I was born in Brittany, France. My family moved to Paris when I was very young. I was educated in Paris and did studies at Ecole des Beaux Arts. After that, I received a Masters degree at Aquinas and taught there as an Assistant Professor of French. As a faculty member, I took 9 years of art classes. At that time I used oil, charcoal, and pastel. After teaching at Aquinas for 9 years and studying art there, I went back to my profession of Interior Design. In this I was able to follow my passion for art and design. My paintings are in many homes in Michigan, and as far as California. I am currently represented at Richard App gallery and I enjoy the company of the other artists. My work is either representational or abstract using acrylic or mixed media. I especially like abstract painting, and my abstracts are very colorful. My work is always evolving, as I strive to bring the viewer as close as I can to the process I experience while painting. Art is my passion.

My name is Sarah de Ruiter. I have a BS from Michigan State University and an MA degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. I am a painter. Released from the persistent fears of failure that prevented my creating with abandon (if I like it, who cares?), I discovered people do like it, and my expressions of whimsy are for anyone willing to take a chance and break free of restrictions. When I was told a jazz drummer had a crush on one of my paintings, I was so happy. I fling colors on canvas. I layer paint. It seems I may waste a lot of paint, however it is through this process that forms emerge and paintings are created. It mirrors the cycle of life...there is a frustrating awkward phase...I hit the wall, and just as I am about to dump a canvas, something happens and voila! My work started out as amusement. I painted family members. As their bodies, raw and beautiful, revealed themselves in bold color, stories emerged. I find peace in layering acrylic colors on canvas

I draw the picture that appears in my head because it stays there until it has been drawn, but it has to feel good: the lines, the curves, and the way the paper absorbs the ink.

Fairleigh Dickinson University, Grand Valley State University, Exibitions at White River Gallery and Muskegon Museum of Art, ArtPrize artist 2009, ArtPrize artist 2010, ArtPrize artist 2011, ArtPrize artist 2012

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I grew up in Reed City, Michigan attending Ferris State University for welding engineering. I am a self taught artist, primarily using recycled materials for my small to large metal sculptures. I have been welding for over twenty years, but only for the past eleven years welding one of a kind sculptures. My other creation was building my 1979/Z28 Camero race car. I reside with my wife in Gainesville, Florida. Due to a lacking job market, I became my own boss in September 2010, opening a welding business called JRA Welding, LLC. My first big welding job was working with a four man crew to build a green home made out of 12 steel shipping containers. We turned the steel containers into a certified L.E.E.D Platinum Home that is an industrial work of art. Welding may pay the bills, but my real passion is creating. Remaining in "Top 25" thru out ArtPrize 2012, gave me the inspiration and drive to come back and try for #1. I am looking forward to a critique of my work this year from the jury.

I am a full time artist working in 2D. I have been painting for 50 years. Since the early 1980's my work has been abstract.

Michael is a member of the Michigan Maritime Museum featuring the tall ship, Friends Good Will out of South Haven where he and his wife, Ellen sail their boat, Blueberry. He is also a US Coast Guard Auxiliary Member, so, of course he spends a lot of time on Lake Michigan. Michael has an enduring love for all things boat. He has an eye for their beauty and timeless conveyance.

I started taking photographs in 1962. I studied photography under Robert Nakamura at San Diego City College. I also attended the Art Center College of Design. It was during this time I learned to print my own photographs. I received an Honorable Mention at the San Diego Reader Photography Exhibition 1976 and 1977. I received Best of Show and first place in the Visual Expressions art exhibition in Temecula, CA in 2006, and first place in photography in Art From the Heart juried art show in Lake Elsinore, CA in 2009. My photographs have been published in Petersen's Photographic, the San Diego Reader, and Nalu Magazine. I currently work in film and digital photography.

I am a self-taught mosaicist, working with glass for about 6 years now. The creative process is still an enjoyable mystery to me, it always seems to meander while I work on a piece.... I start with an idea or basic concept and it changes and grows, often surprising me with the direction it takes... ( as a bonus, the choice of materials to work with can be infinite. ) I have recently returned to SW Michigan, having lived for 20+ years on the East Coast. Good to be back and see what a thriving arts community exists in this area.

Christine has been completing commissions and working in painting, printing and drawing since 1975. Her work has been in many galleries as well as juried and invitational shows. Most recently, 2 pieces in the 80th Annual Regional Exhibition, Muskegon Art Museum in 2008 and Artprize 2009 and 2011. Solo shows include the Birmingham Historical Museum in 2002 and Frederik Meijer Gardens in 2001. She illustrated the 'The Outdoor Museum, The Magic of Michigan's Marshall M. Fredericks', published by Wayne State University Press in 2001, with a solo show of her work at Frederik Meijer Gardens. The book received an SOS! Achievement Award Honorable Mention from the Smithsonian American Art Museum & Heritage Preservation. Illustrated and Co-Authored a children's book for 'Paws with a Cause'. Currently teaching Watercolors at Gilda's in Grand Rapids.

After completion of High School, Mark earned a scholarship in art and, attended Aquinas College, completing his Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in studio art, and a minor in art history. He then completed extensive courses in education and art at Grand Valley State University. With experience, and understanding of the fine arts, Mark continues to keep learning by drawing, painting and visiting art museums. These interests help him gain insight into the historic grandeur of art. For several years, he has been an active participant in the West Michigan art scene, and his works have been displayed in numerous locations, including The Grand Rapids Art Museum.

At age 6, I began a creative journey that has taken me down several artistic avenues. Art has always been my best mode of communication. I received my BFA in Graphic Design from Western Michigan University and I have always been inspired by the fluid and organic shapes of the Art Nouveau/Arts and Craft Movements. I was exposed to so many new techniques while attending WMU, but my printmaking courses is what captivated me the most. Over the years, I have enjoyed marrying old techniques with new ones in order to create the works I exhibit today. By adding mixed media, I create multiple layers that develop different imagery at every level of my work. My woodcut prints are delicately colorful and are dynamic representations of nature all around us. Behind everything I do is the quest to be creative, innovative and better than before.

Darline is a local gal born and raised in Sparta, Michigan. She has always enjoyed the beauty of nature since a child. As a young girl, she put paint to the canvas and the sightliness of her world enlarged. Even though she struggles with rheumatoid arthritis she still enjoys the magnificent world of painting. We hope you enjoy and spent time with Darline’s “Nature’s Beauty” (framing made of barn wood, by her husband “Bud”), showing at the B.O.B. Contact us if you would like one of Darline’s paintings and join the ranks of others owning her works globally. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medical/IM02689

Paula J. Bowers was born in Fairfax, Virginia in 1955. She grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After attending Lake Forest College, she graduated with a BFA in Textile Arts from the University of Michigan in 1977. In the continuing pursuit of artistic studies, she has traveled to more than a dozen countries in Europe and half dozen countries in Central and South America, as well as to Africa. She currently lives in Grand Rapids with her two daughters and works as the Michigan Territory Manager for Scott Group where she helps guide clients through the design process in selecting fine custom wool carpets for commercial and residential use. Paula's works of art can be found in numerous commercial collections including, Steelcase Corporate Development Center, The Fetzer Institute, Spectrum Hospital, Farmers/Foremost Insurance, Western Michigan University Gilmore Theater Lobby and others nationally. She has been commissioned for many private residential pieces as well.

The Third Coast is a narrative painting which playfully depicts my recent move to the Midwest from the East Coast. Working with ancient maps and images that describe the adventure and exploration of a perplexing, new territory that include wide open landscapes, foreign language and sea monsters- the divers sloppily dive into the water in a fun and childlike way. Acrylic, Oil and Gold Leaf on Paper: 82"x 51.5"

Howdy my name is Michael "Hank" Diaz-Leal my style is like a abstract expressionist painter, texture and color are very important to me that is why I formulated my own acrylic paint. Enjoying the old Hanna-Barbera cartoons from the 1970s and 60s the vibrant hues and simple animation. Started painting in the 1980s, studied art at Hope college under the direction of Delbert Michel, also I am one of the last students of the late Professor Robert Vickers. Loving to explore texture because believing as an artist it makes color electric and helps brings it to life, that is very important for my art. My artwork is currently being represented by Armstrong Degraff International Fine Art, Saugatuck Mi. I have two daughters and a girlfriend and too many pets, enjoying the works of dekooning and Picasso the most.

My name is April Brott and I am a 28 year old photographer/artist. I love what I do. My life is my art. I always have my pencils and my camera not far behind me. I draw people, their faces. Love the realness in that. How I am able to capture someones essence in a drawing. I sketch because I love it and it takes me to another world. It's freedom and beauty all wrapped up into one.

Currently a Professor at Kendall College of Art and Design, I have also taught at Ohio State University and Ferris State University. I have a BFA from Michigan State University and an MFA from California College of the Arts.

Nicole Burkholder Bluekamp is a self taught artist who was born in Wyoming, Michigan where she still lives today. She is married with two children and runs a daycare out of her home. She also loves reading and working in her garden. Many of her inspirations come from dreams and personal life events. Most of her artwork has been given away to friends and family. Though she has little time to paint, she greatly enjoys doing it when she gets the chance.

My mother attended classes at Kendall College of Art and Design while I was in the womb. I still maintain that this was my first art class as I'm sure I was paying attention. I have studied and practiced all aspects of visual art throughout my life. Being a colorblind carpenter I have come to favor wood sculpture as my primary form of artistic expression.

Walter Nichols' photo realistic watercolor paintings convey an extraordinary sense of light and color, capturing the unique spirit and vitality of his portrait subjects.

Janet Elaine Meyer participated in Artprize 2010. The beautiful "Miss Julia" was created from a mannequin that is over 6 ft tall. She is a senior,with bifocals,grey hair, a cane and her dog. She was made with donated jewelry from head to toe ..as is her cane and dog! . At the Wyoming library we find the book "Wilderness to Wyoming". A poem in the book was written by Janet about her childhood memories of the Galewood area in the 50's. Janet also was one of the winners for Hospice Mask Contest. As a survivor of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Janet participated with Gildas Club for Laughfest! Janet took painting classes from the late Jackie Clay in portrait painting. Being a Hairdressor Janet has combined her creativity with creating manniquins of Michael Jackson, Elvis, Mr/Mrs Obama,(which have been kidnapped!) Hulk Hogan, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Denny McClain and A Old Rugged Marine called Smiley and others that were displayed at Brian Books on Fulton Street in ARTPRIZE 2011, Carousel 2012.

Marianna is a artist that loves and feels connected to the figures and animals. The body language from the figure is so powerful it tells the story and that is what she captures. Marianna has chosen this year to paint two paintings of the horses and carriages that can be seen downtown Grand Rapids. Marianna's work is available at LaFontsee Gallery in Grand Rapids.

For the past 20 years Diane exhibited her artworks in galleries & museums throughout the mid-west & abroad. Raised in the rolling hills of Grant Wood County of Eastern Iowa, Diane Naylor attended Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) & acquired her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) & has attended the Maharishi University of Management in further studying & enhancing creativity. "My love for the planet inspires my artwork to communicate the importance of all beings great & small. My wish is to create compassion & to raise the consciousness of your atmosphere with my artwork." -Diane Naylor

Armin Mersmann was born in Remscheid, Germany, now lives in Midland MI he is the Artist in Residence at Midland Center for the Arts. Mersmann has excelled in all four previous ArtPrize events. ● 2011-2012 Grand Rapids Art Museum, “ArtPrize Encore” Mersmann placed in the top 100 or higher each year: 2012 The Spot top 100, ● 2011 Grand Rapids Art Museum, top 25 ● 2010 Grand Rapids Public Museum, top 50. ● 2009 WMCAT top 50. Other recent exhibits include: The Mark Gallery -Englewood, NJ ● Principle Gallery -Alexandria VA● BBAC -Birmingham, MI ● Manifest Gallery -Cincinnati, OH ● St Frances University -Fort Wayne, IN ● Richard App Gallery -Grand Rapids, MI ● Eastern Illinois U -St Charles IL ● Buckham Gallery -Flint, MI ● Baylor University -Waco, TX ●

After Graduated from the College for Creative Studies in 1985, Greg Bokor headed east to Providence, Rhode Island to work in Advertising. As an art director and creative director working at Leonard, Monahan, Lubars & Kelly, Mullen, BBDO and various other agencies, Greg won numerous awards at prestigious International Award Shows, such as Cannes, The One Show and Communication Arts. Greg Bokor started a company, Cloud Factory Inc., in 2004 and continues to work with Advertising Agencies across the country. Greg is shifting his time to his artwork and other design projects. His artwork ranges from cause related to philosophical observations of the world around him. Greg is not married to any particular medium but chooses and prefers to experiment with a range and whatever the particular idea calls for. “I believe art, created by people who tend to think differently, can encourage the viewer, who may not naturally think differently, to do so.” This is Greg’s 1st entry in ArtPrize.

"Your art speaks of healing," said New York artist Makoto Fujimura. A few years ago in his book signing line, I showed Fujimura my homemade portfolio. Years earlier, my dad had taught me how to draw by sketching on napkins after dinner. When I reached the fifth grade, my mom enrolled me in art lessons. In 2010, I painted the Woman in Red series in honor of the American Heart Association. Currently, eleven Children's Hospitals from Philadelphia to San Diego showcase my artwork. My ArtPrize 2013 collection, Wing and a Prayer, celebrates the children within Hope Network. These children and their families inspire others to soar above adversity and give hope wings.

EDUCATION: MA Art Education NYU 2011 BFA Studio Art NYU 2010 EXHIBITIONS: NYCATA/UFT Spring Artist/Teacher Exhibition, La Galeria of Boricua College. New York, NY 2013 Millennial Yell, Art for Change. New York, NY 2011 M.A. Thesis Exhibition, NYU Commons Gallery. New York, NY 2011 Pigeons in the Grass, Alas, Monster Island. Brooklyn, NY 2010 Incredibly Varied and Damn Specific, NYU Commons Gallery. New York, NY 2010 BIO: Clare Kambhu is an artist/educator whose work explores how physical spaces and distance shape relationships and emotions.

Dave Hardin is a Royal Oak artist and poet. His paintings appeared in Artprize venues in 2011 and 2012. He received a merit award for painting at the 2012 University of Michigan-Dearborn Berkowitz Gallery Open Invitational. Dave's paintings can be seen at Fieldstone Winery in Rochester through April, Mullaly's 128 Gallery in Elk Rapids from April through October and Lilly's Seafood in Royal Oak from September through October. Dave's poetry has been published in many online literary magazines including The Prague Review, Drunken Boat and Epigraph. He is a contributor to Scrum, a blog of poetry, satire and fiction at http://scrumsideup.blogspot.com/.