Ryan T. Schmidt Returns to Artprize at the Ford Museum with his Indoor Sculptures

We are thrilled to announce our return to Artprize, taking place from September 13 to 28, 2024! Ryan T. Schmidt is back this year with a distinctive collection of three indoor sculptures, set to be showcased once more at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum at 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504. While this may be his smallest and inaugural indoor sculpture installation at Artprize, it holds the utmost significance.

PLAN YOUR VISIT and experience art, craftsmanship, and creativity celebrating ideas, conversations, interactions, and engagement at this annual, international art competition and cultural event, Artprize 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

VISIT US at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum from September 13 to 28, 2024 between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM! 

To register or cast your vote, click this link Vote on Artprize Entry. More details at artprize.org. 

Many of you may have encountered his large-scale outdoor stainless steel sculptures across Michigan and during Artprize since 2015. Most of his pieces made it to the Top 25 in the public vote for the 3D category. With nearly half a million individuals visiting the Ford Museum annually for Artprize, and considering the years of his participation, it's likely that millions of people have come across Ryan Schmidt's artwork... so what makes this year's Artprize entry particularly significant?

Read more at bit.ly/2024artprize

Significance of this year's Artprize entry, "Serendipity"

The sculpture "Serendipity" was designed to reach a height of 50ft. tall with the purpose of becoming a prominent feature in a city or structure, acting as a landmark or destination. The maquette shows a graceful movement as if the sculpture is dancing as you engage and see it from different perspectives.  Placing the monumental sculpture aims to establish a welcoming and immersive atmosphere through a large-scale artwork that can redefine perspectives. Art plays a crucial role in providing a positive and impactful experience for the public and visitors; the sculpture is set to become a symbol, destination, or landmark of significance for the community and those who come to visit.

Explore Ryan Schmidt's creative process and inspiration behind his sculptures at this year's Artprize. Gain a deeper appreciation for his vision and dedication. Contact us to schedule a private tour during Artprize season.

A Glimpse into the future Monumental Sculpture

Serendipity was moulded without a sketch in a completely free-form lines of twisted metal and then, embodied with clay. The idea was to create free flowing movement with appeal from all angles. The scale of the sculpture will be awe-inspiring to its viewers seeing a striking 50ft tall centerpiece. The material is stainless steel cast non-corrosive in mirror-polish finish which makes the sculpture low maintenance and durable in harsh elements.

Ryan's Artprize entry showcases stunning Serendipity sculptures in mirror-polish finish, red, and blue, reflecting artistic expression.

Schmidt works primarily in Type-316L non-corrosive stainless steel with its enduring properties. He has worked with aluminum and bronze, but relies on the reflective qualities of high-grade stainless steel. His goal is to fully realize concepts from the images in his mind, in a way that the sculpture is able to create a mood, and then it changes in a moment with the season and in a completely seamless and natural manner.   His mission is to share the gift of inspiration through reflection with the passion for stainless steel and desires to build sculpture that will last for many generations to come.  Simplicity and importance of life is what he is encouraging through the reflections of sculpture with its minimalistic qualities