/Eric Tank
Through many changes - buildings, locations, resident artists and programming - the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art (UICA) has been a integral part of the art community in Grand Rapids for over 30 years.
"City as Muse," a three panelled large format oil painting by local artist Rick Beerhorst is part of this year's UICA ArtPrize exhibit. Beerhorst's work fits within the thematic context of titled exhibit "Collaboration." His painting is the central piece of a collaborative effort that features videography documenting the process from start to finish. Installed in front of the painting is a wood framed showcase featuring many of the objects that are in the painting such as an antique alarm clock and hand-held vanity mirror. The glass encased objects bring to mind a museum collection of artifacts from the not to distant past- objects that, although outdated, are still very much practical and usable items.
Next to the painting a tin drop box with a stack of postcards invites viewers to address the cards and "mail" them. At the end of ArtPrize, the cards will be postmarked and mailed. It's an engagement method that not only symbolizes what "City as Muse" is about, but was created to be a tangible reminder that community is built by real, proximal encounters with one another.
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