Revamped ArtPrize Returns to Grand Rapids; Blue Cross Sponsoring Community Celebration
Julie Bitely
| 2 min read
After 10 years as a citywide art competition, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Grand Rapids region, ArtPrize is gearing up for the first in a series of multi-sited public art exhibitions to take place biennially. From Saturday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Oct. 27, ArtPrize’s Project 1: Crossed Lines exhibition will feature temporary, large-scale public artwork at multiple locations in the city. A variety of events, educational programs and performances are slated as part of the festivities. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network and Blue Cross Complete are proud to sponsor one of several opening day events. MLK Park Community Celebration
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 7
- Time: 2-5 p.m.
- Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 900 Fuller Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
- Details: Cellist Jordan Hamilton kicks off the event with a “sonic landscape of experimental hip-hop, folk, soul and classical music.” Other local performances will take place, followed by a conversation with Project 1 artists Heather Hart and Amanda Browder, whose artwork will be on display at the park. After the talk, local hip-hop artist, Lady Ace Boogie, will take the stage. The event is family-friendly, with organizations such as John Ball Zoo and Artists Creating Together providing art-making and other activities.
Organizers say the Crossed Lines exhibits “will explore how lines are drawn – literally and figuratively – to demarcate public and private space, as well as how boundaries inform movement and a sense of belonging within the city.” “As a counterpoint to the vast array of artworks vying for attention during ArtPrize competitions, Project 1 will invite visitors to slow down and engage with large scale immersive work,” said Kevin Buist, artistic director for ArtPrize, in a media release. “The artist or artists will present a temporary, focused activation that will respond to the city’s history, community and sense of place.” “ArtPrize continues to push boundaries, engaging community members to come together to not only be inspired by masterful works of art, but to also think critically about issues the art reflects,” said Cle Jackson, senior community responsibility liaison, BCBSM. “Blue Cross has been proud to partner with ArtPrize for many years and we’re excited to see the conversations and positive momentum that develop as a result of the Crossed Lines exhibits and related activities.” Check out the full lineup of events and art installation locations for Project 1: Crossed Lines at ArtPrize’s website. Like this post? Check these out:
- The Art of Michigan: Public Displays of Creativity Around the State
- Art Therapy: Relief That Gets Your Creative Juices Flowing
- ArtPrize Artist Explores Mental Health Through Work
Image courtesy of ArtPrize
