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Artist Geoff Grace Wins $25,000 Sondheim Artscape Prize
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As you could tell from his honest and impromptu acceptance speech, Geoff Grace is a super nice person. And he's funny. No theatrical art histronics, no drama, just a humble teacher, musician, thinker, and do-er. He seemed genuinely surprised to win the award, despite his participation in two previous Artscape finals. I have to admit I didn't see it coming, despite the glowing description in this week's CP: "There's simply something awkwardly and familiarly vulnerable in the human impulse to want to trap reality and cozily hold it to the bosom as a framed memory on the wall--an act as crazy beautiful as a beast that adapted to eat from the tops of hard to reach foliage that still has to bow down to drink."
I love the piece 'it's the linger, not the long' because it's warm and poetic. I love it because I like reading other people's love letters. I love it because it doesn't TRY to say anything, but says volumes. And I love it because it's just a little bit goofy and sentimental. This prize couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Geoff Grace adjusting to his new fame.
Two views of 'it's the linger, not the long.'
Bio: Geoff Grace, an active member of the Baltimore art and music scene, has exhibited nationally and widely in the area. His exhibition history includes shows at Baltimore spaces Gallery Four, Maryland Art Place, the 5th Story, School 33 Art Center, the Rosenberg Gallery, the Contemporary Museum, Artscape, The Baltimore Museum of Art and Area 405, as well as public art pieces in the Station North Arts & Entertainment District and at Lexington and Howard Streets. He was also a semi-finalist for the 2006 Sondheim Prize and a finalist for the 2007 award. Grace grew up in Maryland and returned to Baltimore in the summer of 2000 after time spent in California, Florida, and on the Pacific Ocean. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts in Teaching from the Maryland Institute College of Art. He currently teaches art and photography at Overlea High School in Baltimore County. For the 2008 Sondheim Prize Finalists exhibition, Grace created an installation of photographs, drawings, and objects with clay wall drawings called it’s the linger, not the long (2008).
Viewers checking out the work, after the prize was awarded.
Christine and Robert Tillman
2006 Sondheim Winner Laure Drogoul and Jack Livingston
Molly Springfield's text drawings displayed under glass.
I and the Sparrow.
Drury Bynum and Jamie Campbell match well with Becky Alprin's work.
Sondheim fans mosey down to the party.
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