Local artist to be showcased once again in ArtPrize 2024
Berger draws inspiration from nature and friends
by Andrea Stickney
Carol Berger is an artist whose creative process stems from her affection for nature and friends. This is Berger’s fourth year with a successful entry in the prestigious ArtPrize international art show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is arguably the largest attended public art event in the world. This year, it will be held from Sept. 13 through Sept. 28; you can find all pertinent information online at https://www.artprize.org.
What you can’t find without attending ArtPrize in person is the face-to-face experience of fine art and all it has to communicate to you.
Berger described that intimate exchange in a most interesting way. She explained, “It’s almost like a window between you, the artist, and your viewer, and you have to communicate with the window between you. And the window is your painting.” She added, “You want the painting to communicate itself. That’s why it is hard to answer when I’m asked questions about my own interpretation of my work.”
When you see “Social Harmony,” her latest piece soon to appear in the 2024 show, you won’t need to ask about her interpretation to enjoy it, but she did share a fascinating bit of background on the painting’s origins for this article.
The artist’s dear friend, Brenda, had just returned from a trip to Alaska and shared photos and stories of birds called horned puffins that she witnessed in their colony. It seems these puffins are very social, and Berger was inspired to paint them in their somewhat idyllic habitat. Since Brenda is a pianist, Berger decided on the title “Social Harmony,” cleverly including a tribute to her friend for the inspiration.
Last year, Berger’s entry, “Lucindas East of Eden,” was displayed during ArtPrize 2023 at Cornerstone Church. They were so inspired by her art that when they found out she had entered “Social Harmony” they immediately invited Berger to display her art in the sanctuary once again.
If you’ve never attended ArtPrize, make 2024 the year. If you have attended, it’s likely no encouragement is needed to convince you to return. It’s an immersive experience of art, food, people-watching and memory-making in a great city transformed by art. While there, make it a point not to miss a face-to-face with the little birds of “Social Harmony.” It will be among those memories you’ll never forget.
Berger can be reached through AllArtworks.com where her work is displayed or by email at CarolsCanvas@gmail.com.
If you make it to ArtPrize 2024, don’t miss a face-to-face with the horned puffins featured in Berger’s “Social Harmony.” It will be among those memories you’ll never forget. Photo credit: Andrea Stickney
