GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM)- Local architect Steven Fry recalls thinking, "Where could I put it that would be noticeable. Well, the blue bridge is very noticeable and if I put it on top it would be even more noticeable."
Attention is what the artists of the table and chairs exhibit wanted. And, attention is what they got.
The entry, formally named "Furniture city sets the table for the world of art," made it onto the Top 10 ArtPrize finalist list.
Fry says, "I tell you this wasn't easy to do. Along the way we had to raise a lot of money. We had to overcome a lot of engineering feats. We had to prove to the city of Grand Rapids we wouldn't harm this iconic, historical bridge that is over 100 years old."
Fry came up with the concept, then contacted artist Sarah Grant to collaborate. He hopes the messages she painted on the exhibit serve as inspiration to those who see it. He says, "I guess the message is if you believe in it you can get it done. You have to keep trying."
That type of tenacity is also seen in the mural titled "Imagine That!" which is displayed on the outer wall of the Grand Rapids Children's Museum. Artist Tracy Van Duinen says it took more than one thousand man hours to create the bricolage mosaic.
It was made with a variety of materials including small paintings created by children. He says it's an honor to be included in the final top ten. "What I want the community to walk away with from looking at our piece is, again, a sense of community. We really, that is what the art is about, that is how it was created and that is where it is left, out in the community," says Van Duinen.
Win or lose Van Duinen says the mural will stay a part of the museum and the Grand Rapids community.
Van Duinen says, "The mural is a perfect fit. It is a perfect fit for the Grand Rapids Children's Museum." He adds, "They are just a great organization. They've been a great organization and wonderful to work with."
by Angela Cunningham
In your voice
