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Art and dying cities: What does “Top Ten” really mean?

Submitted 10-03-2011 under OPINION

ArtPrize: This event opens many cans of worms for me from the nature of art (and craft) to the value of success. I’m questioning the concept and the nature of the Top Ten. In this article, I ask the question: How do Top Ten lists come to be,...

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RUST: A sympathetic portrait of post-industrial Michigan

Submitted 10-02-2011 under OPINION

If the stories of individuals impacted by the closing of the Wyoming General Motors plant were not told with the actual words of those interviewed, Austin Bunn’s play RUST could be reduced to a narrative of nostalgia or fatalism...

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Wow. That's Bad.

Submitted 09-30-2011 under OPINION

The top ten is out. The majority of the pieces are bad. Now what? ArtPrize has a problem. If this is the kind of work that gets awarded colossal sums of money, then the best and brightest of the art world will not bother. The contest has the...

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How to help the good guys win

Submitted 09-28-2011 under OPINION

Today is the last day to cast wide your votes. Until today I was a staunch non-voter for several reasons. I believe that art is intrinsically awarding on its own, both for the maker and the viewer. I worry about mass appeal. But ArtPrize wants...

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Relax: Art Doesn’t Think You’re Dumb

Submitted 09-27-2011 under OPINION

At a panel discussion last Friday at GVSU, ArtPrize artist Cynthia McKean defended the moose-o-nails that made headlines in 2009: “It was so real, you could almost touch it.” Her admiration of the odd representation of moose fur wasn...

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New Picturesque gallery open to the public

Submitted 09-27-2011 under OPINION

Thanks to the generous support of Colorinc Prolab, we are able to continue our Picturesque series throughout the year. For the fall Picturesque, we're having fun with a big question that's on all of our minds now during ArtPrize 2011: Is it...

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Whole Notes Benefit Dinner held at Koetsier Greenhouse

Submitted 09-26-2011 under OPINION

The 4th annual Whole Notes Dinner benefiting the North American Choral Company was held this past Saturday at Koetsier Greenhouse on Spaulding Ave. The event featured a five course dinner prepared by five local chefs. Beer and wine were provided...

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Gender and art: Do the numbers add up to anything?

Submitted 09-26-2011 under OPINION

Last week I attended a screening of W.A.R., Women Art Revolution at the Wealthy Theatre. I now sense a greater awareness of gender and art as I walk through the venues and spaces participating in ArtPrize 2011. The movie served as a reminder...

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Women's City Club: A must-see ArtPrize venue

Submitted 09-25-2011 under OPINION

The Basement of the Women's City Club has been transformed into an art gallery by Fred Bivins and a host of volunteers, making it possible for artists like Rachel Lipscomb and Brenda Oelbaum to display their work. 

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3-2-1: Engage, swag and vote

Submitted 09-24-2011 under OPINION

ArtPrize is underway, and my experience as a Wayfinder has given me a chance to learn a lot about the event. I've been helping people find their way and answering questions, so here are some highlights to help you get the most out of your...

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