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Recap: ArtPrize 2010

This weekend, we drove up to Grand Rapids to check out the big ArtPrize competition. There’s no doubt that it takes over the entire city. Luckily, we had two amazing tour guides to show us around. My cousin lives up there, and so does our very talented artist friend Ryan Weiss (interviewed). Ryan was also nice enough to give us a sneak peek of what he’s working on for his next show, so stay tuned for that in a few days.

Let’s just get Steam Pig out of the way. ArtPrize is all about making something that’s larger than life, so there’s no question that he was the star, suspended over the crowds in the B.O.B. parking lot. This was done by the same group responsible for Nessie in the river last year.

I loved these horses made out of plastic utensils. These were done by Sayaka Ganz.

Hands down, my favorite was called “you can’t fall off the floor” by Lora Fosberg. Lora placed hundreds of hand lettered pieces of paper on walls that intersected to form a room-like atmosphere.

Behind the cut, there are lots, lots more pics of my favorites. Unfortunately, unless you knew to register ahead of time, they make it a pain for attendees to actually vote. So if you see something you like, vote on my behalf! The top 10 is going to be announced tonight.

Click for lots more ArtPrize pics…

Layers Group Show @ Rivers Edge Gallery, August 7th

I was invited to be part of a four person group show at River’s Edge Gallery, in Wyandotte, with three other artists, Jeremy Hansen, Eddie Thiel, and Rudy Salazar III. The show, titled “Layers” will consist of over 30 individual pieces as well as a few collaborations. “Layers” opens August 7th at 6pm and will run through the 27th. Select pieces from the show will also be on display at the People’s Art Festival on August 28th-29th where we will also be painting live. The show can also be viewed on the River’s Edge online gallery. Below is a preview of some of our work for the show.

Dennis Jacobs

Eddie Thiel

Rudy Salazar III

Jeremy Hansen

Primary Detroit @ the Fort St. Gallery, December 12th

Following their unfortunate closure earlier this year CPOP Gallery, partnering with Primary Flight, is back and hosting a show at the new Fort Street Gallery. Titled Primary Detroit, the show will feature artwork from local artists such as Tristan Eaton, Parskid, The Solemn Truth. Joining them will New Zealand’s Askew, Chicago’s Pose, and New York’s Jaes. The show starts at 8:00 am December 12th until 4:00 am the following morning. Also, in 2011 Primary Detroit will beautify Detroit with permanent outdoor murals as well as hold a weekend festival.

Keep your eye on CPOP’s site as well as their twitter for more information.

Krysta, Jane, and Ben at 555 Arts

For the past three months 555 Gallery was home to three New York artists as part of an artist residency. I had stumbled across their blog that chronicles their stay in Detroit, and it gives some interesting insight into how others view the city. It was wonderful to see these artists thoroughly immerse themselves in the city and it’s culture.

Part of the artists’ residency included constructing cement cakes that were then installed in abandoned pastry shop on Chene street (which since then has sadly burned down). I really like how they incorporated found objects in an abandoned pastry shop to use within the cakes.

Much more after the break.

Read more…

This Weekend: Post-Apocalyptic Motor City and People’s Art Festival

This Saturday starts the (now two day) annual People’s Art Festival at the Russell Industrial Center. Artists include: Audrey Pongracz, Cetric Tai, poster artist Gary Grimshaw,, amongst 100 others. Many artists will also open up their studios to showcase their work.

323 East Gallery in Royal Oak is holding the official pre-party to the People’s Art Festival this Friday from 6PM – 11PM. To celebrate there will be a group show entiled Post Apocalypic Motor City curated by Robert Del Valle. Some participating arists are: Audrey Pongracz, Tony Roko, Amy Chenier, Carl Oxley III, and many many many other talented artists. Judging by the artist roster, it should be excellent.

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