WSJ, the Wall Street Journal magazine, has a disturbing article about the financial state of American Museums…severe financial distress. The article goes on to highlight an unlikely location for a model of urban revitalization and public engagement in the world of art…Grand Rapids, MI. ArtPrize is the brainchild of Rick Devos. The premise is to sponsor an art competition in Grand Rapid’s recession-hit center, offer a big grand prize $250,000, and let the winner be decided by public vote. (An aside: his grandfather founded Amway and an uncle founded Blackwater)
One of the 2009 finalists is Jason Hackenwerth. WOW!!! You can see more of his work here. It feels a little creepy-crawly…but I like it.
Ornamental Elements 
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