Grand Rapids Hosts International Art Exhibition

Jay Constantine and his wife Patricia are professors at Ferris’ Kendall College of Art and Design and just two of the artists competing in ArtPrize.

“There is a real benefit to be able to show your work,” said Particia.

“There are quite a few students and faculty in the competition,” said Sarah Joseph, director of exhibitions at KCAD. “We’re working to put a complete list together,” she said.

Other faculty entrants from Kendall include Deborah Rockman, Molly Alicki Corriveau and Darlene Kaczmarczyk.

ArtPrize, an art competition hosted throughout downtown Grand Rapids starting today and continuing through Oct. 10, is the product of Rick DeVos. Heir to Amway, the 27-year-old DeVos announced his plans for ArtPrize in April.

“It’s time to reboot the conversation between artists and the public,” said DeVos in an April press release. “ArtPrize will be a celebration of art, design, and innovation that will bring artists and the public together like never before,” said DeVos.

With pieces from 1,262 artists from 41 states and 15 countries, ArtPrize could boast as much as a $250,000 prize to the winning artist. A total of $449,000 in cash prizes is expected to be awarded to winners selected by individuals pre-registered on the ArtPrize Web site, artprize.org. Registration must be completed in person and voters must be at least 16 years or older and have a valid photo ID.

The nearly half-million dollars in awards to the top 10 artists will be funded by The Dick & Betsy DeVos Family Foundation.

For more information or to learn more about some of the entries and where they are on display, visit artprize.org.