GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – In a vibrant celebration of sustainability and creativity, Consumers Energy, ArtPrize and Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) leaders are excited to announce the winner of the 2024 SmartArt competition.
Nusra Juma of Ottawa Hills High School has been awarded first place in the 2024 SmartArt competition at ArtPrize with artwork titled “Earth Balance.”
Annually, the SmartArt (Students Making Art with a Renewable Theme) contest invites students to blend artistry with environmental consciousness.
The winner’s artwork, along with the art from the top 10 finalists, is on display during ArtPrize on a large banner hanging outside the Consumers Energy electric substation downtown at Fulton Street and Market Avenue.
Nusra won a $2,000 scholarship and an Apple Laptop courtesy of Consumers Energy. Each of the top 10 finalists received monetary or technology prizes including Apple Laptops, iPads and/or Meijer gift cards.
“We are proud to support the SmartArt competition and the rising talent of young artists coming from GRPS,” said Cathy Wilson, Consumers Energy’s executive director of corporate giving. “Consumers Energy is committed to a sustainable energy future for generations. The creativity these students show in their artwork highlights our shared passion to keep our Earth in top shape.”
“Our scholars’ creativity, dedication and commitment to sustainability are truly inspiring. The fact that their work is being celebrated on such a large stage, with the support of Consumers Energy and ArtPrize, speaks volumes about the power of combining education, art and environmental awareness. This competition is a remarkable example of what’s possible when young minds actively engage with the world around them,” said Dr. Leadriane Roby, GRPS superintendent.
Artwork from the finalists included mixed media, oil painting, ceramic, yarn, digital, ink, plastic and more. A panel of art professionals from Cultivate, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University selected the finalists from 42 entries.
In addition to the panel-voted winner, the community was invited to cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award winner. Angie Cifuentes with the entry called “Left for Dead” received 275 of the 1,763 votes and has been awarded the People’s Choice Award.
The 20 finalists, along with their grade and high school are in alphabetical order:
· Samya Alford, 10th grade, Innovation Central High School
· Keyla Arcos-Lopez, 10th grade, Museum High School
· Emily Barrios, 12th grade, Southwest Middle High School
· Ingrid Bott, 10th grade, City High Middle School
· Angie Cifuentes, 10th grade, Museum High School
· Jack de Graaf, 12th grade, City High Middle School
· Lizeth Gallardo, 11th grade, City High Middle School
· Nusra Juma, 11th grade, Ottawa Hills High School
· Jana Kalumbula, 11th grade, City High Middle School
· KenZie Low, 11th grade, City High Middle School
· Jaleny Maldonado-Marroquin, 12th grade, Union High School
· Alanna Miles, 11th grade, Union High School
· Jakelin Parada, 11th grade, Southwest Middle High School
· Yarlin Reyes De la Cruz, 10th grade, Southwest Middle High School
· Lily Salacina, 10th grade, CA Frost Middle High School
· Barbie Sanders, 10th grade, Southwest Middle High School
· Lux Schmitz, 10th grade, CA Frost Middle High School
· Aeris Tuma, 10th grade, City High Middle School
· Rory VanderPloeg, 11th grade, City High Middle School
· Juana Zacarias, 11th grade, Southwest Middle High School
ArtPrize is an open, independently organized international art competition. It celebrates artists working in all mediums from anywhere in the world and is open to any creative with artwork to enter and a venue willing to host it.
For 18 days, art is exhibited throughout the city in public parks and museums, in galleries and vacant storefronts, in bars and on bridges. ArtPrize runs until September 28.
This article is sponsored by Consumers Energy.
