Yesterday I listened to a dialogue about art, the quality of what is represented in Artprize, and educating people as to what “good” art is. It was frank and rather courageous I thought, on several fronts. The conversation occurred during Kendall College of Art & Design’s lunchtime speaker series. Artprize creators Rick DeVos and Jeffrey Meeuwsen were the scheduled speakers.

Things got down to brass tacks quickly when a trained-in-the-arts member of the audience expressed concerns that Artprize not turn Grand Rapids in a “joke” in the art world. Speaking for her peers she objected to the “carnival-” and “circus-" like nature of Artprize. Pointing out that the quality of most of what made it into the top 25 vote getters wasn’t that good. She owned the “elitist” title that she believed some have placed on her. DeVos agreed that there is a lot of “bad art in Artprize.”

These led to thoughts about artists stepping up and helping to educate the public about art. Also, about the importance of inclusiveness and keeping the event accessible to new and upcoming artists, trained or not. And if trained artists might get paid for getting involved with the education process.

The dialogue fell into countering the comments of “the elites.”

An artist who's chosen not to seek formal training and read books to meet her needs said that others like her throughout history have started art movements. (Is that true?)

A student said when he hears that “someone wants to educate me,” he believes “they stop listening.”

“Don’t change a thing,” said another.

Applause met every perspective.

Rick and Jeff want to raise the bar on the quality of art in Artprize, and once the top ten are announced will begin talking about the pieces they felt were overlooked. They welcomed the honest dialogue and encouraged more of it. Friday night there is a critique of the top ten at the U.I.C.A. I probably won’t make it and am curious if the comments there will be just as honest.

I was impressed with the openness and unruffled nature of these guys. They heard it all and did a good job of bringing things back to center, clearly knowing tensions like these would arise. Rick expressed the importance of having educated, trained artists in general, and in Artprize. Jeffrey, the importance of keeping it inclusive. They are collecting feedback from all sources…for next year.

Criticisms aside, most in attendance applauded the event as a success.

I applaud the courage and the stomachs of these guys for affecting change in Grand Rapids.