Tracking Top Artists
In a couple days, voting will go live on artprize.org. Voting, as has been mentioned, is entirely electronic. This means that on the website, we’ll be able to see which artists are getting the most votes. But exactly what will we see?
This is a question ArtPrize has put a lot of thought into. You see, when we list the top artists on the website, you will also be able to vote right on that page. There is a danger in displaying artists with their ranking and total votes like this:
1. Jane Artist (10,000)
2. Joe Sculptor (9,122)
3. Bob Painter (8,999)
The danger is that the top artist is always displayed at the top of the page, giving that artist the most exposure on the website. It potentially creates a snowball effect of votes for that artist: The most prominent on the page gets the most votes.
To create a more level playing field on the website, ArtPrize designed a system, so people can track “buckets” of which artists are in the lead without revealing who, exactly, is in the lead day to day.
During Week 1 of voting, you can view artists sorted in buckets of:
Top 25
Top 50
Top 75
Top 100
The artists displayed will be randomly sorted. No artist will consistently appear at the top of the page for visitors to the website. When voting begins on the Top 10 in Week 2, the Top 10 will be randomly sorted as well. (Of course, you can search and view all artists at any time, but you won’t see exactly where they rank in the overall 1,262.)
Vote tally numbers will not be displayed on the website with each individual artist for the same reason as stated above. We do not want voters to skip to artists in the lead to sort out how they will vote.
Before I read any of this hoopla about Jacqueline Gilmore’s artwork, I voted on it from my own perspective. I gave it “thumbs up” for the top 25 on its merits.
While it may have been a more politically correct and a wiser move on her part to display her art elsewhere (I would love to see it at the GR Art Museum or the JW Marriott), it is dramatic and outstanding in its own right.
She deserves a shot at the top prize. If there is a problem with how the staff at the B.O.B. was managed in this regard, the ArtPrize officials will get to the bottom of it. Otherwise, I choose to view all this as gossip for now!
It doesn’t matter how worthy a piece of art is… If the artist cheated, they should be disqualified. Barry Bonds has an amazing baseball record, but it doesn’t matter. He took steroids and ruined his otherwise excellent reputation. How is this any different?
I think Jen made an interesting point about how Jacqueline Gilmore was using her resources to promote herself because, it’s true, we are all trying to utilize what we have, but it still doesn’t seem entirely appropriate. I’m not sure she was cheating, seeing as there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of rules for promotion. But if this staff t-shirt promotion is true, it seems a little over the line because, one, it is basically right in the face of all the other artists at the B.O.B., and, two, everyone has a right to decide whether they want to participate or not, and forcing them to be walking billboards doesn’t give them a choice. Also, Ms. Gilmore entered an artwork to be judged, not her credentials, not her plans for the prize money, so it shouldn’t particularly matter what is in her bio on her profile. Although, it would be nice if she learned proper grammar if she wants to come across as any kind of professional. If this competition is about who can step on the most people to get to the top and shout the farthest and loudest to win, then I guess I don’t want to.
Aaron,
I agree with you, however Ms. Gilmore may not, in fact, have “forced” her employees to wear the tee-shirts. If she had them available and they wore them, then I would just say that is the same as the promotion I have witnessed with other artists all over town and I applaud it. We should leave it to ArtPrize officials to decide if this is true or just perceptions and/or gossip. How do we know?
I don’t see how Jacqueline Gilmore can be considered a cheat. If the BOB is one of her establishments, I’d say it’s well within her rights to have her employees wear the shirts. How is that any different than other artists having their fans wear their t-shirts or passing out their paraphernalia? She just has more resources than the average person. Now, if she was paying for the votes that would be a different story. I hate to fall on the old “you’re just jealous” response, but ah…I think maybe you are.
In a sense, it is paying for votes. Her employees get paid to work at a restaurant. They depend on their jobs. If their livelihood depends on whether or not they wear a T-shirt that promotes their boss for something completely unrelated to their job description, that’s cheating. They have no other choice than to potentially be fired or pressured into a hostile work environment if they choose not to participate in promoting their boss. It’s cheating.
I agree with Aaron…Even if it the choice of the employee to wear the shirt, I wouldn’t take a chance in not wearing it. Especially in this economy.
It is one thing to promote yourself, but to force other people to promote you is wrong.
No, it’s not. If the job depended on them CASTING VOTES FOR HER, then it would be. And, I doubt their jobs are dependent on wearing the shirts. That would be silly and probably not legal.
An employer can force you to wear just about anything, as long as they say it is part of your uniform. IF that is the case, then it would be wear the shirt or you are gone. Believe me, many places make you wear promotional items. To think they don’t “would be silly”.
It may not be wrong for J. Gilmore to do this, but it also doesn’t make it right.
Liz, this promotion is different because, like you stated, the other artists have their FANS promote them. Is everyone wearing one of Ms. Gilmore’s tees a fan? Is it voluntary? I think these are the things that make the difference.
Liz, you said, “I doubt their jobs are dependent on wearing the shirts. That would be silly and probably not legal.”
That’s the whole point. It’s not legal. If it’s not legal, that qualifies as cheating. Ms. Gilmore created a compromising situation where employees may have felt pressured to wear the shirts since they are getting paid to be at work and wear a uniform. If those employees didn’t feel comfortable wearing the shirts to promote the artist (which has nothing to do with their job description), they risk potential harrassment and hostile working conditions.
There should be no question about this. If employees were told to wear the shirts, Gilmore cheated.
Aaron, legalities in regard to the workplace, not in regard to Artprize. Cheating would be BUYING or FORCING VOTES. She did not do this (as far as I know). Oh…and the employees were already at the BOB! I mean, it’s not like they were roaming the city rounding people up with their slick promotional t-shirts. No, they were at the very same place her work was showing (you know, that already over crowded place?). Exactly how much of an advantage would that even be? I mean, come ON.
You know, I am SURE that J. Gilmore will never exhibit her art at her husband’s place of business again, given all of the issues raised on this blogspot.
I view all of this as “lessons learned” during the first year of the event. So, in the future, participants will be more politically savy and there may be rules to address such issues.
I highly doubt that the tee-shirts worn in the B.O.B. had much effect on the voting. In theory, those tee shirts could have had a contra-effect….look at the reactions here.
Let’s all just judge the Art as we see it and leave it to the Artprize folks to decide if they need to establish new rules.
I hope all of this controversy does not dissuade J. Gilmore from future participation. I for one, am proud to have an artist of her caliber in residence here. (I have never met her, but I do admire her art.)
I’m with Aaron on this one. We have laws that forbid canvasing for votes within a polling site as well as a reasonable perimiter around the polling site. You can’t even wear a lapel button suggesting a candidate to the polls. Do these laws apply to a contest like AP? probably not but Democracy is in the details. If its worth anything, the BOB staff had no vote details on their clothes today when I visited around 5pm.
In the end, it’s up to the organizers of Artprize to determine.
I agree with a lot said. I am an artist in a distant and difficult terrain. I love all the art, although some is surely NOT art. But, I have had people stare at my art for about 10 minutes, then had to come see who I was, and made a very favorable comment about it. It will not win any money of course, but you know what, Its a winner because of the few comments I have gotten. And…We all need more time!!!! Too much art in such little time. I want to see it all, unfortunately I live in Grand Haven, and I’m not coming every day to see everything.
And I don’t understand why everyone cannot just simply register on line with their drivers liscense and that alone will be enough to ensure no cheating. Why in person??? If drivers liscense and email don’t match, then they cannot vote.
Anyway, enjoy all the art, but its true I only go to those easily seen, and I’m no where to be seen, up on Newberry Place in back of Spectrum Health across from Coit Park. Yeah!!!!LOL
I’m responding to the first response from Victoria,without reading all the rest of the responses..because i’ve heard enough.Artprize is an open responsive experiment offered to the public, with out many restrictions, with so many view points, contributing to the outcome,personel oppinions are sure to clash,what is art? is worthy of acceptence? How do i get the vote? Who’s oppinion matters? are the rules being followed? What’s fair? Why dosen’t anybody talk about the experience,how this is creating an awareness of the value the artist has to offer to the community,how we as artist bring back and revitalize broken down parts of the city,or how much artist contribute without consideration of the time ,efforts and expense,most artist are in it to share,and demonstrate,their talent ..if the only objective is the prize monies, well, good luck.but, your missing the point and wasting your energy, because it’s open ended.., the end results is what it is..so don’t go being judgemental on the resourse the artist uses, they didn’t come overnight, it’s not like we or they havn’t been involved in the arts community before, everyone is using their mailing list to pomote themselfs,from family and friends, to business associates to organizations theyv’e supported to cause they belive in..to the organizations that belive in the artist vision..everyone does it, and i think it’s fair game..as slamming the artist on grammer. come on..and what’s wrong with presenting an on a large scale. i would love the opportunity,i’ve never even noticed the tee shirts until i heard some one comment on the issue. What about the artist that have the support of organizations, or foundation support or from the city it’s self, I’m not complaining or judging these relationships are built on merit,commitment and being envoled,quit making the issue and focuse on the monetary outcome..if you actually thought you would win, well, we all would love being number 1 or 2 or being in the top 25,i’m not the worst artist and i’m not the best..I may not succed in my own expectations, but, i’m enjoying the process of this experiment,and love soaking it all in..
Hey everyone, here is my solution: on the home page of the artprize site, show All artists in random order (changing each time the page is refreshed) with All votes up and down. That way, if people really want to know who is in the lead, they have to scroll through all 1262 artists, every artist will get their face time on the website, and all artists will know where they stand. Also, I think its silly to say that the artists in the high traffic areas are getting the most votes because ‘salt and earth’ is in the middle of wicked construction and still top 25. I think all of the people checking out the website are people that care about the event and will not only look at art that is highly visible or in the top 100. Call me naive, but I thing that those who are registered to vote will probably take that responsibility seriously enough to check out all there is to offer.
Also, T-shirts at the BOB definately caused disrespect for the artist and the venue. Bummer for both
I met Ms. Gilmore and observed her show, in fact I had a nice seat on a bench sculpture right next to a fine young man gathering glass from a homemade furnace, and although I did not have a chance to discuss content with her, the show was impressive – beyond my own techno vocabulary. That same evening I did notice an employee wearing a shirt promoting her work and asked if other artists showing at the B.O.B were represented on other shirts worn by employees and the answer was, “no”. Personally I do not have a problem with self-promotion for this event – we are all doing it on some level, although, in a venue with so many artists it may seem a bit out of line. At the same rate, the proprietors’ of B.O.B have the right to promote any or all their artists as they wish. I highly doubt there is any pressure by the management to cast votes for one artist over another artist in their venue. Conflict of interest? Not for me to judge. I will add, there is too much work at the B.O.B for proper presentation and that should be a consideration for the future. The beautiful carving by artist Ken Thompson (outdoors) needs more space to be truly appreciated and probably deserves a museum setting or a more silent location, but I suppose that is something for Ken to consider.
Gabriela,
I agree that her credentials and plans for the prize money should not play a role in how she is judged. Those remarks were made in response to others who basically said that she is not an artist at all, but just another rich lady taking advantage of people. I spent quite a bit of time in the B.O.B. parking lot with one of the artists and never heard one complaint(not saying there weren’t any at all) regarding T-shirts or the B.O.B. period. It seemed that most artists were just happy to be in a high traffic area exposing their art to so many. It is so great to even be able to have these discussions and I’m sure there will be some changes next year as we learn from this one. I would like to see more than a week for the initial voting, maybe include 2 weekends as opposed to just one for those who work during the week, we found it impossible to see every peice like we intended. I’d also like to see closed voting until the top ten are announced, the bucket system had good intentions, but it was still too easy to get pulled in by some that we did not even see, especially the controversial ones. We made it against our policy to vote on anything we did not see in person, even if we saw it on the news or thought we had a good idea of what it was all about. BIG THANKS TO DEVOS for this wonderful competition!!!
Well if anything her art has everyone talking, and expressing some form of feeling which is what art is about,right….
Clearly, the system of showing only the frontrunners and facilitating their vote-getting on the website (“You see, when we list the top artists on the website, you will also be able to vote right on that page.”)does the opposite of leveling the playing field. This is prejudicial in the extreme as it is far more difficult to find an unlisted individual artist for whom to vote than to join the crowd voting for the leaders. Rotating access to artists would be fair. Allowing the artists to know where they stand in the voting in real time is best: that was what I expected based on the information provided before voting began.
The random access leader boards were always squirrelly as never once could I pull up the proper number and there were always duplicates…I just hope that our individual vote tallies will be provided to us(later today?) so we can learn something from our individual efforts to garner support for our work in preparation for future competitions.
Also, for the popular vote to be meaningful, the first round should have been for two weeks so that the public would have sufficient time to seek out the less central venues and evaluate.The second round should be the quick one–a few days at most.
I Think people votes not for the artist or the work they vote for the person they know. That makes for the artist living far not to have a chance in the contest. Voting should be completely different giving foreign people the same opportunity as locals. ( Top 25 most are from Michigan).
The contest also should be divided into cathegories. A 2D work is hard to compite with a huge 3 D work. The impact on the people, just for the size and volume is completely different… ( Top 25 are just 3D)
as a former employee of the BOB, I have witnessed firsthand the coercive and highly undemocratic means by which the management “encourage” staff to vote favorably for any Gilmore establishment. For instance, during the On the Town “Townie Award” voting, all staff are given photocopied sheets and “encouraged” to fill in solely Gilmore establishments for each category (in the event that you could not recall every establishment, a cheat sheet was handed out, reminding you of the correct answer). No, we were not “forced” to do this, but it was expected. In regards to said artist, I feel the staff was expected to wear their uniform (which happens to be an advertisement for said artist) and, most likely, “encouraged” to vote for said artist as well. It’s one thing to self-promote, but it is quite another to use your employees in order to prove your worth as an artist, assuming you associate worth with placing in an art competition.
I understand some people’s frustrations with the voting process, but we have to remember this is the first go around. No event is perfect the first time. I also think it is unrealistic of people to think that one person could view all 1261 artists in 150 plus venues in two weeks. Although I sure wish I could have. I am from Wisconsin and only had a little over a day to see what art I could. I can tell you this, I am amazed at what this event is trying to do. It did accomplish one of its goals, to create dialogue. It certainly did with my family and me. Kudos to all involved in making this happen. Next time I will plan a longer stay so I can absorb more art! By the way, one of my votes went to an out of the way venue. They all aren’t being overshadowed by the big venues.
I am ashamed to admit but I am embarrassed that a few individuals can be so narrow minded. This event has brought so much attention to Grand Rapids. I spoke with resturant owners, gift shop owners, coffee shop owners and all said they could kiss Mr DeVos. They had sold out of food, t shirts, batteries etc. I have never seen so many people downtown before ever. The BOB was a great place to have your art displayed. And the idiots that think it was not should be ashamed of your selfs. Mr Gilmore opened his building, closed his parking lot, gave discounts on food, provided tents and music and created a place that people could come spend the day with their families to enjoy art. To make false claims about requiring employees to vote for wis wifes entry is absurd. I spoke with many of the employees and not one of them were required to vote for ART-etecture. The amount of time and money to put on event like this is incredable and I would like to say THANK YOU!!! on the behalf of all the people in Grand Rapids that appreciate all that you and your wife have done to bring attention to downtown and to the appreciation of art. Jacqueline should have finished in the top 10, her work, just the size of it was amazing, the video amazing, and the venue amazing. Thank you for bringing so much joy to my family. The look in my kids eyes as they watched the video will be cherished for a lifetime. I can’t say enough THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
I guess that after all size really does matter!
Ed, I am not going to dispute that ArtPrize has had a monumentally positive impact on the local economy, but I would ask that you place yourself for a moment in the classroom of an art student. When they discuss the role they will play as artists in society after they graduate, what do you think they hope that will be? To be business/company/franchise promoters? For their artwork to be a way that businesses/companies/franchises attract customers? That it matters more for their work to be fun and loud rather than subtle, thoughtful and challenging? That the context of their work has no meaning? That the placement of their work has no meaning? That they should be submissive to venue owners because they are being given a favor by the owner for showing their work? Should it not be that the artist is actually the one doing the business owner a favor? Is it not because of the artist that people are attracted to a site? What I see time and again is a lack of respect and appreciation for the artists themselves. Many people are acting as though the artists have a problem if they take issue with any part of ArtPrize, as if ArtPrize were a gift for artists to take and appreciate. But it is really the other way around. ArtPrize could be taken away, and artists would still be working, showing their work, and people would still appreciate it. Take the artists away from ArtPrize, however, and you have nothing.
All I can say is WOW – so much talk about t-shirts. I was at the B.O.B. for over 4 hours looking at ART – to be honest I didn’t even pay attention to the T-shirts. Didn’t pay attention to what anyone was wearing as my objective was to see as much art as possible as I was only voting for the ones I saw. Not one word was uttered by staff to check it out either. All were very professional. As for the whole Artprize event. Congrats to all artists who particiapted I wish I could have seen all of you. So much talent and beauty around our “little big city” was absolutely awesome!!! First year not so bad, learn and adjust for the next one. Thank you Devos family and all those who helped to make this happen.
Gabriela, you are right on. You made your point beautifully and I concur with everything you said. Thank you for your thoughtful insight. ArtPrize has a lot to learn.
the tshirts were one thing…some of the waitstaff could have been nicer, thanks to my f-ing art people went into that place and put cash into their pockets, you’re welcome!…what blew me away was that some artists in the bob were showing more than one piece, sometimes in multiple places!!….i assume they were going to give all pieces to artprize if they won 1st prize???…it’s done and over, you live and learn for next year…i don’t know if i’ll do it again…..say what you wanna say about j. gilmore but she’s HOT!….xoxo
I am sorry Gabriela where did you say your artwork was displayed? If what you say is true, lets see how many artists leave their work in the venues for all to enjoy. That will be the true test. I know at least one piece that is staying put. How many others will gift their work to the venues that hosted them, to the city and people that supported them? I am pretty sure that if you spoke with each and every artist they would say ArtPrize was a gift to them and most would say that they will be back next year. The artists that don’t are free to continue doing what they have done in the past. You see that is the great thing about america, no one is forced to do anything they don’t want to do. There will be people like you that miss the point and people like me that get it, and that is ok. As I said before I am greatful to all the artists that applied and participated in ArtPrize because no one forced them to do it. They are the real winners each and every one of them. ArtPrize gave them something a chance to have their art displayed for all the world to see in one place. I saw a lot of great works that I never would have seen without ArtPrize, so without ArtPrize you would not have had me or a million others looking at their art. Maybe I would have walked into a gallery, and maybe their piece might have caught my eye, and maybe the person behind the counter would of had the courage to come up to me and tell me all about the piece, and maybe I would feel what that artist was feeling at the time they created the piece…….maybe.
Or I could speak with the artist and feel the passion they had for their own work while I was looking at it with them at ArtPrize…..
Ed, I didn’t say where my artwork is displayed, which you know since you can read. And since you seem to be capable of utilizing this site, I’m sure you could very easily have looked me up. But I will answer your question even though you haven’t answered any of mine: my work is at Riverview Center. I brought this up because of what I discuss every day in class with my teachers and peers. Like I said, put yourself in a classroom, one where the present and future art professionals are, and you would get an entirely different picture. We make it our life to ask ourselves these questions, to get “the point.” Is there a definitive answer? Not that we have found so far. What constitutes “the point” for you does not always constitute “the point” for someone else, so I don’t believe it is up to you to determine whether I missed it or not. I was merely trying to present some food for thought. Also, how is walking into an ArtPrize venue any different than walking into a gallery? NOW all-of-a-sudden people care? Why? Because it’s easy that everything is in one place? You saw a lot of great works because the ARTISTS brought them there. But artwork has ALWAYS been there. You don’t need ArtPrize to make you see that, and if you do, I feel bad for you. Actually, you are kind of demeaning the profession if you assume that artists need a vehicle like ArtPrize to get their artwork shown, that there was nothing good to see around here until ArtPrize showed up. By my standards, YOU missed the point. But that’s OK, because in the United States, you are free to have your own opinion. (By the way, just an FYI, when you speak about “America” you are actually including all that is in North America, Central America, and South America. “Americans” are not just citizens of the United States.)
Thank you, Lisa. I might only be 20 years old, but I try to be reflective and conscientious. I hope to see my generation more socially attentive and addressing the world we will soon be stepping into with thoughtful and challenging convictions.
To all who believe, “You’re either with us or against us.” …
My goodness. Artprize is supposed to be about conversation! It’s perfectly valid to take issue with certain aspects of Artprize. The idea is to IMPROVE. Gabriella makes some good points. It doesn’t mean anyone is against economic stimulus, or art, or people if someone has a concern about Artprize. The reason we’re all talking is because we care! Let’s LISTEN to each other.
Speaking from an artists viewpoint (i didn’t participate this year, but may in the future) Ed – wow you really don’t understand why artists make art, and “How many others will gift their work to the venues that hosted them, to the city and people that supported them?” Really? How many artists can afford this? I certainly couldn’t, it even costs money just to enter a piece in artprize. Are you planning to pay for the time, the materials, the education and countless other things that are involved in making a piece of art by an artist? That is support, buying a hot dog at a downtown restaurant isn’t. Gabriela – thanks for putting an artists perspective into this discussion. Yes overall Artprize was a good thing, but I do hope some things will change next year.
Thank you Art Prize for the opportunity to share our city and talented artist with the world! For the past week I have spent ten hour days at The B.O.B.(which I affectionately call “Art Camp”) and have met so many amazing people. This event was gratefully recieved and has touched many lifes. It is unfortunate that any negativity could contaminate ones good intentions. I look forward to participating again next year!
Be well, Jacqueline
The Rapidian is a hyperlocal news source powered by the residents of Grand Rapids, MI. … Jacqueline Gilmore responds to ArtPrize criticism
http://www.therapidian.org/category/tags/artprize
Gabriella and Wynn I am an artist and I have to agree with Ed. The opportunity ArtPrize has given me to interact with people, people that have come to see my work because of ArtPrize. Yes I will still be here after the contest is over, but because of the event it has given me a new perspective of how my art makes others feel. I have had some shows in gallerys but it is not the same. The people that come to a gallery for the most part are looking for something to put on a wall of their home, but ArtPrize brought real people to my work and to get their perspective was amazing. Did the economy get a boost because of the contest? I hope so, that was the intent in the first place, we all hoped to win the $250,000 but in the end we got so much more. So I say to you both stay in school and learn as much as you can, I was once in your shoes, you have still a lot to learn about art, and thank you Ed for keeping it in perspective for the experienced artists.
Jacqueline you did a great job…my kids and I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what you come up with for next year! I believe that most of the negativity has come from envy and I pray that you will not let it bother you. We are very blessed to have someone as caring and talented as you in our community! Unlike some of the elitest artists, you actually treated us like human beings and for that I thank you as well. Thank you and God Bless!
What happened to the voters? Only 3000 votes in over 72 hours? There are about as many new voters registered since the top 10 were announced as votes cast. Any thoughts out there on why this is?
Well, they do have only one vote to cast, not a potential 1262.
I know, Liz. Still, there are new voters tallying up by the hour, and already 35000 of them registered, but only a couple of thousand votes have been cast so far. Has interest waned, or are people out there looking and mulling, waiting until the last minute to make their choice? I find it curious, that’s all, when compared to the voting frenzy of last week.
For me, the interest has waned. No offense to the top 10, but I think there were far better pieces of art that are no longer in contention. So, I’m leaving the voting up to those who actually care who gets what.
Jody, I understand your point of view. I see how ArtPrize has brought people to see artwork that may never have wanted to or thought to walk into a gallery or art museum before. But those who do make a habit of it are no less “real,” especially when they have supported your work. However, this isn’t entirely the argument that I am trying to make. Those who have had little or no experience with artwork before are getting exposed to a lot, both good and bad, and I think it is important to have a dialogue not only on WHAT is being viewed, but also HOW it is being viewed. You may have many more people viewing one piece of your body of work, but does the context in which they are viewing mean anything to you? We actually had a conversation about this in one of my classes today, and someone mentioned how, in order to see some of the work, they had to look over the heads of some of the diners at the B.O.B. (and I mention this venue specifically because this is sort of how the conversation started.) Ed had one experience with his family, and many others had different experiences. I think it is very ignorant of him to call those artists “idiots” who care about the context of their work and the viewing experience. That is what makes us artists; we spend time evaluating these contexts and experiences, regardless of what a business owner does or doesn’t do for us. (Also, I don’t see where Wynn mentioned being a student, and the proper spelling of my name is right before my post…) But I find it funny that you encourage me to stay in art school, as this is where the “elitists” are, the “unreal” people that view artwork. This is somewhat paradoxical of you.
John, I think a lot of people don’t realize the vote count went back down to zero, so I believe they might think their previous votes are counted as well.
I am not an art student currently, having received my BFA many years ago. But i do continue to learn, teach and make art. I tried to see as much of the art as possible in two 6 hour days, and got to almost half of the pieces. My experience of talking with the artists was awkward at best. Most of the artists i saw were there trying to “sell” me on their piece, as i was just giving it a quick glance because it was either uninteresting or poorly executed (sometimes both). I didn’t learn anything about art from those people, except maybe what not to do. And one of the most disturbing things i saw wasn’t a piece of art, it was a list of reasons why i should vote for a piece of artwork, including this reason – because the artist was “cute.” Wow, was that embarrassing, and i can make my own decisions on what beauty is, thank you. The good pieces of art i saw spoke for themselves, which is what good art should do. If the art speaks to me, then i may want to learn more about the artist, and i got to a talk at the UICA that allowed me to do that. Again, i enjoyed the experience, and it was good to see so many people out looking at art. The event was positive overall, but to say it was all good would be wrong, there was some devaluing of the artist and the artwork that was very sad. I do hope there is a little more thought put into how the venues curate next year to raise the quality level, and also how they present the art. I was very impressed with how the UICA approached the event, and would hope that other venues that host more than a couple pieces of art would take a similar approach. Jody, you say i need to learn more about art. Yes, that certainly is true, and i spend about 10 hours a day on it. I certainly hope you continue to learn more about art too.
Ed,
I hate to pop your bubble. Art doesn’t exist to serve something. A National Floral Show or Auto Show or even a Doctors convention can have a huge ancillary effect on a city. But it’s not the reason Artists participated. They participated in a Art Competition, not an event to help the City of Grand Rapids or The B.O.B sell donuts.
And no the Artists work was not exposed to the world as you contend. Grand Rapids?… yes. Michigan?… probably. The Mid West?…probably not. The world?….no. The professional Art World outside of Michigan mostly ignored this American Idol type competition.
And believe it or not you don’t have to wait for an ArtPrize event for yourself and your children to experience Art. You have a great brand new Art Museum thats open 6 days a week with new shows happening all the time. You have the UICA and great alternative space with exhibitions, movies and Art events. You have some great galleries in Grand Rapids that I trust would be happy to answer any questions about the Art or the Artist that you or your children may have. You are only about 3 hours away from Chicago where you can avail your family to one of the great Art centers of the world. All these opportunities existed before ArtPrize. You don’t need to wait till someone in a gallery “tells” you about Art. You can read, take classes about Art, attend openings, lectures, and educate yourself about what you are looking at and Art history. You don’t have to wait for The Devos Foundation to tell you it’s time to look at Art once a year. There is a big new world out there for you. Enjoy it.
Really Wynn, really. Are you kidding me or is this a joke and I did not get it. Let me get this straight, you found people marketing their work for an art contest disturbing. Then I am not sure how you even got through half of the pieces because everybody was marketing their work. Why? ArtPrize was a contest and the artist with the most votes wins, plain and simple. I would suggest that instead of spending 10 hours a day on art that you take at least 2 hours a day and learn the business side of art promotion. I get advertisements in the mail all of the time from different galleries and artists promoting a show. How is this any different? If you do not market your work, who knows where to see it? Paul Collins, Meijer Gardens, and UICA I have received many marketing items from them promoting art. In fact maybe you should stay up 24 hours because you DO have ALOT more to learn about art. Wow artist promoting their own work —–unreal.