It is funny trying to find the words to introduce this post. I don’t think there is any easy way to do it.
This week was my last week at ArtPrize. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but I feel like now is the time for new beginnings. The past four years have been filled with blood, sweat, tears, and beautiful art. I cannot even begin to tag the hundreds of artists, peers, teammates, collaborators, community members, volunteers, friends, and family that I have worked with. I am forever grateful for the experiences that I have had, and the people I have met along the way. ArtPrize has been the air I’ve breathed for four years, and it was truly a labor of love for the community and for myself.
Now, I am ready for new adventures and new passions.
I had a truly wonderful year, one filled with new opportunities, moments of joy, and connections that will stay with me for a long time. From traveling to Louisville, Indianapolis, and New York City for ArtPrize Pitch Nights, to joining the board of Hermitage at Diamond, to helping transform a parking garage into a gallery and supporting a Featured Public Project on the Grand Rapids Blue Bridge, it has been a year of meaningful work and creative adventure. There are so many more words I could use to reflect on this year, but in the spirit of the season, I will keep it simple… I am thankful and deeply blessed.
We're a 2025 @artprize venue! ⛪️ Hermitage at Diamond is proud to be active in @uptowngr during Artprize this year, September 18th - October 4th. Art collective @veil_gr is heading up the selection of artworks, and we are all collaborating to program the space with talks, sets, classes, and more. If you are interested in being platformed in this acoustically-tuned sanctuary, reach out to @yeah___media ! #artprize #uptown #grandrapids #stage
Grateful to have been part of organizing Break It Down | Make It Better, an annual regional arts conference that brings together artists, curators, and creatives to share ideas, spark collaboration, and build community.
Thanks to all organizers, @avenueforthearts , @all.art.works and @artprize for making this event possible, and to @kcadoffsu for sponsoring and hosting us! And BIG thank you to all that led or participated in panels, workshops, and presentations. Seeing the community come together and share ideas and push for change in the arts is truly inspiring.
Here’s to more conversations, connections, and creative breakthroughs! 💡🎨
📸: @veronicaleighphoto
#BreakItDownMakeItBetter #ArtsConference #CreativeCommunity #GrandRapidsArt”
A full-circle moment and a sweet reminder of why I love what I do.
Back in June, I had the privilege of representing ArtPrize as a juror for the Phoenix Pitch Night, presented by ArtWins Arizona. While in Phoenix, I met incredible people and witnessed some truly inspiring pitches. Cher Juracich was awarded the grant, and her stunning painting, “Rapture”, was featured at DeVos Place Convention Center as an entry in the 2024 ArtPrize competition.
Today, my intern Mali and I had the joy of hanging “Rapture” in Grand Rapids City Hall, ensuring that this powerful work continues to inspire and be enjoyed by the Grand Rapids community. Moments like these remind me of the lasting impact of art—connecting people, places, and ideas long after the competition ends.
#ArtPrize #PublicArt #GrandRapids #Rapture #ArtWinsArizona #WhyArtMatters
This past year has truly been a collection of unique experiences, joys, challenges, and triumphs. I have learned so much and still feel like I have more to absorb. To all the amazing humans I have shared this year with, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the lessons, the shared wisdom, the guidance, and sometimes course corrections. We have all come so far and there’s so much ahead that we don’t even know is coming. I can’t wait to meet the future with all of you.
P.s. I have so many more people to tag, but it only lets me tag a certain amount. Just know that I appreciate you all!
#artprize
Hello! I realize it is time for me to have a professional account. I am excited to share my latest work as the ArtPrize Exhibitions Manager and Internship Manager, curating meaningful art experiences and fostering the next generation of arts professionals. I am grateful for the opportunity to support creative voices in our community!
