Rockford ArtCapsule

"I Love Rockford in the Summer"

In honor of Rockford's 75th Anniversary, the Rockford Area Arts Commission has developed ArtCapsule. The competition will run from August 13th through August 16 and will be similar to Grand Rapids ArtPrize. The public will be voting for their favorite artists, and awards will be given in the following categories: Best in Show, Best 2d Design, and Best 3d Design.

With only a few weeks to spare, artists were asked to create a new piece that best represents their view of the City of Rockford. If possible, the artists were asked to work out in the public view aka plein air. If a new piece is not possible, work completed within the last year is acceptable.

There are 29 artists participating in this year's ArtCapsule, and I am proud to be one of them. My piece, "I Love Rockford in the Summer" is brand new and has been my life since news of the ArtCapsule competition showed up on Facebook. The drawing is a mix of colored pencil and graphite on Bristol, and it is 14" x 14".

My idea for this drawing was to re-create the identity of the downtown businesses as a collectible sticker for children who visited their locations. I also wanted to showcase my skills as a designer and an illustrative style all my own. Most of my current work is commission-based or for competition and holds a fine art quality. My goal when I created this piece was to show a different side of my artistic ability combined with the fine art of drawing a portrait. 

If you are in the Rockford area this weekend, my piece is located inside the Frame & Mat Shop at 65 Courtland Street in downtown. Voting will take place tomorrow, August 14 from 12pm to 6pm. Stop by and take a look at all of the wonderful pieces of art on display. We would all love your vote.