ArtPrize: Open competition or capitalist casino?

Potluck Discussion/Critique with Grand Rapids Artists.

Saturday Sept 25 2 – 4 pm

The Bloom Collective

Steepletown Center, 671 Davis  NW

(Corner of 5th & Davis)

Bring a dish to pass. The Bloom will provide vegan options.

As its non-official entry, The Bloom Collective is hosting a potluck/discussion/critique, ArtPrize: Open Competition? Or Capitalist Casino? on Saturday Sept. 25.  How many artist hours are gambled away in the ArtPrize Slots? Who really gets the big pay-off? Does it truly benefit the GR arts scene?

These are some of the issues that four local artists will address while facilitating a discussion where all will be welcome to share their comments about and experience with ArtPrize.

African American Artist Derrick Hollowell will share about his experience with 2009’s ArtPrize. In spite of having a registered venue and being registered as an artist, the ArtPrize map printed in the Grand Rapids Press did not include him–not just once but every time. His Project US encouraged a collective approach that encouraged folks from African American neighborhoods to come out, visit and vote for their ArtPrize choices; his entry was a provocative collective exhibit of artists and art events.

Other local artists facilitating include Alynn Guerra of  Red Hydrant Press;  Brett Colley, UICA curator and GVSU Professor of Art and Paul Wittenbraker of Civic Studio, also a GVSU Professor of Art.

For info, email bloomcollective@gmail.com or visit

www.thebloomcollective.org.