AQ & ArtPrize

"ArtPrize is a radically open competition. Open to any artist in the world who can find space. Open to anybody in Grand Rapids, Michigan who wants to create a venue. Open to a vote from anyone who attends." >Visit artprize.org

This year 1,517 artists are displaying their works in 161 downtown Grand Rapids locations (within a 3-square-mile radius). The competition runs from September 19 through October 7, 2012. Artists will be competing for $560,000 in prizes - $360,000 awarded by public vote, and $200,000 awarded by a professional jury.

Aquinas College is proud to be a sponsor of ArtPrize 2012!

"City Band," the work of Aquinas College alumnus and art professor Chris LaPorte '96, finished in 10th place in ArtPrize 2012. 1,517 artists completed in the annual art competition. The finalists and winner of ArtPrize are determined by public vote. >More on "City Band"

LaPorte was the winner of ArtPrize 2010 with his piece "Cavalry - American Officers 1921." "Cavalry" is on display in the Grace Hauenstein Library.

Aquinas College’s connection to ArtPrize began four years ago when the Diocese of Grand Rapids brought in AQ Art Department Professor Ron Pederson, M.F.A, to serve as a consultant in the selection of sculptures to be exhibited. A success, the exhibition led to the establishment of Cathedral Square as an ArtPrize Showcase Venue.

Aquinas has seen an increased connection to the yearly ArtPrize event. For ArtPrize 2012, the AQ Admissions and Alumni Relations offices will work alongside the Grand Rapids Diocese in event scheduling and support. In addition to being the curator for Cathedral Square during ArtPrize 2012, Pederson and his wife, Miriam Pederson, M.F.A., associate professor of English (pictured together at left), will show a combination of sculpture and poetry known as WHAT at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.