Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Can't win for losing!

September 21^st, 2009

I received a pretty angry voicemail message this morning. I haven't received a call like that in quite some time. The message was from a man who was not at all pleased about a postcard he received from us at GRCF about the two artists we are hosting at our building. He stated that he owns several businesses and that his wife is an artist also part of the competition of ArtPrize. He said that we would likely not receive any gifts from the other artists, their family and friends because of the fact that we are hosting two artists at our venue. Okay . . . got that. But the part that was nasty had to do with his comment that whoever came up with the idea regarding the postcard and the artists should no longer have their job. Well then fire us all! My heavens - why so angry? He said to NOT call him back and that he didn't want any association with us in the future. So to all of the artists who are competing in ArtPrize - to all the families and friends of the artists who are a part of ArtPrize, remember this: we are voters too and that we are all celebrating the importance of the arts and the attraction this competition will have promoting how great Grand Rapids truly is! AND if the piece of art you are entering in ArtPrize receives the number one vote, then congratulations! No amount of promotion - hype - or advertising is going to improve someone's chances if the artwork is not good! Even though the ongoing debate for some (not me!) is whether or not the "general public" has the ability to choose good art. But don't get me started on that one! Here's to a grand competition!