By Rowan Elzinga
For 16 years, ArtPrize has been a beloved event, and this year was no different. With over 1,000 entries in 159 venues across the city, there is always something to see.
This year many students have been able to see pieces on their way to classes as Grand Rapids Community College hosts several pieces within the Collins Art Gallery on the fourth-floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall. Additionally, four pieces are presented at the Spectrum Theater.
For those unfamiliar, ArtPrize Deputy Director Coleman Brook Sr. says the mission of ArtPrize is “…to get more people exposed to art.”
“Cause it (art) is something that improves your quality of life and kind of your own personal understanding of the world around you,” Brook said. “…We’ve really put an emphasis on partnering with and highlighting the other arts organizations here in Grand Rapids… so it’s been amazing to work with these other art forms and kind of bring all of them together, to pull in the same direction of exposing people to the arts.”
As it has in previous years, Artprize is highlighting remarkable works.
One stunning art piece is a statue of “St. Michael the Archangel” by Steven Anderson, a GRCC alum since it was called Grand Rapids Junior College, is currently displayed at the Amway Grand at 187 Monroe Ave. NW.
Anderson’s statue of “St. Michael the Archangel” is primarily made of aluminum with a base of stainless steel. Without the base, the statue weighs 350 pounds. Anderson chose to use aluminum for its lightweight properties and the fact that it stands up well against the outdoors. The creation of the statue took Anderson about 800 hours over the course of a year and a half.
It was the Bible verse engraved in the shield, Ephesians 6:10-11 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his. Put on the whole armour of God, so that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil,” that inspired Anderson to create the statue.
“The Holy Spirit has been leading me to do this for a long time, but after going to the (Bible) retreat, I said, I gotta do it,” Anderson said.
Anderson has been an artist since 1975, starting by working out of a booth at the old World Village Mall. In between his own art projects and special orders, he helps his son and grandson with their art shows.
Other pieces stay within the lower level of the McKay Tower lobby, 146 Monroe Center St. NW, Suite 105. The collection of oil paintings, from portraits to still lifes, have a focus on flowers and scenes from all over the world, spanning from China, India, Italy, Costa Rica, and even familiar scenes from here in Michigan. Two recognizable painted scenes are of the barns from the Fredrick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.
These paintings were created by Ken Cadwallader, a professional painter of 30 years who was raised in Grand Rapids. Once attended GRCC back when it was Grand Rapids Junior College before he transferred to the Kendall Institute of Art.
For 10 years, he was on the Board of Directors for Oil Painters of America, a non-profit organization which has about 3,600 artist members. Cadwallader was even president of the organization for two years.
Behind almost every one of Cadwallader’s paintings is a story, such as “Centerpiece” which greets you once you enter the room, which is one of his favorites as the painting had won the gold medal in the master’s division of the Oil Painters of America National Exhibition.
The painting behind his desk, “On The Way to the Reception” which depicts his nieces, was previously entered in the very first ArtPrize in 2009 and had been displayed at the Gerald R. Ford Museum.
Cadwallader’s collection is an extension of his own studio, and is a permanent installation within the McKay Tower for the public to visit even after ArtPrize has ended. He holds exhibitions there periodically, which he announces through his newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Angelina Tersigni, from Frankenmuth, is not a full-time painter, however one likely couldn’t tell by looking at her oil painting of a pigeon, titled after the subject, and displayed at Crow’s Hold Vendor Market, 200 Division Ave. S.
The inspiration for the painting comes from her lifelong love of birds, especially pigeons who have a longstanding history with humanity as the news and letter couriers due to their capabilities to return home no matter what.
“I’ve always gone to big cities and stuff and not even understood why people just walk right by (pigeons), don’t appreciate them,” Tersigni said. “And then I learned the history and then I’ve been doing pieces of art inspired by pigeons ever since.”
As an artist, Tersigni, says she’s loved her experience with ArtPrize.
“Everybody’s been great, like even the venue… They’ve been so helpful,” Tersigni said. “When I went in there they helped me with any questions I had about setting up and everything, and the owner is really easy to communicate with. And then like even just walking around town, I was there for two days in person, somebody sees my badge and they’re asking me about my piece and really wanting to know about my piece.”
After ArtPrize, Tersigni’s art work can be found online on her Etsy store, where she does commissions for pet portraits.
This year’s ArtPrize has had some controversy over the allowance of Artificial Intelligence within entries. When asking the artists themselves on their thoughts about AI in ArtPrize, there were varying comments and views on it.
“I think (AI) has its place, it’s going to be a lot like the camera, I believe. When the camera came along, they thought ‘oh painting is over with- who needs it anymore?’ But frankly, people do need it,” Cadwallader said, “The camera just doesn’t replace an artist’s hand… So for example, if an AI robot starts painting pictures, I don’t think anybody’s going to care. Other than (be) mildly amused by it. People want to connect themselves with a human being when it comes to art. They’re not going to connect themselves to a machine.”
Meanwhile, Tersigni described the use of AI as “sad.”
“AI isn’t creative at all, so that takes away the whole purpose, in my opinion,” Tersigni said. “…I think it’s a danger because a lot of people care less. Like every flyer I see, people just don’t care that it’s AI anymore.”
The truth is, according to Deputy Director Brook, the allowance of AI within ArtPrize has been a rule since 2022 and allows AI as a tool within the process of creation of New Media entries.
“These rules have been in place for four years, and a lot has changed in four years. Both in public sentiment towards some of these tools, but also the technology itself,” Brook said. “…So we do want to take the time, when we have the time, to really take a look at that and reevaluate with input from our artists.”
Brook also explained that the rule regarding AI only applies to the New Media entries.
This year, there are only 17 New Media entries, and out of those, only three mention the use of AI. The three entries are “Moving or Being Moved” by Sabine Gruffat, “Glitchaelia” by Martina Menegon, and “Be a Global Citizen… or just look like one” by MediaLab Midwest.
“No one is promoting an image, and then framing it and hanging it in the church. It is a tool that has been used by other digital artists as a part of a more immersive experience,” Deputy Director Brook clarified.
There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from the artists and people within ArtPrize, especially for those pursuing a career in art.
“If you have a passion for doing something in art, don’t let anybody discourage you. Just move forward, do your thing, and whatever medium you choose, make it your own,” Anderson said to aspiring art students.
Cadwallader also has a message for college students pursuing art.
“It’s a tough business,” Cadwallader said. “But if you’re persistent and you’re careful with your money, you can make it.”
Tersigni recommends “Not to force stuff and take your time with it,” highlighting the pressure artists can feel from professors, leaders, and even peers.
“Just keep making art,” Deputy Director Brook said. “Everyone needs more art in their lives.”
