Rochester Hills Man Among MI Great Artist Finalists

• Kim Fujiwara of Rochester Hills
• Henry Heading of Lathrup Village
• Patrick McManus of Warren
• Victor Pytko of Birmingham
• Weatherly Stroh of Birmingham

“These outstanding artists exemplify what is best about the MI Great Artist competition—shining a spotlight on some very talented individuals,” Patterson said.
There will be an exhibition of the finalists’ work at Park West Gallery in Southfield from Dec. 2–Jan. 3. The winner will be announced at an evening gallery reception Dec. 12.

The MI Great Artist winner will receive a $1,500 cash prize, up from $1,000 in 2012; five submitted artworks framed by Park West Gallery; a scholarship to attend three Business Basics workshops at the Oakland County One Stop Shop; a one-hour consultation with an Oakland County business development representative; their artwork featured on a poster to promote one of Oakland County's signature quality of life events, printed by Park West Gallery; a solo exhibition at Park West Gallery in Southfield; and a two-month solo exhibition at the Oakland County Galleria in the Executive Office Building in Waterford.

Four runners-up will each receive a $375 cash prize, up from $250 last year; framing by Park West Gallery of five artworks included in their submissions; a scholarship to attend one Business Basics workshop at the Oakland County One Stop Shop; a one-hour consultation with an Oakland County business development representative; and a two-month solo exhibition in the Oakland County Galleria.

The judges are Elliott W. Broom, vice president of museum operations at the Detroit Institute of Arts; Dominic Pangborn, founder of Pangborn Design Collection and former professor at the College of Creative Studies; Don Tocco, an artist whose work includes award winning photography, paintings sold to high end art collectors, portrait sculptures of famous global leaders; and Kristie Everett Zamora, arts, culture & film coordinator for Oakland County's Department of Economic Development & Community Affairs; and Park West Gallery founder/CEO Albert Scaglione.

MI Great Artist is aimed at identifying and supporting Michigan’s next up-and-coming 2D artists. Patterson raised the stakes for the 2013 MI Great Artist contest. This year, the cash prizes grew to a total of $3,000 for the second annual art competition which began Sept. 16.

Artists who are 18 years and older who also live, work, or go to school in the Economic Growth Alliance (EGA) region were eligible. The EGA region includes Oakland, Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Shiawassee, and St. Clair counties. MI Great Artist partners include Oakland County, Park West Gallery, Economic Growth Alliance, AdvantageOakland.com, and Prosper magazine.