During ArtPrize 2011, I wanted to do a series of videos that would feature ArtPrize, but would also have some interest once ArtPrize was over. I wanted to avoid the whole issue of who might win, and focus instead on why people would participate beyond whether or not they were trying to win the grand prize, and learn what is was that made them want to be part of this experience. Here is the first video in a series I like to call, Observing ArtPrize.
There are some new kids on the block; particularly, at 1111 Godfrey in downtown Grand Rapids. ArtServe Michigan has described them as a "dynamic arts movement," and Con Artist Crew, a collective of recent Kendall grads turned local artists, agree with this description. They further explain themselves, "We are a multifaceted gallery that is creating an artistic community. Bringing to the forefront new emerging artists keeping in mind the artists that came before us." Though they've been on the radar since their tenure at Kendall, I'd like to point out that there is still an element of mystery behind Con Artist Crew. I say this because, despite being well-known within both the Kendall and local art communities, many have yet to discover the recent efforts and ideas co-founders Magdalene Law and Reuben Garcia have contributed to this recent collective. Just weeks ago, Con Artist Crew celebrated its Grand Opening. They celebrated with a show featuring works from several area artists, as well as a few from abroad.
I was not able to attend, but I can imagine the show was quite impressive. It would come as no surprise, as both co-founders have previous gallery experience; Law interned at a gallery, providing her with framing knowledge and hanging techniques; while Garcia has had a studio and showcase at 1111 Godfrey.
Galleries Galore
Con Artist Crew hopes to continue having shows and featuring artists from the area and abroad. They also have future plans and shows with the city of Detroit. Their aim is to host or curate shows and events at their space between 3 and 4 times a month. With that said, you should have plenty of chances to see their work, their style, their studio, and the many artists they're endorsing. They say of this, "We are open to all themes and styles of artwork, including high conceptual art to visual arts. We are looking for harder-edge work that relates to audiences on more than just one level."
They work both alone and in conjunction with many local groups, organizations, and causes alike. Their shows are examples of the character the Con Artist Crew is demonstrating. And they're curated down to the last detail. On the 19th of May, they contributed to a special show at the Winchester, along with Spectrum Health, titled Reprint - Causing Artistic Creation. It featured work by artists from a continuing care center. What's more, is that even the menu was tailor-made for the show.
The Crew's summer schedule reveals scores of shows, many of which are still being developed or finalized. All of them seem to carry a true sense of grass roots initiative. And, as a result, the community will play a large role in the outcome of these shows. Though, while maintaining this word-of-mouth mysteriousness, Con Artist Crew also hopes to expand its digital and online presence.
Con Artist Crew co-founders, Magdalene Law and Reuben Garcia
But the Crew promotes and supports more than just their shows; they also lease studio spaces, and have already leased five. The group is still finishing construction on the gallery and studio spaces. Once that's complete, they intend to concentrate on shows. Con Artist Crew is establishing a strong presence within the Grand Rapids art community. They've even mentioned taking shows "on the road" in the future. Sunday they completed a photo shoot, and will be featured in July's issue of Grand Rapids Magazine. Best of luck to Con Artist Crew.
Not long since her first appearance on the Observatory, which made note of her first solo show in early December, Rebecca Green has seen a sharp increase in attention.
You and Me Against the World - by Rebecca Green
Now a recognized name in Grand Rapids, Rebecca Green’s acclaim continues to rise in West Michigan and beyond. Recently joining the online artist network Dribbble, she has quickly gained 50 avid followers. Her current work, titled Old World, New World, will debut in Saugatuck tomorrow at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts from 6 to 8 p.m. It will remain on display until April 28th.
This trip down the lakeshore comes as a significant development for Rebecca. She says of the show, “So far I’ve worked primarily in Grand Rapids, and this is my first solo debut in a different city. I’m excited for the chance to share with a new community, and have already felt very welcomed by all the staff at the SCA.”
The event is also a first for another Kendall alum. The show was brought to fruition by Miranda Krajniak, who graduated from Kendall in 2006. Now an Education Manager, Miranda has made her curatorial debut with this show. She says of this, "We've never shown a young progressive artist from Grand Rapids in a solo format, and hope in doing so to bring a younger, more adventurous perspective to an area often regarded as older."
“I’m excited for the chance to share with a new community, and have already felt very welcomed by all the staff at the SCA.”
In The Trees - by Rebecca Green
Among Rebecca’s collection of paintings and drawings are some of her largest works, to date. She has taken elements and themes from past works and placed a stronger focus on pattern. Rebecca has also taken a different approach to size and layout; she says of this, “it intensifies the world that I’ve created.”
I urge anyone who can make it to the show to do so. Rebecca is a talented and productive artist - one whom I feel always seems to intrigue a crowd. The SCA seems to agree; they say of her, “We’ll be thrilled to say we had her here 10 years down the road.” I hope that statement rings true. Additionally tied to her styling and sensibilities, the opening includes a full vegan spread prepared on site and complimentary drinks will further enhance the cohesive effort.
I hope that alumni will stay in touch with me, and let me know what they are up to. Recently, one of our alums in Chicago, who is involved with a gallery called Black Cloud Gallery, told me about it. He told me about the area of Chicago where the gallery is located. He told me about the kind of revitalization that's going on there. And, as a result, I had an opportunity to go and visit.
I found it fascinating. And it's fascinating for several reasons. For one, it is a way in which a person is following a career path that involves the arts. But secondly, it involves the way in which young artists are connecting with the community and enriching the place in which they live. Black Cloud Gallery was a real find. And I know that many alumni are involved in a variety of other interesting projects. I hope they will let me know about them.
- Oliver
Crop of Illustration by Greg Oberle
I would like to announce a show at Byrneboehm Gallery that features recent Kendall graduate and friend of mine, Greg Oberle, along with current Kendall student, Taylor Mazer. The show, titled Colluvium, opens (softly) tonight, with an artists' reception taking place this Friday at 6 p.m. I am familiar with Byrneboehm Gallery, and understand that many talented Kendall students and graduates have had the opportunity to show works there from time to time. However, I was curious as to how Greg collaborated with Mazer to co-curate this particular show, which features ink drawings, illustrations, and paintings. Greg said of their joint effort, "I think we were dealing with a similar psychology in what we're trying to demonstrate."
Greg explains his work as being derived from previous thoughts or memories, which may have become unclear over the years. He says of his work, "I've been thinking about the architecture of thoughts."
After receiving his degree in Illustration last summer, Greg has illustrated and designed for several clients in and around Grand Rapids. He has even submitted illustrations for the Observatory (i.e. my Observing Artprize self-portrait). I hope to include more of his work in future posts.
Illustration by Greg Oberle
Greg has expressed how working artists make a living by using their creativity, but can sometimes be stifled by the demands of the work, client, need, problem, etc. Fortunately, he has found a sense of creative freedom in the works he will be showing at Byrneboehm. He said of this freedom, "I had no limits in the terms of what I could create."
I am happy that Keven Boehm, of Byrneboehm, has invited these two artists to show their works at the gallery, starting today and showing through February 29th, with an artists' reception at the end of this week. Greg will be showing a total of nine canvases. Taylor, 12. I look forward to visiting Byrneboehm in the next month to see what these two gentleman have created for this particular show.
I would like to share some great news from former Kendall graduate, Dustin Farnsworth. Currently, Dustin is finishing a residency at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN. What's more, Dustin has informed me that upon the completion of this residency in May, he will immediately be moving to North Carolina, as he has been selected for a three-year Penland Residency at Pendland School of Crafts. I am very excited, and very happy for Dustin. I wish him the best of luck. You may read more about him, as well as view his work on his website. Some of his work is also available for sale here.
Rebecca Green - Photo by Ryan Pavlovich
Recent Kendall graduate, Rebecca Green, will be featured in her first solo show this month. The show, titled We Live, will be housed in the Devos Center for Arts and Worship at Grand Rapids Christian High School. She explains that her show will be a "visual exploration of life's little happenings." It begins December 8th and will be up until February 10th of next year.Rebecca graduated from Kendall with a BFA in Illustration. Since school, she has created many works in illustration and painting. She had her first gallery show, a split with another local artist, on March of this year at Byrneboehm Gallery. If you visit Rebecca's website, My Blank Paper, you'll find an array of splendid paintings, most of which were featured in that Byrneboehm show.
She says of her work: "When painting, I always start on a colored board, then I lay down graphite and fill in bit by bit. All of the pieces are coated with a glaze to bring the whole painting together, and under the same 'light'."
"Fitting In" by Rebecca Green
Rebecca was involved with ArtPrize, as well as a show earlier this year at the GreenLion Gallery. This show was another split, featuring the work of both Rebecca and fellow Kendall alum, Peregrine Angthius. Throughout November, she was included in a group show titled Six by Six, at Byrneboehm Gallery.
What makes Rebecca's post-collegiate career particularly interesting is that she has been keeping as busy with commercial work as she has her personal shows. She currently has a full-time job making fine art and commercial illustration. She's an illustrator for Grand Rapids Community College, namely, its "GRCC Works" campaign. She also designs extraordinary paper dolls for each issue of CraftSanity. Rebecca also revealed that she will begin a new, larger project for CraftSanity. The project will be released this month, as well. By staying busy locally, Rebecca is influenced mostly by the many things that surround her.
"This Is Home" by Rebecca Green
She says of her influences: "I'd say I'm influenced most by my immediate everyday surroundings. Little pieces of color, tiles, animals, people. These days, I think we are overloaded by images, and thoughts about who we are or who we should be. It leaves a lot of people feeling attached to items and others outside of themselves, therefore, devaluing who they are, and how unique they are."
It is because of this that Rebecca says she does not watch television. Nor does she listen to the radio, or browse the internet. She considers herself a hermit, and believes it is because of this that her work "often seems simple and fit for everyday."
However, Rebecca maintains an online presence through a lovely blog on her website that she updates frequently. There, Rebecca sheds light on her process as much as her personality. It serves as a great way to stay up-to-date on her current work and illustrations, while viewing pieces from her body of work. Some of which is even for sale on her site. I hope to see Rebecca's first solo show this month.
A view of Dinderbeck Studios' 2,000 sq ft studio space.
When I came to Kendall, I had an affection for printmaking and was impressed with the facility that existed then. Unfortunately, the numbers of students who registered for printmaking were not large; and although I hate to admit it, I do watch enrollment numbers and was beginning to wonder about printmaking’s future. And given the size and weight of the presses in the third floor print lab, I was not anxious to have to try and have them moved out. My understanding is that to move them in the College had to have a crane lift them to the third floor. If you know the building, you know they could not have come up the stairs or up the elevator. As I recall, a number of years ago, Kendall conducted a search for a number of faculty to teach drawing. One of those selected, Mariel Versluis, brought great strength in drawing to the College. But then she sort of “volunteered” to teach printmaking courses as well. Of course, I was delighted; and she began teaching printmaking.
Enrollments in printmaking grew. I am at a loss to explain why a person of Mariel’s ability and achievement as a printmaker, coupled with her commitment to printmaking should result in a growth in printmaking enrollments. But then I do not try to explain mysteries—I just accept them. The long and short of it is that printmaking has become remarkably viable and some current and former students have done extraordinary things.
One that quickly comes to mind is a collective known as Dinderbeck Studios. I'd first like to point out that the partners at Dinderbeck, which I believe the list has increased to eight partners, are all affiliated with Kendall - either as graduates or current students. Most of whom studied printmaking while at Kendall, taking courses taught by Mariel.
Alison Horn, of Dinderbeck Studios.
Initially conceived as a printmaking collective and studio, the group has received small grants and donations allowing them to fund a larger space, which they have begun to renovate for shows, workshops, and gatherings.
The group has displayed a great work ethic, along with an ability to manage projects, tasks, and duties while each maintains a 9 - 5 day job. Each member is quite driven in his or her craft, planning to contribute to the group as much as possible. Co-founder, Brandon Alman, says of the group’s process, "I wouldn't say it's delegated. When things need to get done, we pull together and get it done." I think they possess a certain chemistry that proves them a true collective. Whether they're hosting a show for local artists, or tuning up a print press from the 1950's, they have been keeping busy.
A collection of type: Finding type for antique printing presses can be an arduous task.
Community is an important part of Dinderbeck Studios. I favor their gumption to reach out to other groups and clubs seeking funding, and offering their space and talent. Alman says of this, "A lot of kids graduate from any school in printmaking and they just can't do it. It's hard to access the equipment." He also mentioned that a more distant goal is to allow the community to benefit from the use of their studio space and actual printing equipment. In the meantime, they will continue to host shows, curating their space for others to enjoy.
Last Saturday, on the 1st of the month, Dinderbeck Studios hosted a collective show titled “Fortified,” featuring forts from more than thirty artists. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend. However, based on this Flickr set I found, it seems the show was a splendid one. I would like to continue a series on printmaking by following the work of Mariel, the printmaking department at Kendall, and the Dinderbeck group.
What if I don’t see my venue on the itinerary? Send an email to hello@oliverhevans.com and let me know. You will be immediately added. My hope is that some artists will meet me at their work so we can talk about their work and about ArtPrize itself.
Follow my tour via Facebook or Twitter.
Wednesday
152 - The Lyon Den - 200 Ionia NW
50 - Fed Sq Bldg "The SPOT" - 29 Pearl NW
158 - Waters Bldg - 161 Ottawa NW Suite 104
51 - Fifth Third/ WN&J - 111 Lyon NW
105 - Mojo's - 180 Monroe NW
12 - Amway Grand Hotel - 187 Monroe NW
90 - JW Marriott - 235 Louis NW
164 - Z's Bar - 168 Louis Campau NW
98 - Louis Campau Promenade - 125 Monroe NW
3 - GRAM - 101 Monroe Center
112 - Open Concept Gallery - 50 Louis NW
102 - Mercantile Bank - 48 West Fulton
14 - Arts Council of GGR - 38 West Fulton
131 - San Chez - 38 West Fulton
43 - Dept of Corrections - 1 Division NW
72 - GR Police Dept - 1 Monroe Center NW
159 - West Coast Coffee - 55 Monroe Center NW
97 - Louis Benton Steak House - 77 Monroe Center NW
128 - Royal Securities - 89 Ionia NW
37 - Cornerstone Bldg - 89 Ionia NW
46 - Diversions Nightclub - 10 Fountain NW
56 - Fountain Street Church - 24 Fountain NE
65 - GRCC -Collins Art Gallery - 143 Bostwick NE
137 - Saint Mark's Episcopal Church - 134 North Division
Thursday Morning
67 - GR Children's Museum - 11 Sheldon NE
161 - WMCAT - 98 East Fulton
52 - First (Park) Congreg Church - 10 East Park Place NE
6 - St Cecilia Music Ctr - 24 Ransom NE
53 - First UM Church - 227 East Fulton
8 - Women's City Club - 254 East Fulton
75 - GreenLion Gallery - 150 East Fulton
160 - Westminster Pres - 47 Jefferson SE
1 - Diocese of GR - 360 South Division Ave
20 - Bethlehem Luth Church - 250 Commerce SW
27 - Calvin Coll Gallery - 106 South Division, Suite 1
34 - CODA - 44 South Division Ave
127 - Rockwell's Kitchen - 45 South Division Ave
123 - Pyramid Scheme - 68 Commerce SW
140 - Stella's Lounge - 53 Commerce SW
76 - Grid 70 - 70 Ionia SW
101 - McFadden's - 58 Ionia SW
9 - 25 Kitchen and Bar - 25 Ottawa SW
147 - The BOB - 20 Monroe NW
119 - Plaza Towers -- Eenhorn - 201 West Fulton
47 - Downtown Courtyard - 11 Monroe NW
84 - Huntington/ 50 Monroe - 50 Monroe NW
Thursday Afternoon
4 - GR Public Museum - 272 Pearl St NW
59 - Gerald Ford Museum - 303 Pearl NW
93 - Kent County Republicans - 725 Lake Michigan NW
110 - O'Toole's Public House - 448 Bridge NW
155 - Vander Hyde Mechanical - 1058 Scribner NW
29 - Carpe Diem Volleyball - 1010 Front NW
31 - City Art Gallery - 1168 Ionia NW
106 - Monroe Community Church - 800 Monroe NW
45 - DeVos Place - 303 Monroe NW
86 - Immanuel Lutheran Church - 2 Michigan NE
134 - Spectrum/Butterworth - 100 Michigan NE
135 - Spect./Lemmen Holton - 145 Michigan NE
Illustration - Greg Oberle
On Wednesday, September 28th, and Thursday, September 29th, I plan to visit each work in ArtPrize that has a Kendall connection, starting with the work by outside artists who are exhibiting at Kendall itself. Most of the time, however, will be spent observing work—and when possible, visiting with artists—who are associated with Kendall, either by being current students, staff, faculty, alumni, including artists associated with Kendall through the Continuing Studies Program.
I will be touring ArtPrize because, on the simplest level, I love the excitement and diversity of ArtPrize—so many people looking at so much creative work. And I want to recognize and celebrate the Kendall people who are participating in ArtPrize. There are too many of them to try to hold a reception or a similar event—and besides, such an event asks busy and committed artists to come to me, whereas I would rather go to them.
I will be publishing an itinerary of the tour early next week. I will also announce when I am heading to a given venue or to the work of a given artist on Twitter and Facebook.
What if I don’t see my venue on the itinerary?
Send an email to hello@oliverhevans.com and let me know. You will be immediately added.
My hope is that some artists will meet me at their work so we can talk about their work and about ArtPrize itself.
If I meet you, what are you likely to ask me?
In addition to celebrating the quality of your work and simply discussing it, I am interested in how an artist decides to participate in ArtPrize, how much advance planning went into that decision, what was the process that led you to submit the work you chose, what expectations/hopes do you have of the audience for your work? And we might talk a little about ArtPrize and the democratization of art. ArtPrize is absolutely right when it says that the important thing is the conversation about art. So what I really seek is a brief conversation—preferably videoed with you and probably lasting fifteen to twenty minutes.
Last Wednesday, for example, I had the chance to start this kind of conversation with Jonathan Brilliant, who is showing in the Kendall Gallery. Tuesday was his last night in Grand Rapids; and his answers to my questions, his perceptions of ArtPrize, and his interest in being part of ArtPrize were intriguing and illuminating. I look forward to sharing them next week when the tour itself will appear in video, images, and text here on my Blog.
I am intrigued by the questions I just outlined and by the kind of conversation those questions can trigger. So I look forward to Observing ArtPrize in a very special way the middle of next week.
Follow my tour via Facebook or Twitter.
- Oliver
One evening last week, I happened on a very busy brewery. Perhaps the summer heat brought on a neighborhood-wide craving for craft beer, because Brewery Vivant was alive with traffic.
Housed in what was once a neighborhood funeral home chapel, I noticed dinner parties, after-work socialites, young couples on dates, old couples on dates, and a most helpful staff - all enjoying the ambiance, the drinks, the menu, and the artwork of a recent KCAD alum, Jacob Zars.
The work, titled "Fun With Electrocution," will be exhibited on the walls of Brewery Vivant throughout the summer, adding as much beauty as it does curiosity to the venue's experience and overall aesthetic - which still lightly alludes to the dead and nearly buried. Jacob’s exhibit consists of 8 monotypes that toy with, and welcome the idea of death through a series of electrifying scenarios. I felt the work most effective, given the nature of the space. It requires the amount of intimacy and appeal offered by the venue to really capture the element of danger.
The close relationship between Jacob's work and the venue is, according to Jacob, all by design. He saw an opportunity in Vivant, where the collection could live and breathe along with the space and its visitors. He said of the relationship, "I was trying to tell stories on each wall. The art has to feel comfortable in its place." He added, "the work enhances the venue and the venue enhances the work." I believe his curating instinct is accurate, as each piece curiously contemplates an idea of darkness that I find wild with the notion of life or the living - just as the word Vivant, itself, suggests "to be alive" or "lively."
After discussing Jacob’s process of curating his work within the venue, we discussed his process of the work itself; which may suggest why he was so careful and thoughtful about where it was to be shown throughout the summer. He shared that each print took approximately thirty hours to create. Each transparency was carefully and directionally brushed with mainly black ink (one of the works includes some color) before it met paper. He explained his use of watercolors, cardboard, ink, and paper with great detail and passion. Jacob also included that the work was part of a larger, 24-image collection he created more than a year ago as part of his senior project. Jacob said the eight pieces used at the brewery "chose themselves" for the show.
I'd like to point out that Jacob made a big decision to pursue art verses the many athletic offers from other institutions. He said of his choice to study art, "it just doesn't compare." Fortunately, Jacob was able to demonstrate his love of sports while at KCAD. He helped start the Kendall Soccer Team and KCAD Club Tennis. He continues his love of distance running and still works part-time at Gazelle Sports, assisting other athletes.
Jacob said he would like to pursue an interest curating work for local venues in Grand Rapids. He also expressed that he will continue to create art in his studio space and at area events such as UICA Live Coverage or the Art Battle For Community at Sazerac Lounge - where, last year, Jacob won first place.
