What is ArtPrize?

From the Heart

Oragami volunteers

Almost 4,000 origami birds + Lots of dedicated friends + Four paintings + Visitor participation = ArtPrize 2013

I’m so thankful for the dedication and generous support for everyone who helped Wing and a Prayer take flight. Over thirty friends and friends of friends volunteered 630 hours to help assemble almost 4,000 origami paper birds. Families within Hope Network shared stories and models posed for the artwork. Wing and a Prayer also invites ArtPrize visitors to participate in the artistic process.

ArtPrize is the world’s largest open art competition since 2009. For 19 days, the Grand Rapids downtown area changes into an art venue while public-based voting decides the winner. This unique event involves local and international artists, art, and the active participation of the community.

ArtPrize 2013: Wing and a Prayer

General

Wings of Life detail

ArtPrize 2013 Artist

Wing and a Prayer
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
September 18 through October 6

VOTE 55278

Celebrating the children within Hope Network

Setting up for ArtPrize 2013

Young Sadako was diagnosed with leukemia after the 1945 atom bomb destroyed Hiroshima. Although Sadako loved to run, she was soon too weak. An ancient Japanese legend states that by folding a thousand paper cranes one’s wish for health would be granted. So Sadako began folding cranes.

Sadako didn’t finish folding all the birds before she died. But because of Sadako’s tenacity for life, her classmates completed the cranes, and her father placed the thousand paper cranes in her casket. Since then, Sadako’s hope has inspired other children around the world to soar above adversity.

Hanging a note for Wing and a Prayer

Wing and a Prayer also invites viewers to respond by hanging a wish or a prayer on the wall for a child. Like the draft under a bird’s wing, each wish or prayer uplifts a child in need—whether the challenge is physical, mental, or emotional. As the notes rise up the wall, they transform into thousands of paper birds and give hope wings.

Find out more on my ArtPrize 2013: Wing and a Prayer page

Note: Models and pseudonyms have been used.

Healing Power of Art at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Behind the Artwork

Silent being painted

Silent, Oil on canvas, 6 ft x 10 ft, 2013

Since 2011, I have worked with Toni and other Congolese refugees now living in West Michigan. My life collided with these Congolese women when at an event their native dresses trimmed in cowry shells captivated my artistic eye. But I didn’t realize then that these new friendships would lead me on a path into the heart of Africa: a place unsafe to be a woman.

Though the flames of adversity blazed through each of their stories—leaving massive damage—these women are rising out of the ashes and rebuilding a new future for their families and their nation. My presentation, Healing Power of Art, gives a glimpse into the fierce determination of these remarkable women.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is featuring Courage Ablaze through my presentation in their ArtPrize speaker series on Tuesday, September 17, 2013. Join us for lunch and learn more about the Healing Power of Art.

Purchase tickets online on the Grand Rapids Public Museum event page or contact the museum at 616.456.3977.

Courage Ablaze  Selected Exhibition and Collections:

  • Regional Art Exhibition (LOMA award); Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Women’s Works (First place), Old Court House Arts Center; Woodstock, Illinois
  • Permanent Collection at Grand Valley State University
  • ArtPrize (Voted Top 100); Grand Rapids, Michigan