage several years ago and have been redesigned with handicap access to the river's edge."The design includes a seating wall and platform on the river's edge where anglers can fish or walkers can take a load off and view the city skyline across the river, Fowler says. A walkway around the back of the stage will give people a way to bypass the stage during performances. "This reinvigorates the park as a great venue for downtown events," Fowler says. "A lot of the larger events are too big for Rosa Parks Circle and we wanted to accommodate large events downtown. There's a beautiful view of the city and skyline, and we don't have to close off streets to accommodate crowds in the heart of downtown."Source: Jay Fowler, Grand Rapids Downtown Development AuthorityDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
For artist Joel Berry, the world can be black and white
Some art you pass by, some art you look at, and some art sucks you in. Local artist Joel Berry creates the third kind, turning everyday objects into art that is far from commonplace.
ArtPrize announces six neighborhood exhibition centers, opening of venue registration
Deborah Johnson WoodIn an effort to make it easier for visitors to get to more venues during ArtPrize 2010, six new exhibition centers have been selected as beginning points where visitors can register to vote, shop for ArtPrize memorabilia and see works by at least 25 artists at each location. Each of the exhibition centers is a nonprofit organization. ArtPrize officials hope the centers will encourage visitors to explore more areas of the three-square-mile downtown exhibit district. The exhibition centers are:• Grand Rapids Art Museum• Diocese of Grand Rapids' Cathedral Square• Women's City Club• Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts• Grand Rapids Public Museum• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the only center outside the downtown district."David Hooker is the president of Meijer Gardens and an ArtPrize board member, and Meijer Gardens was active in curating some of the downtown locations last year," says Rick DeVos, ArtPrize founder. "They wanted to open up their spaces at the gardens and provide a shuttle at their expense in and out of downtown."DeVos says each exhibition center will be sponsored and professionally curated. The curators will respond to artists' requests for venues, selecting the art for the venue, choosing its placement in the venue and managing the show as an overall experience.Registration this year is more structured due to having more time. Last year, venues and artists registered at the same time. This year, venues register from March 15 to April 15; artists register from April 19 to May 27. Artist and venue matching takes place from June 1 to July 1. ArtPrize 2010 runs from September 22 through October 10.Venues pay $100 to register, artists pay $50."We're not making any estimates on numbers of participants this year," DeVos says. "Part of the fun and excitement is not really knowing what people will do from year to year. We'll just wait to see what happens."Source: Rick DeVos, ArtPrize; Michael Zalewski, Seyferth & AssociatesDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
