Calling All Artists: Legacy Trust and VSA Michigan-Grand Rapids Seek Submissions for Possible Inclusion in ArtPrize

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, February 18, 2011 (Press-News.org) After a successful first year, Legacy Trust and VSA Michigan-Grand Rapids are again looking for adult artists with disabilities to compete in this year's Legacy Trust Award Collection for ArtPrize 2011.

A statewide art competition designed to encourage participation in ArtPrize, the Legacy Trust Award Collection is comprised of the top three vote-getters at a preliminary competition during a special Artists' Reception and public vote to be held May 19 and 20, respectively, at Grand Rapids Civic Theater. The winning artists move forward to compete individually in ArtPrize 2011 in Grand Rapids as winners of the Legacy Trust Award Collection.

Along with having their artwork submitted individually, the winning artists will receive a cash prize of $500. All entry fees and promotion expenses for ArtPrize will be paid by VSA and Legacy Trust, who will secure venue space at ArtPrize 2011 for the winning artists.

The competition is designed to provide assistance to adult artists with disabilities to participate in ArtPrize 2011, which is scheduled this year Sept. 21 through Oct. 9 in downtown Grand Rapids. Last year's Legacy Trust Award Collection introduced several talented artists who might not have had the opportunity to participate in ArtPrize otherwise. Some of these artists had their work purchased during ArtPrize, including one artist who sold a watercolor scene of downtown Grand Rapids to a corporate collection.

"We were very pleased with the response we received during the first year of the competition," said William Walker, CEO of Legacy Trust. "We received and displayed some incredible art, and had a tremendous turnout and strong community support. This year, we want to reach even more artists throughout the state and encourage them to participate.

"We are excited to be partnering with VSA again this year. Our goal is to continue to raise visibility and opportunities for adult artists with disabilities by providing an opportunity to showcase their art on the larger stage that ArtPrize has become in our community."

Artists from all genres are invited to participate in the competition. Guidelines for submitting artwork are available at http://www.vsagr.org or http://legacygr.com/legacy-trust-award-collection. All artwork is subject to the "Official Rules for Artists - ArtPrize." These official rules can be found on the ArtPrize website at http://www.artprize.org.

LTAC winning artists will be notified by VSA no later than May 31 and will be entered into ArtPrize 2011. There are no restrictions on other artists, who are not part of the Collection, from entering ArtPrize on their own.

"It was exciting to see the wonderful and varied submissions last year," said VSA Executive Director Michele Suchovsky. "I think this year will be even more exciting as word spreads that this opportunity is available. We encourage artists to submit paintings, drawings, sculptures, multi-media or any other artwork."

ArtPrize, an international art competition in Grand Rapids decided solely on a public vote, returns to Grand Rapids for its third year on Sept. 21-Oct. 9. It debuted with much enthusiasm in 2009 and participation soared in 2010. This year is expected to see a continued increase in community engagement and entries.

Artist registration for the Legacy Trust Award Collection must be received by May 9 and artwork must be delivered to VSA in Grand Rapids by 11 a.m. on May 19 for the voting artists' reception.

About Legacy Trust
Legacy Trust is an independent, locally owned, Michigan-chartered bank that specializes in providing investment and wealth-management services to individuals, families, foundations and non-profits in West Michigan. Legacy Trust delivers highly customized financial and investment solutions tailored to meet the unique situation of each client. For more information, visit us at http://www.legacygr.com.

About VSA Michigan-Grand Rapids Inc.
VSA Michigan-Grand Rapids promotes creative power in people with disabilities by providing access to and opportunities in the arts. We have been serving the children, youth and adults with disabilities in West Michigan since 1986. VSA Michigan-Grand Rapids is a district affiliate of VSA Michigan, which recognizes 10 district affiliates throughout the state of Michigan. Our parent organization, VSA arts International, was founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith. VSA arts International is an organization whose vision is to create a society where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. VSA arts is affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the U. S. Congress has recognized VSA as the nation's coordinating agency for arts programs for people with disabilities. Today, VSA has affiliates in 49 states and more than 60 countries worldwide.