Michigan Great Artist Contest Begins July 17
Park West Gallery and Oakland County are holding the fifth MI Great Artist contest to shine a spotlight on Michigan’s most talented artists.
More than $16,000 in prizes are available for those who are named the top MI Great Artists. From July 17 to August 10, artists ages 18 and up are invited to submit five works of art to the MI Great Artist website.
The contest is open to artists living, working, or attending school in Genesse, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Shiawassee, St. Clair, and Wayne counties. Artists are encouraged to submit any medium of artwork created within the past three years.
“We are looking for—and what I think the world is always looking for—is what we haven’t seen,” Albert Scaglione, Founder and CEO of Park West Gallery, told WWJ Newsradio 950. “You are looking for fresh, you are looking for new—yet you are looking for that register, that ring that says, ‘Wow that’s something.’”
Kenneth Hershenson of Clawson, Michigan with his work “Jack the Ripper.” Hershenson is the MI Great Artist winner of 2015.
All artwork will be available to view on the contest’s website. The public is encouraged to vote for their favorites from August 17–28. The top 20 most popular artists will have their portfolios reviewed by a panel of five expert judges, including Scaglione and Detroit artist Dominic Pangborn. The top five artists chosen by the panel will be announced on September 19.
The winner and finalists will receive cash prizes, framing for each submitted artwork compliments of Park West Gallery, and scholarships to attend Business Basics workshops through Oakland County’s One Stop Shop Business Center.
The winning artist will have a solo exhibition at Park West Gallery as well as the Oakland County Galleria in Waterford. Their artwork will also be featured on a poster promoting an Oakland County event.
The public is invited to attend the awards ceremony and reception at Park West Gallery in Southfield on October 25 where Michigan’s next great artist will be announced.
Visit the MI Great Artist website for more information, contest rules, and deadlines.
