News Summary
Ferris State University has initiated a city-wide billboard campaign titled ‘Make it Here’ in conjunction with the ArtPrize festival, featuring 13 original student artworks displayed on 20 billboards across Grand Rapids. This campaign celebrates the artistry and creativity of Ferris State students, highlighting their involvement in the international art competition that runs from September 18 to October 4, engaging local residents and promoting future careers in the arts.
Grand Rapids, MI – Ferris State University has launched a city-wide billboard campaign titled “Make it Here” to coincide with the ArtPrize festival. The campaign showcases the artistic talents of Ferris State students by displaying 13 original pieces on 20 billboards strategically located throughout Grand Rapids.
The ArtPrize festival, an international art competition, is running from September 18 through October 4 and includes contributions from 930 artists exhibited at 155 venues across the city. The billboards are strategically placed in neighborhoods near ArtPrize venues rather than along highways to engage local residents and inspire those considering careers in creative fields.
According to officials at Ferris State, the campaign is an essential opportunity for showcasing the next generation of creative talent. The featured artists include Erin Russell, a junior from Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) studying illustration. Russell’s work portrays Ferris State’s mascot, Brutus the Bulldog, using bright colors and various motifs. Another featured artist, Austin Nesbitt, a senior in Product Design Engineering Technology, created a mixed-media self-portrait that blends photography and illustration.
Ferris State has a strong history of involvement in ArtPrize, with over 50 alumni, faculty, and students submitting 53 entries this year. In the previous year, five KCAD alumni were awarded juried and public awards, including the prestigious $125,000 Public Grand Prize. This continued participation highlights the institution’s commitment to promoting its students and alumni in the arts community.
Additionally, six Ferris State students are currently interning at ArtPrize, where they are contributing to various aspects of the event, such as fundraising, venue coordination, and artist connections. This involvement not only provides valuable experience but also strengthens the relationship between the university and the local arts community.
The artistic achievements of students from both Ferris State and Kendall College of Art and Design are made accessible through an online map that showcases the billboard locations. This effort aims to raise awareness of the creative talent emerging from the university and encourage community engagement with the arts.
ArtPrize is organized through a partnership among the city of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., and Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design. As the festival unfolds, numerous special events are planned to enhance visitor experiences and deepen community involvement during the competition.
This city’s commitment to the arts through initiatives like the “Make it Here” billboard campaign exemplifies the importance of fostering creativity and providing platforms for young artists. With ongoing events and participation from educational institutions, Grand Rapids continues to position itself as a vibrant center for artistic expression.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WZZM: Emergence ArtPrize Sculpture
- WOOD TV: ArtPrize Top Entries Halftime Show
- MLive: ArtPrize Billboards Canvas for Student Art
- Fox 17: Downtown Businesses Boost After ArtPrize
- WZZM: ArtPrize Draws Visitors to Grand Rapids
- Wikipedia: ArtPrize
- Google Search: ArtPrize
- Google Scholar: ArtPrize
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ArtPrize
- Google News: ArtPrize
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
