ArtPrize Seven Begins

What is ArtPrize?

ArtPrize is a radically open, independently organized international art competition and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

For 19 days, three square miles of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, become an open playing field where anyone can find a voice in the conversation about what is art and why it matters. Art from around the world pops up in every inch of downtown, and it’s all free and open to the public.

It’s unorthodox, highly disruptive, and undeniably intriguing to the art world and the public alike.

How is it Unique?

• Open Call for Artists and Venues: Anyone over the age of 18 can be an artist and any space within the ArtPrize district can be a venue. Anyone can participate.
• Independently Organized: The entire ArtPrize exhibition is independently organized by venues and artists who connect through www.ArtPrize.org
• Public Vote and Juried Awards: 
Two $200,000 grand prizes and eight category awards, more than $500,000 is awarded. Half decided by public vote, and half decided by a jury of art experts.

Rochester Area Artist Larry Binkowski

Larry graduated from Rochester High School in 1970 and attended Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills. He took art classes with long-time instructor, Ray Katz. However, for the most part, Larry is a self-taught sculptor, now living in Auburn Hills.

Figurative and portrait sculpting in the public, as well as the private sector, is where Binkowski’s career began. That moved into working on product prototypes for a large toy company, then miniature figures for sports themed collectors, and props for films.

Larry enjoys the challenge of creating both soft edge and hard edge sculptures. He finds working with miniature pieces to be the most satisfying. From mold making to casting, he seeks out new projects and looks forward to the experience.

The Kiss

“This will be my 3rd year in ArtPrize and this year’s entry celebrates love, life and new beginnings. My sculpture entry this year features two life size figures. The female figure is noticeably on the brink of motherhood. She has an upward gaze possibly daydreaming of how their lives are soon to change. She is entering a time of excitement as well as great concern. The male figure sensing her trepidation leans in to give her a reassuring peck on the cheek. A simple gesture, but enough of a distraction to calm her anxiety. It is the artist’s hope that viewers of this piece will reflect on their lives and their special times as well. A sort of stop and smell the roses moment. The sculpture is constructed with a sealed masonry exterior.” ~Larry Binkowski

Last year Larry entered Angles on the Battlefield

How ArtPrize Works

Public Vote Awards – At ArtPrize, there are no spectators. Visitors like you who register to vote take an active role as judge and critic. Using mobile devices and the Internet, the general public chooses five Public Vote winners in two rounds of voting.

Juried Awards – In addition to the Public Vote, ArtPrize presents parallel Juried Awards—four $12,500 category awards and one $200,000 Juried Award Grand Prize. The jury also presents an award for Outstanding Venue, given to the curator of a Venue, not a participating Artist.

The Juried Awards are decided separate from the Public Vote, and it’s possible for an Entry to win both a Public Vote and Juried Award, including both Grand Prizes.

ArtPrize Seven Event Dates

September 23	Opening Day: Round 1 Voting Begins
September 28	Jurors’ Shortlist Announced
October 3	Round 1 Voting Closes
October 4	Public Vote Finalists Announced / Round 2 Voting Begins
October 8	Round 2 Voting Closes
October 9	Winners Announced at the 2015 ArtPrize Awards
October 11	Closing Day

162 venues will take part in ArtPrize Seven this fall. See them all.

ArtPrize HUB

41 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Visit the ArtPrize Website for all the details.