KALAMAZOO – Entries will open in May for the annual Kalamazoo Institute of Arts? High School Area Show, which is open to artists 18 years and younger enrolled in grades 9-12 in Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties.
KIA, located in the City of Kalamazoo, is dedicated to the cultivation and creation of visual arts appreciation for West Michigan. This high school art show is one of a number of opportunities for area youth to develop and display their artistic talents.
The show takes place from July 23 to Aug. 14. There is no fee to enter. The five winners will receive $100 each. The KIA will accept entries from May 20-29 during normal business hours. Eligible pieces include original work in any medium in a two- or three-dimensional format. Each artist may submit no more than two works.
Judging will be done by guest juror Paul Mergen, a coppersmith and professor emeritus of art at Western Michigan University. Entry forms are available by visiting KIA or by calling (269) 349-7775.
Last year, the City of Kalamazoo was recognized by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm as part of her ?Cool Cities? initiative to attract and engage young workers. In announcing the program, Granholm said, ?Michigan?s greatest economic successes have always been tied to the creative and productive power of cities.
Each ?Cool Cities? award included a $100,000 grant and access to a ?resource toolbox? that includes more than 75 of the state?s community improvement grants, loan programs and assistance programs. Together, this toolbox and the catalyst grants leverage millions of existing dollars that are now being strategically directed to revitalization projects that present the best opportunity for success.
Kalamazoo?s award was granted to underwrite the cost of moving the Smartshop, a unique metalworking school, gallery and sculpture garden to a new location on the city?s north side. Smartshop offers an affordable option to artists who cannot justify setting up a studio on their own.
