African American artist, Robert Henderson, 58 will participate in the 2014 ArtPrize show, said to be one of the world’s largest public art shows and contests. Henderson’s art work The Circle Series will be among more than 1,500 pieces of art displayed at the show.
The public exhibition opens on Wed. Sept. 24 through Oct. 12 in Grand Rapids. There will be public and jury voting with more than $500,000 at stake in prize money.
For the first time this year ArtPrize has a new category, the Paul Collins Diversity in Art Award to acknowledge diversity; the winner has an opportunity to collect the $5,000 prize. Henderson entered into this category along with the 3-D art category for both public and jury consideration.
Henderson, who is an arborist by day as the owner of Sagetreeworks and an artist during his leisure time, is excited to have his work on display for so many people to see.
“This piece which stands 7ft. 6in. x 5ft. tall was inspired by a revelation of how circles support the evolution of man; it is comprised of metal and stone,” said Henderson. “I wanted to share this work of art with a larger audience.”
The Circle Series was chosen by a juried process in the spring to be displayed at the Grand Rapids Public Museum during the 19-day art show. ArtPrize expects to draw approximately 400, 000 visitors who will then vote on the art work. Henderson is hoping his family, friends and community will attend the show and vote for his work of art.
“I have my own business, Sagetreeworks and for the past 10 years I’ve had the pleasure to create amazing art in private and public sectors for gardens and display. I did a couple of inspirational pieces for my garden and others; what is more I receive a great deal of support from the community,” said Henderson.
“I like to create functional art utilizing found objects to create mixed media pieces such as The Circle Series on display during ArtPrize.”
Sagetreeworks partners with Greening of Detroit by training their work force and he also works with the City of Detroit and its surrounding communities. Henderson is also interested in creating jobs for young people.
“I employ students who complete the training courses offered by Greening of Detroit,” said Henderson.
Henderson’s work has also been displayed in the following locations:
- Birmingham Bloomfield Art Show, Birmingham, MI
- Beautiful House Showcase, Detroit, MI
- Baigas Art Show, Detroit, MI
- Ruth Mott Foundation, Art in the Garden Apple Wood, Flint, MI
- Dell Pryor Gallery, Detroit, MI
- Detroit River Days ArtScape, Detroit, MI
- The Royal Oak Public Art Show, Royal Oak, MI
“Ultimately, I’d like to create art full time and it is my goal to create art that has a function and a purpose,” said Henderson.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located on 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. More information on voting and attending the art show can be found at www.artprize.org.
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