Art Prize - Grand Rapids MI

ArtRat Gallery announces its ArtPrize 2024 lineup

'Lucky 13' welcomes 13 guest artists in a variety of media.

Grand Rapids, MI, September 9, 2024 — ArtRat Gallery today introduced the 13 artists it will host during ArtPrize 2024: Emma Bandos, Isabel Dowell, Trinja Henrickson, Missy Hines, Renee Kuharchuk, Wendy Liang, Emily Moores, Lux Pax, Maxwell Pearce, Tammy, Michael Thorensen, Zachary Trebellas and Robyn Wall. ArtRat co-owner and resident artist Nancy Tobin completes the lineup — the largest group show the gallery has presented to date.

“We feel very lucky to share our walls with all these amazing guests!” Tobin said. “While each work is utterly distinct, the artists in our 'Lucky 13' share a commitment to image-making that harmonizes beautifully in this show.”

Renee Kuharchuk’s (VOTE ID 55120) work captures close-up portraiture that experiments with dynamic brushwork and abstract colors. Through painting the human form, she explores themes of feminism and the human experience. As a woman battling anxiety and depression, her practice not only brings these issues to light, but creates a space for self-healing and, on a broader scope, awareness of our inner battles. 

Her work has been recently on display at Vibrant Cast Gallery in Chicago, Illinois and at Side Street Studios in Elgin, Illinois. Her solo show "Emotionally Heightened" has been featured in Chicagoland's paper: The Daily Herald & in Gita Joshi's London-based curators' platform The Curator's Salon. 

This Is What We Carry

We are so excited to welcome all to this community art show. The featured artists in this group show share deeply personal stories through their work on their complex relationships with religion.

Work by: Azul Nogueron, Lizzy Sullivan, Simone Athena Scigousky, Connor Young, owen tardy, Mark Blickley, Katharine Oltrogge, Sarah Foley, Jassiel Serna, Rebecca Ebben, Karis Harrison-Rucker, Geneva Hutchinson, Wen Cordero Rugama, Magdalena Kamphausen, Renee Kuharchuk, Alex Rummel, Maria Vazquez, Casey VanderStel, Grace Holsten, Delaina Doshi, Charlea Taylor, Nikki Kelsay, Abbie Krider, Maryjane Reilly, Mel Ramaker, Lillian Heredia, Scumdrop, lauren kingsley schoepflin, Morgan Brothers, Eva Sturm-Gross, Rainn Thomas, Maggie Hart, Zahra Ali, Sarah E. Rieser, Clau Rocha, Dani Massey, Marie Magnetic

The opening night will be an open house to explore the 40+ artworks installed around this 100-year-old church building and meet the artists. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are provided. The event is free and RSVP is recommended to receive the most updated information, but not required to attend.

This show contains themes of religious and spiritual trauma, sexual trauma, homophobia and transphobia, some nudity and graphic images, and other heavy themes, and may not be suitable for children.

Official Website

Sound and Soul Art Show

The Sound and Soul collection explores the profound impact of sound on the human experience. This is body of work by Chicago based artist focusing on the collaboration of visual images and sound.

Year 11 - Side Street Studios

Side Street Studio Arts, NFP was founded in 2013 as an outlet for the Elgin arts scene. Side Street provides educational and creative resources and an inclusive space, run by artists. Side Street’s mission is to support the artist and artistic journey through collaboration.

This is one of the biggest visual art shows of the year! Jurors will select artists for recognition and awards. The Crowd Favorite (voted on during the opening reception) will receive our top cash prize! Come vote for your favorite and celebrate with us.

Performances by Angrous Jeffries, Atrocious Poets, and more!

Guest Judges: Joshua Dixon, Iga Puchalska, Marc Thayer