ArtPrize 2017 is underway at our home base of Grand Rapids, MI — marking our 6th annual HERO[series] exhibit and pop-up shop.

Within the first week of it opening, it was selected as a Top-5 entry within the 2-Dimensional category as part of ArtPrize’s Juror-Selected “Short List.” With this Top-5 nomination, the HERO[series] exhibit will automatically advance to the next round of public voting with the chance at a variety of prize monies, including the grand prize of $200,000. If you have already registered with ArtPrize to vote, please be sure to vote for the HERO[series] entry via our vote code: 66639.

Scroll down through the images below to peek into our exhibit stationed inside the Veterans Memorial Park building at 22 Sheldon Ave.

To watch the video behind the 50 States: Veterans + Artists United project tour, visit our Vimeo page.

The exhibit features the designs from our first two state projects, “Be Bold” from Portland, OR, and “Guiding Ethos” from Seattle, WA. Also featured are two shirts made in partnership with The Home Depot entitled, “Pride Runs Deep,” along with “Brave Enough,” from our 2016 HERO[series] Detroit project.

Sitting alongside the Design-Design x HAS HEART Greeting Card collection, the history and importance of mail call and letter writing in the military is featured with letters sent to and from soldiers from each war era.

In addition to past HERO[series] shirts for sale, Habit for Humanity of Kent County built a display featuring the numerous Veteran Habitat Build projects they’ve completed within the surrounding community — a program led and supported by HAS HEART co-founder, Michael Hyacinthe.

In each of our six ArtPrize exhibits, we’ve continued the tradition of the “Freedom Wall” in which ArtPrize viewers can leave a note of appreciate for the Veteran community.

Featured in the final room is the 50 States project and its progress to date, along with ways individuals and businesses can support it through donations and sponsorships.

This venue, exhibit, and 50 States project would not be possible without so many generous and supportive partners including: Design-Design, Inc., Alpha Industries, AIGA, Sticker Mule, Todd Wenzel Automotive, The Home Depot, Schultz Family Foundation, and more. 

50 state bumper sticker decals inspired by each state’s license plate were produced and donated by Sticker Mule.

Every year, HAS HEART designs and produces a limited amount of branded product, and this year those items included a Made in USA 24 oz. water bottle produced by Liberty Bottleworks, navy and white speckled camp-style ceramic coffee mugs, and notebooks made in Grand Rapids, MI by our friends at Design-Design, Inc. Unfortunately, these products are only available in-store, but fortunately, you have until October 08 to visit us at 22 Sheldon Ave NE.