Observing ArtPrize, Part 1

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.  

A New Crew

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."

We are looking for harder-edge work that relates to audiences on more than just one level." – Con Artist Crew

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.

Friend, Graduate, and One of Two Featured in Local Show

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.

Tenure of a Designer, Tenth Year of a Studio

Photo courtesy of Conduit Studios

Shortly after Neocon, I contacted John O'Neill of Conduit Studios to get his thoughts on this year’s showrooms. He was kind enough to share with me his story, his studio, and his thoughts on many subjects; including the importance and relevance design has in West Michigan; his process of integrating both business and creative; and his thoughts on pro bono work.

 

I learned a great deal about his process and have decided to write a piece about what I had learned. First, I'd like to share how he and I first met.I first became aware of John when he was a freshman, which would have been in 1997 or '98. I happened to see a student walking into the College, carrying a work that I assumed was for his 3-D class. Because I thought the work was interesting, I wondered if whoever this student was might consider selling it. So I did some checking, found out John’s name, learned from the faculty that he was a highly respected student even then (which is a good thing, because it is always awkward if I “latch on to” a student who is about to be dismissed from Kendall), and I asked someone to ask John if he might want to sell the work, which he agreed to do. It was the first student work I bought at Kendall, and it hangs in my office. Where I was wrong was in assuming that it was created for his 3-D class. It turns out that John created the work for his psychology class and that, from what he told me, the work represents his mind.

 

John has made some milestones since that psychology class. Upon graduation in 2001, he co-founded Conduit. This year happens to be the design studio's tenth anniversary. I am both proud and happy to hear of this achievement. I am also glad to say that, along the way, I have become a friend of John's.

 

I'd like to point out that John went directly from college to Conduit; upon graduation from Kendall, he stayed busy freelancing for various businesses. He worked in what I call "the coffee shop circuit." (It's remarkable - and fitting - that so many creatives, artists, and even musicians have gotten their start in cafes.) One day, at a Kava House in East Town, John ran into Tim Carpenter who shared a similar situation, creating print design while baristas served espresso. The two began to work together, and in a sense, Conduit was formed. The studio now has 5 full-time employees who create for some of the biggest companies in the area. The studio is housed in a beautiful space in downtown Grand Rapids. I hope to write about more about it in subsequent post, as I feel it deserves one.

 

From the discussion, I learned that John is no stranger to small business; his father, and several uncles owned and operated their own businesses. It seems the entrepreneurial spirit is strong among his lineage, which may explain, to some degree, his level of success for someone his age. That and a passion for design, which seemed to develop early. He said of his design interest: "It's not like I chose design; it kind of felt like design chose me. Even when I was a kid. It seems like it was always there."

 

John is passionate about the design community in West Michigan. He is a board member of both Design West Michigan and AIGA West Michigan. He promoted the idea that West Michigan is design-centric because designers in the area are asked to perform many different roles. He expressed that designers do more than design; they also consult more regularly with clients. And maybe this role of consultant is becoming more prominent because, as John puts it, design "doesn't always have an aesthetic outcome."  John said of design in West Michigan: "It just seems like there's a lot of us." While putting together the new AIGA West Michigan chapter, John was excited to see the amount of interest designers displayed to join. "There's a real critical mass of people here," he said.

 

If you visit Conduit online, you can see that they have designed and consulted for a wide (and long) list of reputable clients. I was especially interested in his pro bono work, particularly curious of his studio's process working with pro bono clients. He shared his thoughts, using his work with the UICA as an example.

 

In 2004, he volunteered to help the UICA promote the first annual Live Coverage event. Conduit has helped out every year since, designing all the of the event materials. He says of the work, "[we] use it as a chance to express our creativity." He expressed that pro bono work offers more flexibility. He said of doing pro bono work: "If we can fit it into our schedule, we'd love to."

A Place for Printmaking

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.

Oliver's 2011 ArtPrize Itinerary

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

Observing ArtPrize

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