Kalamazoo Times

Western Michigan University (WMU) kinetic imaging students are gaining hands-on experience in art curation through their involvement in ArtPrize, an international art competition held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The students, including Avery McNew, Sofia Huffman, and Mackenzie Willey, worked as paid interns to help curate the Resonant Gallery at WMU-Grand Rapids. This marks the first all-digital gallery in ArtPrize’s history.

The internship was made possible by an Experience-Driven Learning Venture Grant and provided opportunities for the students to work closely with instructors Jacklyn Brickman and Eric Souther. "It’s so clear to me that I want a career in art; this experience has really sealed the deal for me that this is what I want to do," said McNew during an exclusive event at the gallery.

Willey highlighted the practical benefits of participating: "To be part of something like ArtPrize as somebody who’s in college is crazy. It’s an unmissable opportunity to put something on your resume and get experience curating—something that is so valuable when looking for a job," she said. "I can actually see where I fit, and I’m not going to feel lost entering the art world because I’ve already done it even before I graduated."

In addition to their work with Resonant Gallery's inaugural installation “Ripple Effect,” the students curated their own space called Prismatic Gallery. Their responsibilities included selecting artists, sending invitations, communicating with participants, and preparing the exhibition space. Willey described some of these tasks: "We hung up flat screen TVs all over the place... We got vinyl installed on both floors for artist statements and gallery names; it looks very official!"

Throughout their internship, students interacted with international artists such as Jess Tucker from Berlin and learned about various aspects of professional practice within digital arts. McNew emphasized how real-world experience complemented classroom learning: "You’re getting the tools in class, and while that’s super helpful, I don’t think there is really anything that can compare to going to a gallery and actually doing the work, meeting the artists, working through the installations."

Huffman reflected on lessons learned from reviewing artist submissions: "In reviewing submissions, we found some artists forget to put key information in their portfolio like descriptions of their piece and where to find it... It was very eye-opening to what I want to do with my portfolio and how I should be showing my work for future employers."

The program also enabled networking opportunities with artists and professionals from around the world. "I’m really excited to see the opportunities that come from this internship," said Willey.

Students from across WMU's kinetic imaging program—and local high schoolers—participated in workshops led by Jess Tucker during her debut of “Against All Odds and Gravity” at Resonant Gallery.

Souther noted broader benefits: "We believe these events enrich our community and provide invaluable opportunities for mentorship and growth of our students’ creative practice and professional development... These are career-defining encounters that connect our students to an international network of digital artists and creative professionals."

WMU's kinetic imaging program offers a Bachelor of Science degree focused on animation, game art, video art, technology proficiency, software systems, and coding skills. According to Willey: "Our professors do a good job of making sure we’re proficient enough in technology that we could really get a job doing a variety of things... I feel more secure in my future career; I’ve got a really good foundation." The program will graduate its first class in spring 2026.

As ArtPrize continues through October 4th at WMU-Grand Rapids' venue—where more information can be found online—the student curators hope visitors will feel inspired by what they have created together. "I hope people feel a sense of belonging and a sense of freedom (when they visit). And getting to see these artworks curated by students, I hope that other students see it and think they can do it too," said McNew. Huffman added: "I just want people to be inspired."