Last Day

Today is the last day of Artprize. It’s been a full eighteen days. Full of art, a bit of commotion, perusing the internet, voting, contemplating, conversation, images, friends, observations, keeping track of, asking, listening, walking, watching, and eating…and that was just on my part. It’s Saturday and the streets are still full. I’m working and through the windows I see the art lookers are still coming in droves.

I prize art so much because someone has taken the time to capture and record an idea or impression. (It’s the same for writing.) This act of recording gives value to these ideas and to the experience of being. I appreciate this greatly. These ideas then shape us, inform us, expose us, push, and enlighten us. In an often monotonous world they sometimes offer something new. I need to be exposed to new ideas. I want to keep growing. Art does this for me.

What is sticking with me about Artprize 2009? Tommy Allen’s Kissing Booth photo’s on Flickr. Visiting venues with Linda, Jeanne, Betsy, and Lynn, I love them all. The comedy of grown people managing awkward inflatable wearable art sculptures while walking down the sidewalk. Comparing notes about what to see next with my officemate Melanie. Feeling delight that someone chose to paint a bright pink room even if artistically it meant little to me. Listening to people’s complaints, assessments, ego’s, and stories about it all. Hearing the crowd cheer as the planes came down. Watching a Fountain Street Church venue organizer tell Eric Standley they were going to buy his piece. The constant curious crowds. The view from the 28th floor. Talking with strangers about what we each thought. The open-mindedness of Rick DeVos and Jeff Meeuwsen. My appreciation for the paintings, most especially from Baker, Bauer, Bereza, Brandess, Duke, Duren, Harp, Hyma, Jepsen, Lowly, Marie, Mehaffey, Ortner, Poortenga, Rouleau, Serrano, Seven, Sobel, Sweemer, and Swierenga. I've really enjoyed the paintings.