Art Prize - Grand Rapids MI

ArtRat Gallery announces its ArtPrize 2024 lineup

'Lucky 13' welcomes 13 guest artists in a variety of media.

Grand Rapids, MI, September 9, 2024 — ArtRat Gallery today introduced the 13 artists it will host during ArtPrize 2024: Emma Bandos, Isabel Dowell, Trinja Henrickson, Missy Hines, Renee Kuharchuk, Wendy Liang, Emily Moores, Lux Pax, Maxwell Pearce, Tammy, Michael Thorensen, Zachary Trebellas and Robyn Wall. ArtRat co-owner and resident artist Nancy Tobin completes the lineup — the largest group show the gallery has presented to date.

“We feel very lucky to share our walls with all these amazing guests!” Tobin said. “While each work is utterly distinct, the artists in our 'Lucky 13' share a commitment to image-making that harmonizes beautifully in this show.”

Renee Kuharchuk’s (VOTE ID 55120) work captures close-up portraiture that experiments with dynamic brushwork and abstract colors. Through painting the human form, she explores themes of feminism and the human experience. As a woman battling anxiety and depression, her practice not only brings these issues to light, but creates a space for self-healing and, on a broader scope, awareness of our inner battles. 

Her work has been recently on display at Vibrant Cast Gallery in Chicago, Illinois and at Side Street Studios in Elgin, Illinois. Her solo show "Emotionally Heightened" has been featured in Chicagoland's paper: The Daily Herald & in Gita Joshi's London-based curators' platform The Curator's Salon. 

Extra Credit - ArtSpace Chicago

Extra Credit is a collaborative exhibition with art educators and their students. Work is chosen which reflects a similar style or theme. Extra Credit partners with ArtSpace Chicago, a local gallery and educator space.

Sponsored by ArtConnected

Sound and Soul Art Show

The Sound and Soul collection explores the profound impact of sound on the human experience. This is body of work by Chicago based artist focusing on the collaboration of visual images and sound.

The Art Dames Society - Gratitude Show

The Art Dames Society was launched as an international support network for women creatives who are changing their career path into the arts. It shines a spotlight on emerging, mid-career, and established women artists through opportunities to showcase their work and share their stories with the world. We believe that all voices are important as each woman's life and art journeys are unique and shape the circumstances of her art practice.

Mouth 3 - Acrylic painting on canvas

Having had personal experience with returning to the arts after years of neglecting her creative callings, the founder Ceili Seipke, made it her mission to support like-minded women artists through opportunities, resources and mentorship. 

 The Art Dames Society is an inclusive platform that currently focuses on showcasing the work of women artists through the First Friday Art Gallery, introducing them to wider audiences through the Artist Directory and In the Spotlight interviews and sharing business/career advice on the Spotlight page.

“Is it enough, yet?” Assemblage/Installation

 Join us to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative that is “Celebrating women artists who radiate wisdom, experience, strength, and the beauty of aging.”

Works featured by Renee Kuharchuk include “Mouth 3” and “Is it Enough, Yet?”

Participating artists in The Art Dames Society Gratitude Show.

Art Ascent Magazine

ArtAscent Portraits issue features Chicago based artist Renee Kuharchuk and her acrylic painting: “Disgusting” Kuharchuk is painter whose work focuses on themes of femininity and mental health.

2022 IHSAE Annual Educator Exhibition

ArtConnected, along with the Illinois Art Education Association and BLICK Art Materials host an annual juried exhibition that recognizes the artistic talents of Illinois’ art educators from all across the state of Illinois. Participating artists range in experience from first time educators to seasoned veterans. Developed nearly a decade ago, the exhibition aims to reconnect Illinois art educators with their own personal artistic practice, create a sense of community while providing a professional exhibition experience. Each year a wide range of amazing artworks are featured in the show, such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, fiber, glass, mixed media, digital arts, video, ceramics, jewelry and more. All works are original and have been completed within the last calendar year.