The JPM collaborative ArtPrize piece Finding Beauty: Grand Rapids is installed and looks incredible installed on the windows at the Urban Institute of Contemporary Art (UICA) in downtown Grand Rapids, MI. The entry is a triptych of automated rolling window shades based on “StreetBox II”, a photograph by Tony Ellis captured in the Grand Rapids urban environment.

The collaborative team ArtPrize 2014 (L to R): Jan McCollum, Tony Ellis, Marion Ellis, Stephanie Kubiak.
The theme of collaboration created an opportunity for J Parker McCollum, Inc. to take part in ArtPrize 2014, the radically open, international art competition, with the premier release of a new line of custom window treatments featuring GREI® Architectural Hardware.

A view of the GREI (R) Architectural Hardware installed at ArtPrize 2014 designed by J Parker McCollum, Inc.
Just announced today October 5th we found out we made the top 25 favorites for installations, but did not make it into the top 5 finalists. Thanks to all of our collaborators for including JPM in this amazing experience including Tony Ellis the photographer and artist behind the entry. The shades were printed by Reed Custom Printing, in Portland, MI on specialty materials. The motorized battery operating system was sourced through Automated Shade in Hockley, TX. Quality Stainless Manufacturing in Detroit, MI fabricated the laser-cut stainless steel valance designed by J Parker McCollum, Inc.

Interior designer, Jan McCollum and Mark Wade from Triangle Window Fashions, the installer inspecting the valances or fascia’s that will top the window shades. Photo courtesy of Tony Ellis.

The triad of shades shown from outside the UICA downtown.
For more information on custom window treatments featuring GREI® Architectural Hardware and contemporary fine art please contact: info@jparkermccollum.com. To pledge support for our ArtPrize entry and receive rewards like hand signed prints and t-shirts from the Grand Rapids collection by Tony Ellis visit the GoFundMe page at http://www.gofundme.com/Finding-Beauty-GR