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Artist information:
Matt Kelsey
Ann Arbor, MI
Text voting ID: Tooltip
Up: vote29791
Down: vote29790
Work collaborators:
ARTeach
 Matt Kelsey

Krista Krygsman

Julie Powell

Alicia Bina

Sharon Maddox

Karen Haight

Jessica Seitz
Matt Kelsey is showing at:
45 Ottawa Ave-VENUE IS FULL 45 Ottawa Ave-VENUE IS FULL
45 Ottawa Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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Matt Kelsey
Artist bio: ARTeach is a collaboration that consists almost entirely of Grand Rapids Public Schools art teachers and art department employees.

Director: Matt Kelsey
Director of Design: Krista Krygsman
Designers: Krista Krygsman, Karen Haight, Matt Kelsey

Contributors: Coming Soon
Artist statement: When the concept of Art Prize was announced, an idea got stirring in the minds of the members of ARTeach. The idea was that, to us, Art Prize is not just a chance to win a competition; it is a chance to show the community the importance of art education and the role it plays in society. In keeping with this idea, we have all signed a contract stating that the entire amount of whatever winnings we receive will be donated to the Grand Rapids Public Schools. This is an opportunity for ARTeach to create an exceptional sculpture for the community; an opportunity for the residents of Grand Rapids to use their votes to do something great for their children's education; and in the end, hopefully, infuse the GRPS Art Department with funds to continue their mission of keeping art an important and relevant part of education.
About the work:
Title: Grand Rapids Family Tree

Art form: 3-D

Medium: Steel

Year created: Work not created yet

Description of work: PLEASE NOTE: THE PHOTOS POSTED ARE OF A 1/4 SCALE MODEL OF THE ARTWORK...NOT THE ARTWORK ITSELF.

The artwork is a 10 foot high, 8 foot diameter tree-like sculpture. Descending from the branches are many thin steel braided strands in the likes of willow branches. To these willow branches will be tied thousands of pieces of ribbon. However, before the ribbons are attached, we will be taking them door to door in Grand Rapids, asking residents to sign their name or mark to them. As we then tie the pieces of ribbon on to the sculpture it will slowly take its form as a Family Tree that represents our Grand Rapids community. Names will continue to be added as time goes on.

Work statement: The intention of ARTeach is to create a piece that is approachable and encourages public participation. Our vision is an artwork that can be understood by everyone and has concrete meaning to our community. We feel the "family tree" concept is extremely appropriate for the times we are in. It communicates that, while we are all individuals, together we make up this collective family we call Grand Rapids. The act of signing ones' name to the ribbon and attaching it to the tree is a validation that says "I am here; I am part of this." And as the names keep adding up, and when it all comes together, we will have a piece that the community has participated in; and it will be understood that we are one Grand Rapids family. And, considering the times we are in, that is a very powerful understanding.
Technical details:
Work width: 96 inches
Work height: 120 inches
Work depth: 96 inches
Required venue ceiling: n/a
Required venue door height: n/a
Required venue door width: n/a
Required wall linear footage: n/a
Required venue square footage: n/a
Additional considerations:
Audio/video needed: No
Electrical needed: No
Lighting needed: No
Internet access needed: No
Ground floor access needed: No
Indoor space needed: No
Outdoor space needed: Yes

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