Say nice things about Detroit
Submitted 10-05-2010 under OPINION
The philosopher William James once wrote that it is important to ask not what reality is, but “under what circumstances do we think things are real?” That question came to mind when viewing Ludington artist Ryan Spencer Reed’s photographic suite “...
Not just an eyeful - ArtPrize finalists that actually encourage meditation
Submitted 10-04-2010 under OPINION
"To see or not to see. That's the question."— Karl Gude, Michigan State University, via Twitter In the midst of all the hubbub and hurly burly of ArtPrize, it's easy to lose the art. The social experiment part of the event seems like a success, but...
You've Got to See This! How We Look at Art
Submitted 10-04-2010 under OPINION
So what does it look like when we talk about art? If it’s just personal, the conversation dwindles into a three- or four-syllable declaration. That’s a pretty thin answer to 1,713 artists who have labored at their own expense to create, dismantle,...
Michael Vlatkovich Trio in Grand Rapids
Submitted 10-04-2010 under OPINION
Jazz trombonist, composer and arranger, Michael Vlatkovich brought his 3 piece band to Grand Rapids on Saturday, October 2 for an intimate concert hosted by Hugo Claudin of Mexicains Sans Frontieres. The band was also in Michigan for the...
A Defense of Bad Art: For the Love of Schlock
Submitted 09-29-2010 under OPINION
This is not an argument that comes easy for me, particularly given the current state of the top 25, but someone should make it. I don’t particularly like bad art, but it deserves a place at the table. And because we live in a democratic society,...
Plan B in Artprize 2010
Submitted 09-23-2010 under OPINION
As Artprize officially opened on Wednesday September 22, the procession for Plan B made its way across town. Traffic came to a standstill as a motley assortment of drummers, bicyclists, flag wavers, and kids in patchwork clothing pushed and...
All The Good Hours: Opening Night at Art Prize
Submitted 09-22-2010 under OPINION
I just spent three hours downtown, on an initial recon. Some early thoughts: They lucked out with the weather: it was a perfect night to jaywalk and loiter, warm enough for a single layer. Everybody you knew was out, and you had something to...
ArtPrize 2010: Essays and Critique
Submitted 09-21-2010 under OPINION
From The Rapidian staff: Yesterday afternoon, The Rapidian soft-launched our ArtPrize 2010 page. Here, you will be able to find all of The Rapidian coverage that relates to this year's ArtPrize competition. While regular readers of The Rapidian...
[Eat & Drink ArtPrize 2010] Go Java Coffee
Submitted 09-20-2010 under LOCAL LIFE
Go Java is a comfy, house-y feeling café. Its a great place to stop during ArtPrize for a warm drink and an energizing snack. Located downtown, you can stop for a bit and view the art and then sip your coffee as you take in the view of...
[Eat & Drink ArtPrize 2010] Monarchs' Club
Submitted 09-20-2010 under LOCAL LIFE
While much of the ArtPrize action is found on the east side of the River, there are jewels to be discovered at the ArtPrize venues located just west across the Grand. Monarchs' Club is a great venue to start your off your Westside ArtPrize tour....