art happens

My daughter was the first to tell me about it, and I think the bricolage on the side of the Children’s Museum is likely to remain her favorite of the competition.  Definitely catch it in the first half of day as the sun reflects brilliantly off the mirrored tiles making up a young girls flowing hair.  It’s quite an amazing piece and one not easily captured with a photograph. Imagine That! is the collaborative work of Tracy Van Duinen, Corey Van Duinen and Todd Osborne.

This is just one of many pieces that seem destined to become a permanent addition to the cultural fabric of Grand Rapids.  No matter which artists go home with the prize money, this city is clearly the real grand prize winner.  Am I being too dramatic?  I really don’t think so…

From the ArtPrize Artist Profile:

Description of work: Imagine That! celebrates the creativity and imagination of children. The three central figures represent children from all walks of life. Painted and tiled circles depict the wonder of kids at play. The mural also includes a scavenger hunt and word find to promote exploration and discovery.
A community mural, this piece includes small paintings created by children, teenagers and adults during workshops at the Children’s Museum and Grandville Art Center. These groups also placed tiles in the mosaic.

This mural is meant to be interactive and ever changing. Look closely, you will always find something new, like a child’s artwork or a quote. Viewed from a distance, you see something reflected in the mirrors that wasn’t there a minute ago: a passing car, a red shirt, trees blowing in Veteran’s Park. The reflection also changes with the passing of time. Morning to evening. Summer leaves change to Fall colors. Just like our children, the mural is never the same from one moment to the next.

Work statement: I believe strongly in using my art to empower people. I have worked with at-risk youth in Chicago’s inner city for twelve years to create large scale murals and sculpture. The process used to create the mural is part of the art form. It allows opportunity for community members to come together and build fellowship.