Art Submissions Accepted Sept., 14, 2015 through Jan., 11, 2016
Ferndale, MI – Preparations are underway for the second annual “Artist in You,” presented by the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Ferndale Schools. These organizations are teaming up for the second year to make “Artist in You” a more immersive experience for the whole community.
The 2014-2015 “Artist in You” project contributed to Ferndale’s bright streets with six reproductions of selected Ferndale High School students’ art installed on local business buildings. Three of these students also earned a $500 scholarship to the school of their choice. The 2015-2016 “Artist in You” will be even grander, with more opportunities for the community to participate in the program.
High school students can submit their application and art piece for the “Artist in You” to Ferndale High teacher, Jerry Lemenu. Applications can be completed by visiting http://bit.ly/ArtistInYouApplication. Submissions will be accepted from Sept. 14, 2015 through Jan., 11, 2016. All entries must be 12” by 18” (or 16” by 24” in vertical form). “Artist in You” submissions will be on exhibit in February 2016 at which time they will be evaluated by a panel of community judges. In March 2016, an awards presentation will be hosted for the six selected winners, whose art will be replicated, enlarged, and installed throughout the streets of Ferndale. This will be in addition to the work of the 2014-2015 winners, making the city into a gallery of student art. Three selected winners will also receive a $500 scholarship to the school of their choosing for further education.
“As an art teacher at Ferndale High School, I am excited that this opportunity will once again be offered to the Ferndale High School student body. Not only is the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce awarding their creativity with scholarships, they are also providing a showcase for their unique talents and insights. The students appreciate this very much, and so do I!” comments Jerry Lemenu, Ferndale High School art teacher.
“Artist in You” is the newest addition to the 2015 Ferndale ART Town exhibit. Presented by the Ferndale DDA, ART Town is an outdoor art exhibition which brings art to life in the streets of Downtown Ferndale. The “Artist in You” gives young artists the chance to display their work among established local artists and showcase this fresh talent among the creative community.
The 2014-2015 “Artist in You” winners art can be found throughout Ferndale: Trenton Carson (Level One Bank, Woodward and W. Saratoga St.), Espacia Fotiu (Ferndale City Hall, E. Nine Mile), Chloe Walimaa (Rust Belt Market, Woodward and Nine Mile), Emily Bellaver (The Emory, Woodward and E. Troy St.), Owen Zabor (Biggby Coffee, W. Nine Mile.) and Tiffani Nicole Ray (Blumz, E. Nine Mile).
“Ferndale Schools is very excited about the ‘Artist in You” program,” says Blake J. Prewitt, Superintendent of Ferndale Schools. “Our students benefited greatly from last year’s contest. Students were able to see their artwork displayed throughout town and receive a scholarship. I can’t wait to see what our students will produce this year!”
For the “Artist in You” program, the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with CARROT Pass to enhance the community experience by placing beacons at the various student art displays.
“CARROT is a new Chamber member who has partnered with the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce to support the ‘Artist in You’ project through the use of its beacon technologies,” says CARROT Pass CEO, Michael Antaran. “The beacons CARROT has been placed with each of the art pieces which will provide us with a hyper-local tool to help monitor public engagement, examine pedestrian traffic patterns, and further measure the overall impact of our promotional efforts.”
CARROT’s goal is to support local communities. They are pleased that the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce has decided to utilize their technology to benefit Ferndale organizations, businesses, residents, and visitors. For more information about CARROT Pass, please contact Michael Antaran at (248) 980-7858.
The Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, member-based organization that has been serving as the cornerstone of the Ferndale business community for more than 75 years by promoting commerce and economic development. www.ferndaleareachamber.com
For more information about the “Artist in You”, please contact the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce at (248) 542-2160 or director@ferndalechamber.com.