art happens

Ryan VanderMeer is an organizer for ArtPeers, avid Uptown supporter, and owner of Urban Pharm, which will be a venue during the inaugural ArtPeers event.

ArtPeers was born from multiple visions, driven by passionate locals, and catalyzed by the huge groundswell in support for the arts in Grand Rapids. At our first meeting last spring, we recognized that our neighborhood was home to a very strong art community—both in terms of artists and supporters. However, as one of the organizers observed, there is a lack of support for local art that is found in other cities. This organizer, who directs the Wealthy Theatre as his day job, has witnessed very talented performance artists play to empty houses. This lack of peer support for the arts brought him to the table to form ArtPeers.

Other organizers were inspired by the impact that art has on a community. As one pointed out, economic prosperity and cultural growth go hand-in-hand, and art provides vibrancy to an area that would otherwise be baron and shallow. This reminded me of the tale of the East Hills Center (of the Universe). Reb Roberts, of Sanctuary Folk Art, placed a painting at the corner of Lake Drive and Diamond at the contaminated site of a vacant gas station. The painting, which proclaimed East Hills as the center of the universe, now hangs in the building that carries the same name. Today, the site is home to Marie Catrib’s—one of the most popular restaurants in the city and a major vehicle for the transformation of the neighborhood in recent years. This building, amongst more than 30 others, will be a venue for ArtPeers, which is set for September 25-27.

Spectators and fans of ArtPeers, known simply as “peers,” can expect a fine showing of locally created art in many unique venues for the kick-off event. Many venues are planning something special to compliment the artists’ works, including food, drinks, displays, and music. There is no fee to enter, whether as an artist, venue, or peer. Though there are no prizes for the event, we feel as if the value that peer-supported art can add to a community far outweighs any puny prize that we could assemble. Any artists interested in participating are welcome to register on the website until midnight on September 7. An informational session will be held this Wednesday, September 2nd, at 6 pm at the Wealthy Theatre.

The mission of ArtPeers is “encouraging community patronage of locally created exhibitions, performances, performances and concerts, to advance a culture that nurtures local art and values local artists.” It will be the goal of the ArtPeers organization to fulfill this mission with multiple events throughout the year. As we move forward, we will keep you updated on the inaugural ArtPeers event right here on ArtPrizeGR.