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Two Finlandia students are representing the university’s art program and the Upper Peninsula as they have been hired to produce a logo synonymous with both the UP and the talented artisans that reside here.
The logo will serve as an iconic symbol featured at ArtPrize, the world renowned art festival that takes place annually in lower Michigan.
Art is displayed at over 150 venues throughout Grand Rapids where it will be viewed by an estimated 500,000 spectators over the two and a half week event.
The art show is now entering its 10th year and for the several years, Upper Peninsula art has had it’s own display.
This year, two young ladies from Finlandia have been selected to design the logo for the UP Display that will feature pieces from artists across the entire peninsula.
Denise Vandeville, Dean of Findlandia’s Art and Design School said, “Starting about three years ago, we started bringing groups of Upper Peninsula artists down to ArtPrize. That has expanded and here at Finlandia University we’re having some of our students design the PR material.”
Jayana Barrette is a junior and one of the chosen designers. “I want to bring a new layout into the project. We’re looking to do something completely different from what the client has asked of us just because we think that we could present the UP better than it already has been,” Barrette said.
Marina Dalton is also a junior and a chosen designer who says that one thing the logo will not contain is the shape of the UP. She says that there are many natural icons that will demonstrate the region without reverting to the cliché. “A lot of companies and people that work with the UP want to use the UP itself as their logo, and we want to stay completely as far away as possible from that.”
Some of the features that are being considered include the Mackinac Bridge, the Northern Lights, and UP forestry.
ArtPrize takes place in the fall.
Before the Upper Peninsula display is sent to Grand Rapids, it will be temporarily showcased on Mackinac Island in August, highlighting the Upper Peninsula’s art scene.
