For Immediate Release

15 Artists Selected for ArtPrize 7 at GRAM: Nature/​Nurture

GRAM’s annual ArtPrize exhibition to feature diverse collection of works from nationally renowned artists

The Grand Rapids Art Museum has officially selected 15 artists to feature in its ArtPrize 7 exhibition, Nature/​Nurture. The selected works are from local, regional, and national artists in media including photography, painting, sculpture, fiber art, video, collage, and mixed media. Each of the ArtPrize entries play a unique role in the thematic exhibition, which brings together art that addresses the natural world, the relationships that shape and define us, and ideas about our human impulses and behaviors.

​“I’m excited about GRAM’s ArtPrize 7 exhibition,” said Ron Platt, Chief Curator. ​“We’re presenting the work of some amazing artists, all of whom are making great art individually. In bringing them together, we are exploring the concept of nature versus nurture from a variety of unique perspectives. I’m really looking forward to the public’s reaction when they visit GRAM.”

Two artists who will be featured in Nature/​Nurture have received Artist Seed Grants through their participation in ArtPrize. Judith Braun and Armando Ramos have each received a $2,000 grant presented by the Frey Foundation for their ambitious and challenging ArtPrize entries. Artist Seed Grants are intended to assist in the professional development of artists who demonstrate financial need and artistic merit.

GRAM’s ArtPrize 7 lineup:

ARTIST
John Bankston
Jetshri Bhadviya
Judith Braun
Stephen Dean
Jess Dugan
Carlee Fernandez
Paula Kovarik
Parisa Ghaderi
Scott Hoyle
Anne Lemanski
Dylan Miner
Monroe O’Bryant
Shannon Plumb
Armando Ramos
Krista Schoening
TITLE
*
Manifestations of the Ipseity
As Above
Pulse
To Survive on this Shore
Arranging Family
*
Wish You Weren’t Here
Blue Ribbon
Blue Go-Go
*
Realistic Neglects
Rattles and Cherries
Kind Regards
Dahlia

* To be determined

GRAM Members will receive exclusive benefits during ArtPrize 7. Members will be among the first to view Nature/​Nurture—with the opportunity to meet GRAM’s ArtPrize artists — as their work is unveiled at the Exclusive Member Preview at 6:00 pm on September 16, 2015. Other perks for GRAM members will include the opportunity to avoid the crowds with GRAM’s early member-only hours, the ability to skip the lines with access to the Museum’s exclusive member entrance, and access to the Member Terrace where guests are invited to sit back and relax when they need a break in the action and excitement of ArtPrize. These benefits will be available to GRAM members and up to four guests throughout the competition.

GRAM will also offer several self-guided, group, and artist-led walking tours on select dates, which can be found at artmuseumgr.org/tours.

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