The automotive-themed art competition Artomotive will return for its second year, promising to be a major feature of the 2014 Back to the Bricks 10th Anniversary events, the August Art Walk and more.
In 2013, its inaugural year, Artomotive successfully featured nine local artists and raised money for the Automotive Pioneers Statue Project. For a $50 entry fee, artists are given a car hood and complete creative freedom to create their art.
“Last year’s winning artwork featured the Vernor’s Gnome,” said Cheryl DeFrain, Director of the Flint & Genesee Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The sky is the limit when it comes to the subject matter and materials used in these art pieces. I can’t wait to see what the artists come up with this year.”
Cash prizes are awarded to the top three artists ($400, $300 and $175), as determined by a juried panel of judges. In addition, a $500 “People’s Choice” award will be selected by the public.
While details are still being finalized, the goal is that the hoods will be displayed during August Art Walk, Jazz Fest and Back to the Bricks, as well as possibly in the First Street Loft Apartments lobby. The public will have a chance to vote for their favorite artwork during one of these times.
The Artomotive contest is open to anyone 18 and older. The registration deadline is July 31, and completed pieces must be turned in on Aug. 7. Registration and payment, car hood pickup and finished hood drop-off can all be made at the Greater Flint Arts Council, 816 S Saginaw St., Flint.
All decorated hoods will be auctioned off during Back to the Bricks on Aug. 13, with half of the proceeds going to the artists and the other half benefitting the statue fund.
Artomotive was formed as a collaboration among the Back to the Bricks Statue Committee, the Greater Flint Arts Council and the Flint & Genesee Convention & Visitors Bureau.
For more information, call Cheryl DeFrain at the Flint & Genesee Convention & Visitors Bureau at (810) 600-1457. To enter the competition, visit www.artomotive.org.