Ferris State University Launches Student Art Billboard Campaign in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – This month, Ferris State University launched a city-wide billboard campaign featuring student artwork, coinciding with the annual ArtPrize festival. The campaign, titled “Make it Here,” includes displays on 20 billboards throughout Grand Rapids, showcasing the creative talents of Ferris State students.

Dave Murray, associate vice president of marketing and communications at Ferris State, shared that the university aims to highlight their students during a time when Grand Rapids becomes a hub of creativity. ‘These aren’t along the highways, but instead in the neighborhoods, often close to ArtPrize venues,’ he said. ‘People who appreciate creativity will be excited to see the next generations of our region’s rising artistic stars.’

The campaign features 13 original works from students at Ferris State and Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD). The selected pieces include a range of styles, from fine art to technical design. During the 16-day ArtPrize competition, entries from 930 artists will be displayed at 155 venues around the city, including over 50 submissions from Ferris State alumni, faculty, and students.

Erin Russell, a junior in KCAD’s illustration program, has her artwork featured on a billboard located on Leonard St. She created an illustration of Ferris State’s mascot, Brutus the Bulldog, illustrated in bright colors. ‘Last semester, I was designing mock billboards for class, and now I have one of my own. It feels amazing,’ Russell said.

In addition to KCAD students, those from Ferris State’s main campus in Big Rapids are included in the campaign. Austin Nesbitt, a senior in Product Design Engineering Technology, has a mixed-media piece on display that features a black-and-white self-portrait. ‘It’s cool that Ferris State gives us opportunities to express ourselves,’ he explained.

The billboard locations and artists’ details can be found on Ferris State’s website. The university has a history of participation in ArtPrize, with notable alumni winning significant awards, including last year’s $125,000 Public Grand Prize.

Stephen Halko, interim dean at KCAD, noted the importance of creativity within their programs. ‘It’s incredible to see this many Ferris community members involved in ArtPrize,’ he said.

ArtPrize is a collaborative event organized with the city of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., and Ferris State University’s KCAD.