Legacy Trust and Artists Creating Together Seek Submissions for Possible Inclusion in ArtPrize

March 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Grand Rapids, Michigan, March 5, 2012 – After two successful collaborations, Legacy Trust and a local arts organization are again looking for adult artists with disabilities to compete in this year’s Legacy Trust Award Collection.

A statewide art competition designed to encourage participation in ArtPrize, the Legacy Trust Award Collection is designed to provide assistance to adult artists with disabilities to participate in ArtPrize 2012, which is scheduled this year Sept. 19 through Oct. 7 in downtown Grand Rapids. Last year’s Legacy Trust Award Collection introduced several talented artists who might not have had the opportunity to participate in ArtPrize otherwise.

Legacy Trust is partner with Artists Creating Together, formerly known VSA/ Very Special Arts, for LTAC.  Artists Creating Together brings children, youth and adults with disabilities together with artists, the arts and art projects.

The two top vote-getting artists will again be chosen for the Collection. This year, though, a third artist will be selected by a panel of local Grand Rapids celebrity judges.  The public will have a chance to view and vote on the art on Friday, May 18, from 9 a.m to 3:30 p.m. in the Ledyard Building in downtown Grand Rapids.  A private reception for all artists, judges and LTAC supporters will be held the night before.  

Winners of the 2012 LTAC will be announced the week of May 21.  Along with having their artwork entered into ArtPrize, the winning artists will receive a cash prize of $500.  All entry fees and promotion expenses for ArtPrize will be paid by the Artists Creating Together, and Legacy Trust, who will secure venue space at ArtPrize 2012 for the winning artists.

“We have been very pleased with the response we received during the first two years of the competition, both from the artists and the community,” said William Walker, CEO of Legacy Trust. “We have chosen a higher-traffic venue for the preliminary competition and hope to draw even more residents to view and vote for their favorite work this year.  

“We are excited to be adding this new element of celebrity judges to the preliminary competition. I think it will build even greater awareness of the Legacy Trust Award Collection and help these talented artists receive greater encouragement and support for their work.”

Artists from all genres are invited to participate in the competition. All artists must submit an artist registration to by Monday, May 7.   All artwork must be completed and available for showing in Grand Rapids by May 17.

Following is a list of guidelines for submitting artwork:
•   All participating artists must be at least 18 years of age by May 7 and a current resident of the state of Michigan.
•   All artwork must be original. All works must be attributable to the applicant artists and have been completed within three years prior to Sept. 19.
•   All artwork is subject to the “Official Rules for Artists-Artprize.”  These official rules can be found on the ArtPrize website at www.artprize.org
•   The three top artists will retain ownership and all rights to their artwork, subject to the rules and restrictions of ArtPrize 2012.  The artists agree to make themselves and their artwork available to all partnering agencies and sponsors prior to and during ArtPrize for promotions and marketing efforts.
•   The top three artists who receive the award will be entered into ArtPrize 2012 as a Legacy Trust Collection Award winner.
•   Artists agree that if their artwork, which is part of the winning collection, wins any ArtPrize award, they will donate 25 percent of any award to Artists Creating Together to create a special Legacy Trust Endowment Fund to continue arts programs for people with disabilities in greater Grand Rapids.
•   Winning artists will be notified by Artists Creating Together no later than May 31 and will be entered into ArtPrize.
•   There are no restrictions on artists who are not part of the Collection from entering ArtPrize on their own.

“It was exciting to see the wonderful submissions last year, which included paintings, drawings, sculptures and multi-media,” said Michele Suchovsky, executive director of Artists Creating Together. “I think this year will be even more exciting as word continues to spread that this opportunity is available. We encourage artists from across Michigan to submit their artwork.”

ArtPrize, an international art competition in Grand Rapids decided solely on a public vote, returns to Grand Rapids for its fourth year on Sept. 19-Oct. 7.  It debuted with much enthusiasm in 2009 and participation soared in 2010 and 2011.  This year is expected to see a continued increase in community engagement and entries.

Artist registration for the Legacy Trust Award Collection must be received by May 7 and artwork must be delivered to Artists Creating Together in Grand Rapids by 11 a.m. on May 17 for the voting artists’ reception.

About Legacy Trust
Legacy Trust is an independent, locally owned, Michigan-chartered bank that specializes in providing investment and wealth-management services to individuals, families, foundations and non-profits in West Michigan.  Legacy Trust delivers highly customized financial and investment solutions tailored to meet the unique situation of each client.  For more information, visit us at www.legacygr.com.

About Artists Creating Together
Artists Creating Together is a non-profit organization that brings children, youth and adults with disabilities together with artists, the arts and art projects.  Formerly known as VSA/Very Special Arts, Artists Creating Together has been a part of the Kent County landscape since 1986.  Today, Artists Creating Together helps more than 6,000 individuals from West and Northwest Michigan celebrate, succeed and grown with art.  Since its inception, Artists Creating Together has benefitted more than 20,000 individuals with disabilities from throughout West Michigan.  For more information, please find us on our website at www.artistscreatingtogether.org or call us at 616.885.5866.

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