I live in a cool city

ArtPrize has rocked my world. If you don't live close enough to pay Grand Rapids MI a visit before Oct. 10, I'm sorry but you may need to weep.

Over 1700 pieces of art from living and working artists from all over the world have converged in one place to celebrate God's mighty gift of creativity. Creativity, the only real evidence that we were created in His own image, as far as I can see. God has endowed mankind with the urge to create. The massive differences between how we each choose to express those urges is what makes each one of us unique.

I've seen an udderly cool cow created from all kinds of tiny cows, a fountain of light, a flower mosaic made of trash, and an entire church space covered with some of the most beautiful art pieces honoring God. That was just a fraction of what I saw tonight. And we've been down to view 5 days so far. We haven't even scratched the surface!

We've had lovely talks with artists on the street who have come from far away to share their vision with the people. We saw people hanging out on bridges, playing music, singing and enjoying the crisp nights. I've struck up conversations with other patrons over pieces...and everyone is smiling. You'd think someone put Prozac in the city water system.  Ok, so that's another conversation.

How does one turn an entire city into an Art gallery? I'm just blown away by how many venues have been willing to let total strangers come in, alter their spaces and willingly staff and stay open often past normal business hours. I get that there is money involved, but deep in my heart I think people would participate in ArtPrize, even if money wasn't a factor. The real prize is how alive my city is. Thanks to all who made it possible!

Dag Blame It!

Or some other colloquialism that means I wish I hadn’t… I just forgot about my blog again. And honestly, the last time I went to log in I forgot my password. So after all of that, here I am - back again. Since last post we have attended two weddings and two funerals. Matt’s dad passed away in March and his Aunt Mag passed away Aug. 1. Janine and Curt celebrated their nuptials in June and Amy and Robert in July.

 

This summer has been busy busy! We had two family reunions in August for my family and one In July for Matt’s – in honor of his Grandma Margarita’s 100^th birthday!

I created a cool scrapbook in her honor, filled with pictures dating back to 1911! What a BIG life she has lived. Hat’s off to you Grandma Marge (or Marge Simpson as she is known). 

 

We went up North (or northern Mi for those of you who don’t inhabit the Great Lakes State) and visited friends Beth and Jeff. We also went to Frankenmuth and ended our journey in Rochester Hills, where I used to live. We met Linda (haven’t seen her in 15 years) for lunch. We got to visit with my grand-God child, who will be a year old in Sept.! Mackenzie, what a little doll! Her mom Kristen, dad Paul, Grandma Leslie and Grandpa Tom. We enjoyed a show of a tornado just missing our outdoor picnic by a couple of miles.

 

With all that business there has been little time for art, but lately I have found some. I made some fun wall art assemblages and collages. Will post some as soon as I get them photographed. Working on some Halloween art as well, tis the season after all. Love those black cats!