Uncorked Interview

Readers outside of West Michigan may not have heard of ArtPrize which is happening here right now. As stated on their website www.artprize.org, it is a "radically open competition. Open to any artist in the world who can find space. Open to anybody in Grand Rapids, Michigan who wants to create a venue. Open to a vote from anyone who attends." It boasts the highest prize amount in the world.

This year (its second) there is a collaboration between Stephanie Schlatter and Denise Hopkins who have incorporated Michigan wine from Cascade Winery in the display called "Uncorked ArtPrize." They had me at cork! It is located at The BOB venue. I was able to interview Stephanie while people were streaming in to sample wine and art.

Here is our conversation:
Me: What inspired you to add Michigan wine to your ArtPrize application?
Stephanie: We want to be sustainable and nothing is more sustainable than local. I already had a relationship with Cascade Winery through some non-profit work.

Me: Tell me about the three wines that you are tasting.
Stephanie: They are a white, Traminette 2009, a red, Late Harvest Cabinet Sauvignon 2009, and the ever popular Raspberry Chocolate Silk. http://cascadecellars.com/ The vinters are passionate about the wine – it’s a celebration.

Me: How are attendees reacting to the wines?
Stephanie: There has been an amazing response. The Raspberry Chocolate Silk has been the favorite. It tastes enough like wine to be very enjoyable. People are noticing that it is local wine. The first thing that they ask is: "where it is made?"

Me: Tell me about the artwork – the materials and methods.
Stephanie: We wanted no line between the art and the architecture; make the art - acrylic paint on acrylic panels - define the space. All of the materials were locally purchased and we collaborated with local fabricators (Metal artist John Nelson, Blue Water Technologies, and Pioneer Construction). All of the materials will be repurposed. The trusses are rented and the art and tables are for sale.

For more information:
http://www.artprize.org/artists/public-profile/220
http://www.stephanieschlatterart.com/
http://www.edenenvironments.com/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/pages/Uncorked-ArtPrize-2010/148363101840507