ArtPrize

On Friday night Dave, our friends Ann and Tom and I went downtown to check out ArtPrize. For those of you not from this area it is a HUGE art competition being held downtown. It was a DeVos sponsored event. Say what you want, they sure do support this city. I usually avoid the downtown area like the plague. I am SO GLAD I went. Not only that but on Saturday Sarah and I headed down again. There was art inside restaurants.

Hanging on buildings.

Honestly who knew. It was a rainy, drizzly day, and the town was bustling. It was nice to see young and old, enjoying themselves regardless of the conditions. It has been years since I have wondered around down here and I was so surprised at all the improvement to the city. The walkway along the river was really nice.

Here I am enjoying the moment of sun.

Here are 3 of the entries in the competition. In fact all 3 are in the top 10. Table and chairs on the bridge (these are huge), Nessie, and the sculpture in the river.

Sarah posing along the river with Nessie keeping watch.

As you can see the sky's were a little precarious, but the suns reflection on the buildings was beautiful.

We explored buildings, streets, and little nooks and cranny's all around town. One of the painting was this one. It was laying on the ground in a ally along with a few other pieces. It reminded me of the work my dear uncle Joe used to do. It was a series of dots shaded to make this image. Sarah and I both commented that he so would have LOVED this kind of art exhibit. I am sure he would have loved to participate.

This was one of my favorites. It is hanging on the side of the building called the BoB!!

Outside the BoB was a large display of many different artists. Some of the top 10 were on display here also. A moose made out of all nails, wooden figures, a interactive puzzle, iron structures and one I would take home in a second.....this bench.

In one of the restaurants hung a work of art submitted by an former-high school friend, Jane (Kessler) Pettijean. She has her own studio in Toledo and I have been so impressed with the works I have seen on her web site. What a talent. The colors are beautiful and it is a definite thumbs up!!

In the old art museum were many displays. This was in 2 rooms, floor to ceiling, with a chair and a tape recording with someone reading the many signs. You could also write a response or comment on them.

Another of the top 10 that we both liked very much. It is done entirely with push pins. Red, yellow, blue, white and black only!?!?! Truely impressive and the artist was there answering questions and meeting the people. He said he had worked in this medium for 4 years except for the time he took off to make duct tape portraits!!!

Another top 10 competitor, "the reeds". They move as if they were blowing in the wind. You can also get a sense of the number of people that were out on a wet weekend.

This was my favorite entry. Sarah and I both agreed that of the top 10 finalists we liked this one. It looked like you could just touch it and feel the water. It was so real looking, it looked translucent. AWESOME !!

Sarah lighting up the lantern in Calder Plaza. Structure is all tires.

One of the most touching and thought provoking entries was this one at the Devos Place. It told the story of a women who had ALS and was in Hospice. While most people had forgotten about her, one aid talked to her and allowed her to throw pillows to help her express her anger. People had written messages on the pillows and then threw them on the pile. So many messages were heartfelt and sad reminders of those they had lost.

We came away with a new appreciation for our city and I think, that was some of the purpose for this competition. I can't wait for the next one.