(Courtesy, Fredrik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park)
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is now accepting entries for the annual Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition.
Celebrating its 21st year, the annual competition welcomes artists from around the globe to respond to the beauty of Meijer Gardens in their work. Through the generosity of the Loeschner family, the winning entries (one each in two-dimensional and photography) will receive $5,000 purchase awards in addition to becoming a part of the renowned Meijer Gardens permanent collection. The competition is open to all artists 18 years old and older who are working in a two-dimensional format.
Artists are encouraged to submit original two-dimensional works (e.g., drawing, print, pastel, painting or photography) inspired by Meijer Gardens. To participate, artists may register online at MeijerGardens.org/award by Friday, Nov. 11. The winner will be chosen and announced in January 2023.
Since 2002, the Loeschner Art Completion has sought outstanding artwork inspired by Meijer Gardens, with the objective of collecting high-quality work that celebrates the beauty and inspiration Meijer Gardens provides. For more information and to view past winners, visit: MeijerGardens.org/award
Kent District Library, Schuler Books and two other libraries from across Michigan announce the eleventh annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest, which drew almost 1,200 entries last year.
Michigan writers of all ages are invited to enter, with separate categories for youth, teens and adults. Writers can enter in either English or Spanish. Winning entries will be published and receive cash prizes.
“So many writers have the goal of getting their story published, and Write Michigan gives them that opportunity,” said Katie Zuidema, marketing communications specialist at KDL. “Not only do writers have the chance to win $500, but their story could also be available to the masses in a bookstore and on library shelves across the state.”
Laying Out the Rules
Stories can be submitted at writemichigan.org through Wednesday, Nov.30. Details include a 3,000-word maximum length; $10 entry fee for ages 18 and above, free for 17 and under; current Michigan residents only; all entries must be submitted online.
There will be four cash prizes given in each of the three categories ― Judges’ Choice ($500), Spanish Language ($500), Readers’ Choice ($250) and Judges’ Choice Runner-up ($250). The top ten stories in each category will be reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of published authors, editors, professors and literary agents. A public vote will determine the winners of Readers’ Choice.
Winners will be honored during an awards ceremony in April and their story will be published in an anthology by Chapbook Press. Author Caitlin Horrocks as the Write Michigan keynote author for 2023.
Those who enjoy reading stories are encouraged to sign up to be a volunteer story reviewer at writemichigan.org/volunteer.
Getting Inspired
Traverse Area District Library and Canton Public Library are partners this year and will work to attract writers and volunteers from their part of Michigan.
New this year is a community of writers online through Facebook (facebook.com/WriteMichigan) and Instagram (@write.michigan). Also Kent District Library is offering a programming series geared towards writers and aspiring writers, covering topics like getting published, the art of description and developing strong characters. For more details, including dates, times and locations, visit writemichigan.org/writers-conference.
Entries being accepted for the 2012 Regional Arts Exhibition.
There have been a few changes to this year’s Regional Arts Exhibition, which is part of the annual Festival of the Arts, a celebration of the arts community that runs the first full weekend in June in downtown Grand Rapids.
This year, organizers have announced they would only be accepting online registration from those interested in participating in the event. Artists may go to http://festivalgr.org/regional-arts to preregister. Printed entry forms will not be provided this year.
Entries will still have to be brought to the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, 2 W. Fulton St., May 12 – 14. According to Fred Bivins, the chair for the Regional Arts Exhibition, the change gives artists several options. Artists can go to the website and print the labels that go on the back and pay online if they wish. If an artist does do that, the bar codes that are included for each work will minimize handling of works and reduce the number of hours volunteers have to put in to track every entry, Bivins said.
Artists can enter one, two, or three pieces through the online system and when he/she complete the simple form he/she will receive an email with the labels included as a pdf. Just print the sheet and affix the labels. Bivins did note that if an artist does bring in his/her works and has not preregistered, volunteers will go through the same process and print out the labels at that time, which will take a little more time than those who preregister.
Parking will be limited this year as the city of Grand Rapids has informed organizers it has leased most of the parking spaces in the gallery ramp located next to the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, where the exhibition will be this year. For that reason, Bivins said Festival will not be using the fourth floor ramp. Take in will be from UICA’s Commerce Avenue entrance. Meters will be hooded and there will be signs to direct people.
Because artwork will have to be transported through several doors and hallways this year, the size allowed has changed. Artists are encouraged to visit the website to check on what sizes are being accepted.
This year’s jurors are: 2-D, Matt Schenk, who was the Regional Arts recipient of the UICA’s annual solo award; 3-D, potter Rita Shields; and photography, Filippo Tagliati, an associate professor of photography and video at Grand Rapids Community College.
Here are the important dates.
Take In of Entries:
Thursday, May 12, noon – 5 p.m.
Friday, May 13, 4 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Jurying, Saturday, May 14
Give back of non-selected Entries:
Thursday, May 19, Noon – 5 pm
Friday, May 20, 4 pm – 7 pm
Saturday, May 21, 10 am – 2 pm
Hanging Schedule –May 19 – May 27
Awards Selection – May 23 – May 26
Purchase Awards – May 25
Opening Reception – May 27
Closing Reception – June 26
Pick Up Selected entries after the show ends:
Sunday, June 26, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. (after the Opening Reception)
Monday, June 27, noon – 5 p.m.
Festival of the Arts will take place June 3 – 5 in downtown Grand Rapids and along with the Regional Arts Exhibition, includes an array of activities with performances, a youth art exhibition, children and adult art activities and much more. Visit festivalgr.org for more information.
