Now that the dust has settled on ArtPrize 2024, I’m reflecting back on the two-year+ journey of The Calder, from ideas of an interactive art project, to living with the finished painting.
ArtPrize 2023 was, of course, where it all began. So many aspects of the project came together. From the beautiful weather, to the participation of amazing friends and family, to some exposure by the media. Finishing in the Top 25 was certainly the cherry on top. The experience was both a bit exhausting but also enjoyable. I was unable to see many other entries though, since I had to be downtown at the painting for a solid two-plus weeks.
I did make it downtown for ArtPrize 2024 and enjoying seeing the art. Many thoughts fly through my mind whenever I visit ArtPrize. It’s ultimately a mechanism to get people downtown and to visit venues. The art side of it is effective in getting people to see art, from both local and national artists. The competition side of it though is where the arguments arise. Is it cool to make art competitive? Is it a fair competition when all artists can’t take advantage of higher profile venues? I would say generally that the cream rises to the top regarding the art, but results must be affected by location and presentation. Total voting results are not made public, as far as I have seen. I’m not indicating a conspiracy of any sorts, but it’s an imperfect event. It is, however, a great event that succeeds primarily in making a great economic impact on Grand Rapids.
So after this long journey, the painting is waiting for a new home. The leading candidate is the City of Grand Rapids. They have indicated interest in displaying it at a new facility, which would be fantastic. The dream of having the painting on public display is certainly in play here. It would be a great final chapter for the efforts of myself and all 1,500+ people who helped paint it!