ArtPrize internship helps kinetic imaging students see big picture
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—As VIP guests traverse a sprawling gallery marveling at luminous screens displaying digital art, Avery McNew’s eyes brim with excitement.
“It’s so clear to me that I want a career in art; this experience has really sealed the deal for me that this is what I want to do,” says the Western Michigan University kinetic imaging student at an exclusive event showing off the new Resonant Gallery at WMU-Grand Rapids. It’s the first-ever all-digital gallery in international art competition ArtPrize’s history and was co-curated by instructors Jacklyn Brickman and Eric Souther.
“It’s incredible. Being able to be here and interact with not only the artists but also seeing our professors in this real-world space—it’s a totally different experience than being in the classroom,” says McNew.
The event is more than an unveiling; it’s the culmination of months of hard work. Supported by an Experience-Driven Learning Venture Grant, McNew and kinetic imaging classmates Sofia Huffman and Mackenzie Willey have been learning about curation and administration in real time as paid interns alongside their instructors.
“To be part of something like ArtPrize as somebody who’s in college is crazy. It’s an unmissable opportunity to put something on your resume and get experience curating—something that is so valuable when looking for a job,” says Willey. “I can actually see where I fit, and I’m not going to feel lost entering the art world because I’ve already done it even before I graduated.”
In addition to supporting efforts with the Resonant Gallery and its inaugural installation, “Ripple Effect,” the students curated their own ArtPrize gallery space, Prismatic Gallery. Navigating the process from start to finish, they selected entries for the gallery, sent invitations, led communications for the five artists they chose and rolled up their sleeves to get the space ready for their show.
“We hung up flat screen TVs all over the place," says Willey. "We were up there drilling things in and setting up extension cords, all sorts of stuff. We got vinyl installed on both floors for artist statements and gallery names; it looks very official!”
A world of opportunity
Throughout the process, the students gained new perspectives on all aspects of the industry where they intend to launch their careers.
“You’re getting the tools in class, and while that’s super helpful, I don’t think there is really anything that can compare to going to a gallery and actually doing the work, meeting the artists, working through the installations,” McNew says.
It also illuminated ways they could fine-tune and advance their own art endeavors.
“In reviewing submissions, we found some artists forget to put key information in their portfolio like descriptions of their piece and where to find it,” adds Huffman. “It was very eye-opening to what I want to do with my portfolio and how I should be showing my work for future employers."
Curating an exhibit at ArtPrize puts the students in contact with artists, administrators and art influencers from around the globe. That means they’ll be networking and establishing connections that could lead to projects, professional collaborations and jobs after graduation.
“I’m really excited to see the opportunities that come from this internship,” says Willey.
Opportunities to make meaningful connections at ArtPrize extend beyond Huffman, McNew and Willey to students from across the kinetic imaging program as well as Grand Rapids-area high school students. They participated in a workshop with Berlin-based artist Jess Tucker, who debuted her new piece “Against All Odds and Gravity” in the Resonant Gallery.
“We believe these events enrich our community and provide invaluable opportunities for mentorship and growth of our students’ creative practice and professional development," says Souther. “These are career-defining encounters that connect our students to an international network of digital artists and creative professionals.”
Strong foundation
Western’s kinetic imaging program offers a Bachelor of Science degree with tracks in animation, game art and video art. It prepares students for professional practice as multimedia artists by creating a multitude of contemporary approaches through a flexible curriculum.
“This program is very heavy on technology, software systems and coding, things like that. Our professors do a good job of making sure we’re proficient enough in technology that we could really get a job doing a variety of things,” says Willey. “I feel more secure in my future career; I’ve got a really good foundation.”
The kinetic imaging program will graduate its first class in spring 2026—and that includes Huffman and McNew. Graduation may be rapidly approaching, but right now they’re focused on ArtPrize and the experience they helped create.
“I hope people feel a sense of belonging and a sense of freedom (when they visit). And getting to see these artworks curated by students, I hope that other students see it and think they can do it, too,” says McNew.
“I just want people to be inspired,” adds Huffman.
ArtPrize runs through Saturday, Oct. 4. Hours and more information about the WMU-Grand Rapids ArtPrize venue are available online.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.
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