Oh, hi! I didn’t see you there. I’m really excited that you have this magazine in your hands—or on your screen—and that we have the opportunity to share this with you. My name is Catlin Whitington, and I’m the Executive Director of ArtPrize, an international art competition that brings amazing artists and artwork from around the world to Grand Rapids, Michigan, every year.
I wanted to talk for a moment about something very close to my heart: the incredible power of art and how it’s a part of our everyday lives.
You might think that art is something you only see in museums or galleries but art is all around us! It’s the murals on buildings, the design of your favorite sneakers, and the graphics in video games. It’s not just about painting or drawing; it’s about expressing yourself and seeing the world in new and exciting ways. It’s about the personal expression that influences everything from technology to where and how we interact with each other.
One of the most amazing things about art is how it helps us grow. When you create art, you’re not just making something beautiful— it teaches us to be patient, to solve problems creatively, and to express ourselves. Whether you’re scribbling with crayons, snapping photos on your phone, or building something out of clay, you’re using your imagination to see the world from different perspectives.
Art also plays a role in our emotional well-being and can help us to relax and feel good or can help us work through challenges in our lives. It’s a way to express feelings that we might not have words for. When we look at art, it can inspire us, make us think, and help us understand the world around us.
At ArtPrize, we believe that everyone is an artist. We celebrate all kinds of art and all kinds of artists. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been creating for years, your art matters. Your unique way of seeing the world adds something special to our community. So keep drawing, painting, building, and imagining. Keep sharing your art with the world, because you never know who might be inspired by your work.
Remember, art isn’t just something we do—it’s a part of who we are. It’s how we connect with each other and how we understand ourselves better. So, the next time you pick up a paintbrush, a pencil, or even a piece of chalk, know that you’re doing something powerful. You’re expressing your own unique voice and making the world a more colorful, interesting place.
Thank you for being a part of this creative journey. I can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll create and share with the world. Be excellent to each other.
Catlin Whitington Executive Director, ArtPrize
In this issue...
About Cultivate:
Cultivate is an independent, artistrun arts organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We offer fine art education program, and artist resource center.
Actively teaching the Art and Artists of Artprize, Cultivate has created three magazines (grades K-3, 4-8, 9-12) that are Common Core standardized that can be a teaching tool and resource for art teachers and students year-round. These magazines will be distributed to art classrooms and schools across West Michigan and available at ArtPrize!
Cover:
Indigo
Baggs McKelvey 2020-2022
Denim, Paint, Staples
Hunter Museum of American Art, Chattanooga Tn
Photo credit: Mark Wood
Images:
Wheat Field by Agnes Denes Sycamore leaves edging the roots of a sycamore tree, Hampshire, 1 November 2013 (Andy Goldsworthy)
Lycée Français de San Francisco by Fabrice Florin, Aquatic Store Mural by Jay Galvin, Land Art by Sebastian Bertrand, Street Art, Montpellier by Caroline Léna Becker People in Art Museum by Marina Gr
Danielle Mims [Installation] Ephemerality @ Monroe Community Church VOTE ID 94841
Rowena Federico Finn Turbulence
Katya Grokhovsky [3D] Is There A Place @ Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University VOTE ID 92982
Shirin Abedinirad [Installation] Reflective Journey @ Grand Vaalley State University - Eberhard Center VOTE ID 18612
Leslie McGuire [3D] Dog Eat Dog World @ DeVos Place Convention Center VOTE ID 68301
Jay Pingree [2D] Ephemeral @ The B.O.B. VOTE ID 53515
Jenna Citrus [Photography] Contemplative Mirroring @ Fountain Street Church VOTE ID 35873
Curating:
Hannah Stevenson
Mallory Shotwell
Editorial/Copywriting:
Mallory Shotwell
Graphic Design/Spot Illustration:
Eric Osborne
Environmental Art
Exploration of Environmental Art and Its Impact on Ecological Awareness
In recent years, environmental art has emerged as a powerful tool in the movement towards ecological sustainability. This form of art not only transforms landscapes and urban environments but also shifts the way people think about the natural world and our role within it. By engaging directly with environmental issues, artists help to enhance public awareness and inspire community action towards preserving our planet.
Environmental art, often
referred to as “eco-art,” includes a wide range of practices and installations that involve an ecological perspective.
These works are created with sustainability in mind, often using natural materials or focusing on themes like biodiversity, water conservation, and the impacts of climate change. Artists like Agnes Denes and Andy Goldsworthy are renowned for their work in this field, using earth-based materials to create stunning visual pieces that also function as ecological interventions.
For instance, Agnes Denes’s project “Tree Mountain—A Living Time Capsule” involved planting 11,000 trees in Finland to form a mathematical pattern. Not only does this monumental piece of
land art reclaim a former gravel pit, but it also creates a sustainable forest for future generations. This work exemplifies how environmental art can reclaim and transform landscapes while educating the public about environmental stewardship.
Another notable artist, Andy Goldsworthy, uses intricate arrangements of leaves, rocks, ice, and other natural elements to create temporary works that highlight the transient beauty of the natural world. His creations often last only as long as the materials remain undisturbed, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of life and the need to preserve the delicate balance of our environment.
Environmental Art
Enviromental Art and its Impact
The impact of environmental art extends beyond the visual beauty or intrigue of the installations. These artworks serve as focal points for community and educational activities, bringing people together to discuss and reflect on environmental issues. They can often be found in public spaces, accessible to everyone rather than confined to the galleries of the art elite, making the messages of ecological conservation more widespread.
Schools and educational programs have also begun to incorporate environmental art into their curricula, recognizing its potential to engage students actively in ecological and artistic
endeavors. Through projects inspired by artists like Denes and Goldsworthy, students learn about the science of sustainability alongside creative expression, which helps to cultivate a deeper understanding and commitment to environmental issues.
Environmental art encourages viewers to reflect on their environmental impact and consider more sustainable lifestyles. It provokes thought about how art can be not just an object of contemplation but also a catalyst for social change. By witnessing how artists interact with and respond to the environment, people may feel more motivated to
engage in activities that support environmental health, such as recycling, conserving water, or supporting local conservation efforts.
Environmental art plays a crucial role in raising ecological awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility towards our planet. Through the creative use of natural materials and themes that advocate for sustainability, environmental artists not only beautify the world but also inspire action to preserve it. As this art form evolves, its influence on public attitude towards the environment remains a vital part of the cultural conversation about our ecological future.
Danielle Mims [Installation] Ephemerality @ Monroe Community Church VOTE ID 94841
Art School Diaries
Curious about what an art school or program involves? Art colleges focus on nurturing creative skills in various disciplines such as fine arts, design, and more, blending practical career preparation with artistic exploration. For instance, Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids offers students state-of-theart facilities and a diverse community, providing a rich environment for students to develop their talents and prepare for creative careers. Let’s learn more about art schools and its details
What are different options for art programs?
When considering art education, students can choose from several distinct institutional types, each with unique benefits tailored to various needs and career objectives. University art programs are embedded within larger universities, offering students a chance to engage in a broad liberal arts education alongside their art specialization. This setting is ideal for those who value a diverse academic exposure that blends both artistic and nonartistic disciplines, enhancing their versatility and broadening their career prospects.
Dedicated art schools, such as the Rhode Island School of Design or Kendall College of Art and Design, focus solely on art and design. These institutions provide an immersive environment where everything from the curriculum to the campus culture is centered on creative practices. Students benefit from intensive, studio based learning experiences and are part of a community that lives and breathes art, which is crucial for networking and building a professional portfolio.
Community colleges and technical schools offer another viable pathway, particularly for those seeking a more affordable and practical approach to art education. These institutions typically offer two-year degrees and certificates in specific art fields, providing foundational skills and technical training that prepare students for immediate employment or further education at a four-year college. This option is particularly attractive for students looking to minimize educational expenses while still pursuing their passion for art.
Art School Diaries
What programs or majors are at art school?
KCAD offers a variety of undergraduate programs in fields like Graphic Design, Illustration, Digital Media, Fashion Studies, and more. Each program focuses on hands-on learning and real-world application, ensuring students gain both technical skills and creative prowess. Classes are generally small, which means more personalized attention from professors and better interaction in workshops and studio sessions.
What is a typical day like?
The daily life of a KCAD student involves a mix of theoretical lessons in classrooms and practical work in studios. Students typically engage in a range of activities that go beyond simple lecture-based learning, including collaborative projects, hands-on workshops, and frequent critique sessions which are essential for artistic development.
What is homework like?
Homework at KCAD, similar to most art schools, usually involves project-based assignments that require students to apply what they’ve learned in class to create tangible artwork. These assignments often require significant time outside of class and can be quite intensive, reflecting the demands and standards of the professional art world.
What can someone do with an art major?
What are some Classes?
Introduction to Illustration
Watercolor Techniques
Advanced Inking
Natural Science Illustration
History of Modern Design
Renaissance Art and Architecture
American Art and Design
Sustainability and Design
Contemporary Art and Architecture
Graduates from KCAD go on to pursue various careers in the arts, depending on their area of study. This can range from working as professional artists or designers, taking roles in creative agencies, entering the fashion industry, or engaging in digital media and animation. The school’s focus on both creative skills and practical business insights helps prepare students for the diverse opportunities in the art and design sectors.
Interested in Art School?
For more specific details about programs and student life, it’s a good idea to visit KCAD’s official website or even arrange a campus visit to get a firsthand look at what the school has to offer. This can provide a more tailored view that aligns with specific interests and career goals.
Artists From The United States
Utah
Utah-based artist Shirin Abedinirad creates minimalist installation works that frequently feature reflective surfaces. Her installations often draw on natural imagery, employing optical effects that prompt viewers to reflect on their inherent sense of belonging.
Missouri
Leslie McGuire, an artist from Missouri, crafts ceramic pieces that convey her deep fascination with mortality, human existence, and the ephemeral nature of life. Her work invites viewers to contemplate the fleeting nature of our existence and the beauty found in shared human experiences.
Shirin Abedinirad [Installation] Reflective Journey @ Grand Vaalley State University - Eberhard Center VOTE ID 18612
Leslie McGuire [3D] Dog Eat Dog World @ DeVos Place Convention Center VOTE ID 68301
Artists From The United States
New Jersey
New York
Florida
Florida-based artist
Jenna Citrus employs a variety of processes and techniques alongside photography to produce works that intertwine the human form with elements of nature.
New Jersey-based artist Jay Pingree explores the concept of motion through his blurred paintings of people. By using bold brushstrokes and indistinct forms, Pingree’s paintings create the illusion of movement on a static canvas.
Ukrainian artist Katya Grokhovsky, now based in New York, utilizes a diverse array of materials in her work, which examines themes of displacement, migration, body, and gender. By blurring the boundaries between the personal and the political, Grokhovsky challenges viewers to reconsider the complexities of these issues.
Virginia
Virginia-based artist Rowena Federico Finn delves into themes of authenticity and belonging by integrating indigenous materials and traditional craft techniques. Her work serves as a bridge between her Filipino heritage and her American upbringing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity.
Rowena Federico Finn Turbulence
Katya Grokhovsky [3D] Is There A Place
@ Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University VOTE ID 92982
This article provides an overview of various art spaces and configurations that artists can engage with today. From individual artist studios to collaborative art groups and collectives, to educational and nonprofit centers, the landscape is rich and diverse. Each space offers unique opportunities and challenges, serving different purposes within the art community.
Art Education Spaces
Personal Studios
Art spaces come in many forms, each supporting the arts in unique ways. Individual artists often work in personal studios, focusing on developing their craft in a private, concentrated setting. Art groups, such as Black Girls in Art Spaces, provide communal support and visibility for underrepresented artists, fostering a sense of community and shared identity.
Art Collectives
Art collectives like Tandem Press or Prospect NOLA offer collaborative environments where artists can work together on projects, share resources, and inspire each other, leading to innovative and often interdisciplinary works. Art centers serve as hubs for educational programs, workshops, and public engagement, bridging the gap between artists and the community.
Project Spaces
Project spaces like the Wassaic Project in Wassaic, NY, focus on experimental and emerging art, providing artists with the space to try new concepts in a supportive setting. Arts resource spaces, such as Arts Midwest or Springboard, offer critical resources and guidance, helping artists navigate the practical aspects of their careers.
Art education centers like Artists of CPS Lives work within educational frameworks to integrate art into broader curricular activities, enhancing educational experiences through creative engagement. Nonprofit art centers like Redline Denver provide platforms for artists to engage with the community through outreach and education, often focusing on social issues.
Museums
Museums play a crucial role in their cities, enhancing cultural understanding and contributing to the local arts ecosystem by providing spaces where art and community intersect meaningfully! The Mattress Factory is renowned for its room-sized installations that engage visitors by transforming museum spaces into part of the art experience. This approach not only broadens the audience’s engagement but also deepens their appreciation of contemporary art. Meanwhile, the Grand Rapids Art Museum connects people through a diverse array of modern and contemporary exhibitions.
People in Art Museum by Marina Gr
Lycée Français de San Francisco by Fabrice Florin
Art Spaces and Programs
Community Spaces
The Laundromat Project in Brooklyn, New York, exemplifies a unique model of integrating art into community spaces to foster social change and neighborhood engagement. By transforming everyday locations like laundromats into creative spaces, The LP facilitates art projects that are accessible and relevant to the local community. They offer various programs that support artists of color in developing and showcasing their work directly in the neighborhoods where they live or work. This approach not only democratizes the process of art-making but also solidifies the role of art as a pivotal tool for community engagement and transformation, promoting a model where art is both a reflection of and a catalyst for the community’s aspirations and challenges.
Design YOUR art space
Imagine you’re starting your own art space or forming an art collective. What would it look like? Think about where it might be, what kind of art would be created there, how would it interact with the local community? Maybe it’s a digital art collective that meets online, or a pop-up gallery in an unusual space, like an abandoned building. Your task is to design this space or collective, focusing on innovation and community.
Artist Residencies
Artist residencies, such as Good Hart in Michigan, offer artists time and space away from their usual environments to create and explore new directions in their work without the distractions of everyday life.
Street Art, Montpellier by Caroline Léna Becker
Scale and Proportion
Let’s Explore Scale and Proportion!
Art Fundamentals: Scale and Proportion
Scale and proportion are fundamental elements in the design and execution of artworks. Scale refers to the size of an object in relation to another, while proportion deals with the relative size of parts within a whole. These concepts are vital in creating a sense of harmony, balance, and visual impact in art. By mastering scale and proportion, artists can manipulate the viewer’s perception, evoke specific emotions, or highlight particular aspects of their work.
Experiment with scale and proportion in a work of art! Try creating a piece where you play around with the sizes of different elements. For example, you could draw something small, like a ladybug, but make it as big as a car in your artwork. Or, think about changing the proportions within a single figure—what if you drew a person with really large hands? How does that change the way we see the image? This is your chance to get creative and think about how changing sizes and proportions can tell a different story or highlight certain details.
Aquatic Store Mural by Jay Galvin
Eco Art
What is Eco-Art?
Environmental art, or “eco-art,” has emerged as a powerful medium in the fight for ecological sustainability, leveraging natural landscapes and urban environments to foster a greater public appreciation for nature. This art form utilizes sustainable materials and themes centered on environmental conservation, featuring the works of artists like Agnes Denes and Andy Goldsworthy. By situating art in accessible public spaces, environmental art educates communities, inspires ecological stewardship, and promotes sustainable practices, making it a crucial part of the dialogue on environmental preservation.
Create Your Own Eco Art Project
Your challenge is to use recycled, upcycled, or naturally sustainable materials to construct a piece of art that not only looks great but also conveys a strong message about environmental protection. Consider how you can transform items like scrap paper, discarded plastics, or organic materials into a visually compelling and thought provoking artwork. Your final project will be evaluated on its creativity, use of eco friendly materials, and the effectiveness of its environmental message. This is a chance to express your artistic vision while advocating for a healthier planet.
Rick Vuyst [3D] Great Lakes Driftwood Creatures @ Waters Center/Homewood
Interview with an Artist
Lesley Ann Numbers - Professional Artist
With a background in art education and a lifelong love for old objects and the outdoors, Lesley finds inspiration in children’s artwork, vintage textiles and scientific illustrations, and all of the beautiful forms, colors, and patterns found in nature. Other sources of inspiration include: music, poetry, motherhood, spirituality, nourishment, botany, and humanity.
What inspired you to become an artist?
My biggest inspiration was becoming a mother. I’ve enjoyed art-making since I was a child and created art prior to motherhood but I was insecure about identifying as an artist. When I was pregnant, I felt empowered to claim the title and recognized that the roles of artist and caregiver are central parts of my identity.
Can you describe your creative process?
In general, I’ve had to balance art making with parenting, school and other work (primarily teaching). I don’t have a typical day although I do try to maintain some routines week-to-week. On Mondays, I take care of “office work”--responding to emails, completing online orders, filling out invoices, etc. On Tuesdays, I generally set aside some time to work at a cooperative print
studio. Almost every morning, I set aside a little time to draw while I drink my coffee. Throughout the rest of the week, I work on art projects when I can, usually at my dining room table.
What is your favorite art piece that you’ve created, and why?
One of my favorite pieces of art I’ve created is a reductive woodblock print, The Apocalypse is Blossoming. I created it in my second year in the MFA program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Previously, I had been feeling blocked and unsure of the direction I wanted my work to go. The print was a culmination of sketches of resilient local plants (and a family of hawks) that I drew throughout the summer and fall in 2019 and it came together
very intuitively. In the process of creating the print, I allowed myself the freedom to work large, break rules and play with color and printing methods and this shifted the direction of my printmaking practice. I completed the print in February 2020 and it felt oddly comforting to have the print close by throughout the pandemic, as a reminder of the resilience of the natural world.
What has been the most challenging project you’ve worked on?
Completing work in an MFA program; it was challenging to overcome the internal and external pressure to create several bodies of work in a short timeframe, knowing the work would be critiqued and judged
Interview with an Artist
beside my peers. Once I let go of my defensiveness and the notion that I needed to excel, the art flowed much more easily and authentically.
Who are your favorite artists, and how have they influenced your work?
A few of my favorite artists are Sister Corita Kent, Margaret Kilgallen, Monica Canilao, Swoon, Amos Kennedy, Bread and Puppet Press, Jeffrey Gibson and Nick Cave. I’m most influenced by the political conviction, care and humor they all infuse into their art. Aesthetically, I’m drawn to their varied uses of bold colors and patterns and incorporation of non-traditional materials. As a child, I was mesmerized by the art of Georgia O’Keeffe, Faith Ringgold, Matisse and Peter Max, as well as the patterns of Marimekko and botanical illustrations of Maria Sibylla Merian; they’ve all imprinted on my personal style.
Have you ever felt stuck while creating art? How did you overcome it?
Yes, I have felt stuck many times. Often, the feeling creeps up after I’ve completed a big project or when I’m in a moment of transformation. I’ve maintained an art practice for long enough that I know I go through cycles of inspiration, creation and rest. Re-framing the stuck feeling as a period of incubation and rest has been very helpful. I know I will enter another generative period
and if I can sit with the discomfort of not-knowing, often new ideas will emerge. Moving my body is one of the best ways I’ve found to shift from stuck to unstuck; most often this means walking my dogs or going for a hike, sometimes it can be showing up for a protest, participating in a community art project or running around with kids.
What advice would you give to someone my age who wants to start making art?
Allow yourself space and time to explore and play--with materials, ideas, styles of art-making. When you find something you enjoy, commit to doing that thing for a little while. It’s okay to copy other artists when you’re exploring, eventually your own ideas and ways of making will emerge. Seek out a community to create art with or alongside--a class, a collaborative project or a mentor. Look up Corita Kent’s Ten Rules.
Lesley Ann Numbers Fishing On the Sugar River
Art History - Street Art
Learn How Steet Art Evolution Has Become A Major Form of Contemporary Art
Once upon a time, in the bustling neighborhoods of Philadelphia, a young man known as Cornbread started a movement without even realizing it. In the late 1960s, driven by a desire to win a girl’s heart, he began tagging “Cornbread” across the city, marking the birth of what we now recognize as modern street art. This playful act of affection sparked a trend that would ripple through urban landscapes worldwide.
As the phenomenon spread to New York, the stakes and the walls got bigger. The subway trains and alleys became canvases for voices unheard and communities overlooked. Artists like TAKI 183 and Lady Pink scrawled their pseudonyms, transforming city transit routes into roving art galleries. In these moving galleries, every tag and mural told a story, captured an emotion, and claimed a space in the sprawling city.
Today, the legacy of street art is upheld by figures like Banksy, whose satirical and politically charged works appear overnight in cities around the globe. Street art, once seen as vandalism, now adorns the walls of major museums and galleries, provoking debate and inspiring a new generation. It serves as a democratic form of expression, reflecting society’s pulse and pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.
From Cornbread’s heart-driven tags to Banksy’s sharp societal critiques, street art has evolved into a vital narrative tool that paints the human experience onto the canvases of our cities. It tells the ongoing story of human emotion, political strife, and communal spirit, making it an indispensable strand in the tapestry of modern art.
