Winner Announced in Loeschner Art Competition at Frederik Meijer Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announced Grand Rapids native, Colleen O’Rourke, as the winner of the 2014 Ray and Nancy Loeschner Annual Art Competition.

O’Rourke works with a needle and thread, taking seed beads beyond their traditional role as adornment and putting them in the spotlight as a fine art medium. Her winning entry, "Autumn Blaze", depicts fiery red maple leaves on a background of electric blue swirls, inspired by the landscape at Meijer Gardens.

In addition to the $3,000 prize, O’Rourke’s work will become a part of Meijer Gardens’ permanent collection. She joins other recent winners including: Dianne Shullenberger, Stephen Duren, Chris Overvoorde, Stephen Schousen, Margaret Vega, James Karsina and Sharon Sandberg.

The official call for 2015 entries will come in the fall, but artists are encouraged to work on their entry anytime during the year. Submissions are due November 2, 2015, and artists across the state and the globe are welcomed.

Celebrating its 13th year, Ray and Nancy Loeschner established the two-dimensional competition to encourage artists to create work inspired by the grounds and collections of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.