MIGreatArtist finalists announced, art on display

A panel of judges has determined the five finalists in Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson's MIGreatArtist competition. The finalists are: * Charles Boike of Flint. * Kim Fujiwara of Rochester Hills. * Deborah Hyde of West Bloomfield. * Douglas La Ferle of Royal Oak. * Molly Landis of Pontiac. Patterson and Albert Scaglione, founder and CEO of Park West Gallery, launched the MIGreatArtist contest in June as another premier quality of life event for the Economic Growth Alliance (EGA) region which includes Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Genesee, Lapeer and St. Clair counties. "On behalf of Brooks, congratulations to the MIGreatArtist finalists," Chief Deputy County Executive Gerald Poisson said. "Brooks' inaugural regional art contest truly enhances the quality of life in the EGA region by promoting creativity." The finalists' art will be on exhibit to the public at Park West Gallery in Southfield from Sept. 4-28. The winner of the MIGreatArtist competition will be announced at an award ceremony & reception on Sept. 14 at the gallery. The MIGreatArtist winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize; up to five submitted artworks framed by Park West Gallery (value $500); a scholarship to attend classes on marketing and starting a new business offered through the Oakland County Business Center (value $700); will have their artwork featured on a poster to promote one of Oakland County's signature quality of life events, printed by Park West Gallery (value $700); a solo exhibition at McLaren Oakland Hospital, Pontiac; and a solo exhibition at Lawrence Technological University, Southfield. Four runners-up will each receive a $250 cash prize; framing of up to five artworks included in the submission, Park West Gallery (value $500); a scholarship to attend one Business Basics workshop offered through the Oakland County Business Center (value not to exceed $50); a one-hour consultation with an Oakland County business development representative; and a two-month solo exhibition in the Oakland County Galleria in Waterford. More than 120 artists who live, work or go to school in the EGA region entered the contest. The public cast more than 13,500 votes online to choose the top 20. A panel of judges with expertise in art picked the finalists. The judges included Elliott Broom, vice president of operations at the Detroit Institute of Arts; Dominic Pangborn, Michigan-based artist and entrepreneur known for his fashion line; Albert Scaglione; Don Tocco, Troy business man and award-winning artist; and Kristie Everett Zamora, arts and culture coordinator for Oakland County. For additional information, go to MIGreatArtist.com. Published: Tue, Aug 28, 2012