GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – You have the opportunity to help decide the winner of the 2024 SmartArt People’s Choice Award, with voting now open for this unique art competition that celebrates the creativity and innovation of Grand Rapids Public Schools scholars.
Twenty talented GRPS scholars were selected as finalists in May, with their artwork centered around clean energy and sustainability themes. You can cast your vote for your favorite piece by visiting SmartArt: A Sure Sign of Fall in Grand Rapids until September 12.
The winners will be announced at the SmartArt Awards on Sunday, September 15, at 1 p.m., at Celebration Cinema Studio Park, located at 123 Ionia Ave. SW. The event will feature both the People’s Choice Award, chosen by public vote, and additional awards selected by a panel of art professionals.
The prizes awarded by the panel of art professionals are:
- 1st place: $2,000 scholarship, MacBook Pro, Meijer gift card
- 2nd place: MacBook Pro, Meijer gift card
- 3rd place: MacBook Pro, Meijer gift card
- 4th place: iPad and Apple Pencil, Meijer gift card
- 5th place: iPad and Apple Pencil, Meijer gift card
- 6th-10th places: Meijer gift card
All 20 finalists’ artwork will be displayed at Grand Rapids City Hall, 300 Monroe Ave. NW, from September 13 through 28 during ArtPrize. In addition, the top 10 pieces will be highlighted on a large banner outside the Consumers Energy electric substation, prominently located at Fulton Street and Market Avenue.
The SmartArt competition, now in its 11th year, invites GRPS freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to showcase their artistic talent while reflecting on renewable energy and environmental stewardship. This ongoing collaboration between Grand Rapids Public Schools, Consumers Energy, and ArtPrize aims to inspire young artists to engage with sustainability issues through their creative expression.
