ArtPrize 2011: Edgar Mueller's 'Phoenix'

It's time for ArtPrize again in Grand Rapids--an annual art competition that is open to any artist from anywhere in the world.  Last year, RepcoLite participated by donating some paint to some of the artists.  We did the same thing this year and wanted to take a moment to highlight those artists and what they created using RepcoLite Paints!

First up is international artist, Edgar Mueller.  His entry in the contest is one of the most unique works we've ever seen.  It's a 3D illusion painted on the parking lot of the City Art Gallery in Grand Rapids.  From one perspective, it just looks like a lot of paint all over the parking lot.  From the right perspective, the illusion comes together and you see something truly remarkable:  asphalt crumbling away into an open chasm out of which a Phoenix rises.

Amongst other paint, Edgar made use of RepcoLite's NEW (to be released next Spring) Endura Exterior Paints.  These paints provide vivid colors and remarkable fade resistance.  They're perfect for your home . . . and an international artist's ArtPrize entry.

Go see Edgar's work in person...or at least take a look below!  Or, better yet...do both!

A Self-Centered Portrait of Grand Rapids

If you've been reading this blog regularly, you realize that RepcoLite got involved with a number of Art Prize artists this year.  We worked with them and donated all the paint they needed in order to complete their projects. 

We've already spotlighted Dan Fenelon and Michael Mayorsky.  Today, we'd like to introduce you to Brian Reeves and his one of a kind entry. 

Brian's work is entitled a "Self-Centered Portrait of Grand Rapids" and that's exactly what it is--though probably not for the reasons you may think.  Watch the video to get a feel for what Brian's doing--it's very cool.

Meet Michael Mayorsky, Art Prize Artist

This week, I've been spotlighting some of the ArtPrize artists who RepcoLite was fortunate enough to work with during this year's contest.  Today, I want to show you some of the work done by Michael Mayorksy.

Michael's from Illinois and he's tackled one of the most ambitious ArtPrize projects I've seen:  a 5-story mural on the side of the Goodspeed Lofts building on Grandville Ave. in Grand Rapids.

I stopped by and spoke with Michael yesterday and was surprised to hear that none of this painting was worked out ahead of time--none of it.  He simply pulled into Grand Rapids a couple weeks ago, took a long look at the side of the building and started painting what came to mind.

It's an amazing piece and it's easily going to be one of the highlights of ArtPrize this year.  Be sure to get there and check it out in person.  But, in case you can't make it . . . or to whet your appetite . . . here are some shots of the work in progress.

Meet Dan Fenelon, Art Prize Artist

ArtPrize starts tomorrow--it's a huge art competition in Grand Rapids involving, among other things, a Grand Prize of $250,000.

It's an amazing event that will draw thousands and thousands of visitors from all over West Michigan and beyond to see the works of over 1,700 artists from all over the world.

Today I want to briefly introduce you to one of these artists, Dan Fenelon.

Dan's a mural artist (among other things) who's created a huge, 30' x 120' mural on the side of the Witters building in Grand Rapids. This building houses The Dwelling Place and Ferguson Dental Center and is now home to an enormous, colorful mural painted entirely with RepcoLite Paints.

 

 

Early this summer, Dan contacted RepcoLite and made arrangements for us to supply all of the paint he'd need for this bold, bright and colorful mural. We were happy to comply and, after seeing the results, we're thrilled to be associated with Dan's work.

So often, our exterior paint is made up in the colors of the day: clays, taupes, greys, forest greens . . . and occasional burgundy for a front door . . . you get the idea. It's not often that we get to go nuts and show people that our paint can be as bold and bright and powerful as they can imagine. It just takes some creativity and you can do wonders!

And that's not just true in the art world. I'm hoping people will see Dan's work for Art Prize and will start to realize that they can make a powerful statement in (and on) their own homes. Oh, maybe not as bold or crazy as Dan's work--but still, something that stands head and shoulders above the crowd.

Anyway, check out Dan's mural during Art Prize and be sure to cast your vote for him!  (And follow his progress on his blog!)