ArtPrize: Exposed
In February 2014, the Grand Rapids Maker’s Group was given the opportunity to design a sculpture for the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts, to be entered into ArtPrize that fall.
The installation was to be displayed in front of a 4 story window facing Fulton St. The physical space was only 8’x8’, and with limited access due to the adjoining stairwell. The challenges were numerous, not only at the design and build stages, but also during installation.
With a core team, plus dozens of volunteers, thousands of labor hours were invested into Exposed. The theme for ArtPrize 2014 was collaboration, and this piece was truly a testament to the power of cooperative work. This was not the work of a singular artist, but of many, and each person involved was integral to the success of this project.
This piece has additional significance. Denise and Rex were heavily involved in the creation of Exposed, working with the team for more than 8 months to bring this vision into reality. That experience shaped the trajectory of their friendship and future artistic endeavors; working with a maker’s group was integral to becoming a maker. It set the wheels in motion for the development of this community, and for that we are forever grateful.
To learn more about Exposed, please visit the Facebook page: ArtPrize Exposed