ArtPrize 2023: Behind the Scenes of Our Creative Installation
Written by Tracy Barrilleaux
When we decided to send in our application for ArtPrize this year, we didn’t know what to expect or if we’d even be accepted, but to our surprise, we were!
With the timing of this event running through the middle of our Kickstarter campaign, it felt like divine order, but it also meant that we had to devise a plan to install 47 pieces of art, which is not an easy task in a space you’ve never been in before. So myself along with Kellie, volunteered to go down to Grand Rapids to install the art pieces, my car packed with art, and all the supplies needed for the creation of our installation.
At first glance, the wall space felt massive, yet confined somehow, so we took a long time to just be with the space, feeling the energy and coming up with a plan. Next we carefully laid down cloth so we could have the pieces laid out on the floor to see all the sizes, textures, frames, colors and meanings, asking the art how it wanted to be displayed. After holding up some of the larger pieces to the wall, the plan became very clear, and it felt like the art guided us to where they wanted to be.
Our desire to create was not just a visual representation of the art pieces, but also the design behind the installation itself having larger meaning. How the eyes move through the display should take us on a familiar dance, the infinity symbol or lemniscate dance of the bee.
Our hope was that the observer would feel the piece as a whole collection that relies on each of its sister pieces to complete the project.
Just as we rely upon each other, to work as a collective, supporting each other through life. We hope you feel this intention, and loving energy when you visit!
P.S. Special thanks to the ladies who volunteered to come out to help support the installation, your can-do energy was greatly appreciated.
ArtPrize runs September 14th through October 1st. We are lovingly being hosted by the Roeda Studio, a fun, bright art studio on the north end of town.
Roeda Studio 1615 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
We hope you come out to view the pieces, our display and vote for our collection!
Here are the instructions to vote if you’re planning to visit:
1. Simply scan the QR code for an entry of your choice to start the registration process.
2. Enter your phone number and follow the prompts
3. Go look at art and explore all that Grand Rapids has to offer.
4. Vote along the way!
Note: You must register to vote/scan your first entry within the ArtPrize district boundaries. Voting is open from September 14 - September 28. You can register as early as Sept 7, 2023, but votes don’t count until the event starts (Sept 14th @ 5 p.m.).
Vote for all entries during Round 1 to help decide the Top 25 Public Finalists. In Round 2, you’ll vote again to choose the winners from among this group. The Artist with the most votes wins the $125,000 Public Vote Grand Prize, followed by the second-place entry awarded $50,000 and the third-place entry awarded $25,000.
