Every year, over 400,000 people come to Grand Rapids for ArtPrize, the world’s largest art competition. ArtPrize showcases talented artists from around the world but one of the most anticipated exhibits will be honoring Grand Rapid’s native, Paul Collins, and his legacy in the arts. Titled, “Paul Collins School of Humankind: A Humanitarian Art Movement,” the exhibit showcases his work that spans five decades along with the artists he taught and influenced throughout his life. The exhibit at Devos Place, running from September 19 through October 7 and includes work by Paul Collins, Randolph Brown, John McDonald, Hubert Massey, and Joshua Moore.
Led by Grand Rapids' own Paul Collins, this group of realist artists focuses on documenting contemporary culture and telling the story of our history, all while trying to inspire hope with their work. “Paul Collins has created a new art movement,” Moore said. “A new generation of artists have been inspired by his work, by his efforts to combine social change and civil rights with art. It is a movement of realism but also one of positivity. Our main mission is to show that true strength is compassion. People seem to be hungry for it. It’s been too long coming.”
Paul Collins has a long and successful career that began as a sign painter with his friend and mentor, Randolph Brown. His first major success came after debuting a series of paintings from his time living in Africa. Collins’ next projects would break museum attendance records in the U.S. and bring communities together in Sarajevo and Israel. Collins is best known for his popular Underground Railroad mural and international exhibits portraying the world around us. He has been active in the community as well, helping raise money for schools in Grand Rapids, and providing leadership in numerous charity projects. He was also a friend of Rosa Parks and served on the MLK Center for Nonviolent Social Change board with Coretta King.
“I started my career in the arts as an apprentice for Paul Collins,” Moore said. “I think I will always be his apprentice, studying his work throughout my life. It is an honor to be able to paint with him, side by side, and now have my work hanging on the same wall. I can get really emotional when I stop and think about that but Paul Collins is one of a kind. People really don’t understand all the work he has done, both in the arts, and as an activist. He is a titan of the art world.”
This will be the third time Joshua Moore’s work has been accepted into ArtPrize. In 2016, Joshua Moore's “Copper Ghosts” collection of paintings about the history of copper mining in Michigan was voted into the top 25 2D category during the first week of ArtPrize. As part of the “Paul Collins School of Art” exhibit, Moore will be showing four paintings inspired by the performing arts in Michigan. Elements of popular theater themes, backstage superstitions, classical music, and traditional clothing make up the paintings in the collection that embody theater, music, and cultural dance. “The idea for this series really came from seeing my sister’s passion for the theater,” Moore said. Moore’s sister, Elizabeth Goodall is an award-winning costume designer from Meadowbrook Theater, the largest production in Michigan. “Painting, theater, writing, and live music all share a purity in their art forms. This is why I felt it was important to spend two years painting elements of the performing arts.”
“Art can be powerful; this is what Paul Collins has taught me,” Moore said. “We both try to paint the beauty in humanity. We both are dedicated to creating art for the sake of the people, art that tells a story, and maybe even creates a spark of hope along the way. “
Please feel free to call or email me for more information or to set up an interview. Images are available to use upon request on both Joshua Moore’s and Paul Collins’ websites.
