The Official ArtPrize Limited Series Podcast
In this limited series podcast, host Steve Kelso sits down with artists, organizers, and leaders from the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County and others to examine the impact that ArtPrize has artistically, socially, and economically on the community.
Steve Kelso is a former ArtPrize reporter for WOOD TV 8 in Grand Rapids, he is a two time ArtPrize artist whose band, Lou Baron and The New Lovers won the public vote for the Rock category at the St. Cecilia Music Center ArtPrize song competition in 2015 and 2016.
Kelso owns Kelso Communications in Grand Rapids, a small public relations firm that specializes in media consultation and services and producing video and audio podcasts. Kelso Communications is a proud ArtPrize sponsor. Find out more at GetKelso.com.
Episodes
11 episodes
Coleman Brook Sr.
Coleman Brook Sr is in his first years as the Deputy Director of ArtPrize. In this episode we discuss his background, what drives his passion for ArtPrize and what he thinks the event needs to succeed.
Chris LaPorte
Chris LaPorte won ArtPrize 2010 with his piece Cavalry, American Officers, 1921.He also placed in 10th in 2012 with City Band. Both are giant pencil drawings that stir the imagination and make the viewer marvel at the time and effort it too...
Al Vanderberg
Since August of 2021 Al Vanderberg has served as the County Administrator/Controller for Kent County MI. Al is a firm believer in the power of collaboration to accomplish goals across both private and public sectors. Like ArtPrize E...
Tyler Loftis
As a Grand Rapids native and full-time New York-based artist, Tyler Loftis brings a strong passion to his new role of Executive Director of ArtPrize. Loftis may be new to this position but he is not an ArtPrize rookie. "The...
Rosalyn Bliss
In this episode you will hear from Rosalyn Bliss. Bliss was serving as a GR 2nd Ward Commissioner when Rick DeVos first presented the idea of ArtPrize at City Hall. She subsequently served two terms as Mayor of Grand Rapids and has been a champ...
Stephen Halko
Stephen Halko serves as Dean of the Kendall College of Art and Design at Ferris State University. In addition to holding a BFA and an MFA, he has been in Grand Rapids for every ArtPrize since it began. Halko also serves on the ArtPrize...
Mark Washington
Mark Washington is the City Manager for the City of Grand Rapids. Mark is also a former ArtPrize artist and in his previous role as Assistant City Manager in Austin Texas he was heavily involved in the organization of South By Southwest. <...
Birgit Klohs
Birgit Klohs is the former CEO of the Right Place. She has served on numerous boards and committees. She has "been in the room" for almost every major event or decision that has impacted Grand Rapids in the last 20 plus years. Now t...
Eddie Tadlock
Eddie Tadlock is the Assistant General Manager for ASM Global, the company that manages DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. Throughout the history of ArtPrize, it has been his job to select the art that is displayed in the building. He has a ...