Warner Norcross + Judd

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP’s tagline, A Better Partnership, is not just for our clients, but for our community. Fifteen years ago, ArtPrize was born out of an idea to introduce an arts festival to West Michigan. Inspired by the triumphs of national film festivals, the vision sought not just replication, but innovation and inclusivity. Recognizing an opportunity for a transformational community partnership, Warner was eager to contribute, securing a pivotal role as ArtPrize's legal counsel right from its inception.

As a supporter of both economic development and arts and culture initiatives, our firm found ArtPrize to be a great fit for our community efforts. Witnessing the profound impact of ArtPrize in fostering community and driving economic vitality through the engagement of diverse artists and spectators from all over the world, we quickly recognized its significance for Grand Rapids.  

Warner helped ArtPrize obtain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, developed contracts for artists and venues, and assisted with the legal aspects of contest rules and procedures for participants to follow. It was a dynamic, hands-on endeavor fueled by a sense of urgency — one that was both groundbreaking and exhilarating. 

In addition to being legal counsel, Warner became an ArtPrize sponsor – contributing our time and resources to promoting the contest throughout the community. We committed space to artists, provided financial support and for several years have co-hosted with Huntington Bank the ArtPrize Eve VIP event for sponsors at our Grand Rapids office location. The event features unique art engagements, live entertainment and an incredible networking atmosphere, providing a glimpse into the essence of ArtPrize.

Furthering our engagement with ArtPrize, two Warner team members were selected to showcase their artwork in ArtPrize: Richard Roane and David Skidmore.

Ric Roane, who is a family law and domestic relations partner, displayed a 5’ x 9’ photo collage entitled “Art-Eat-Live” in 2010 that was comprised of approximately 200 color photos of food-plated meals he shared with others at home or out at restaurants over a one-year period, celebrating the manner in which a meal shared with others nurtures and connects people in a powerful way. The piece was hung in the lobby of the Fifth Third Building.

David Skidmore, a partner at the firm who practices probate, trust and estate litigation, entered “The Past, Orbiting” that was displayed in the Fifth Third Building during ArtPrize in 2015. The mixed media piece (collage and acrylic painting) depicts an outer space scene of a planet surrounded by a ring of rock fragments, which on closer inspection are broken pieces of Greco-Roman statuary. It speaks to the intrusion of the past in the present, even to new endeavors where one would expect things to be foreign and unfamiliar.

We are honored to walk alongside ArtPrize in this innovative competition and to participate as a sponsor and an active community member. We look forward to our continued partnership with ArtPrize.