GRPS Student Nusra Juma Crafts a Winning Masterpiece in Consumers Energy’s 2024 SmartArt Competition

Grand Rapids, Mich. Monday, September 23, 2024

Consumers Energy, ArtPrize, GRPS Celebrate 20 Students for Clean Energy-Themed Artwork

In a vibrant celebration of sustainability and creativity, Consumers Energy, ArtPrize and Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) leaders are excited to announce that GRPS Nusra Juma has been awarded first place in the 2024 SmartArt competition at ArtPrize with artwork titled “Earth Balance.” Annually, the SmartArt (Students Making Art with a Renewable Theme) contest invites students to blend artistry with environmental consciousness ― a match made in eco-heaven.

The winner’s artwork, along with the art from the top 10 finalists, is on display during ArtPrize on a large banner hanging outside the Consumers Energy electric substation downtown at Fulton Street and Market Avenue. Nusra won a $2,000 scholarship and an Apple Laptop courtesy of Consumers Energy. Each of the top ten finalists received monetary or technology prizes including Apple Laptops, iPads and/or Meijer gift cards.

“We are proud to support the SmartArt competition and the rising talent of young artists coming from GRPS,” said Cathy Wilson, Consumers Energy’s executive director of corporate giving. “Consumers Energy is committed to a sustainable energy future for generations. The creativity these students show in their artwork highlights our shared passion to keep our Earth in top shape.”

“Our scholars' creativity, dedication, and commitment to sustainability are truly inspiring. The fact that their work is being celebrated on such a large stage, with the support of Consumers Energy and ArtPrize, speaks volumes about the power of combining education, art, and environmental awareness. This competition is a remarkable example of what’s possible when young minds actively engage with the world around them,” said Dr. Leadriane Roby, GRPS superintendent.

Artwork from the finalists included mixed media, oil painting, ceramic, yarn, digital, ink, plastic, and more. A panel of art professionals from Cultivate, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University selected the finalists from 42 entries.

In addition to the panel-voted winner, the community was invited to cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award winner. Angie Cifuentes with the entry called “Left for Dead” received 275 of the 1,763 votes and has been awarded the People’s Choice Award.

The 20 finalists, along with their grade, and high school are, in alphabetical order:

• Samya Alford, 10^th grade, Innovation Central High School
• Keyla Arcos-Lopez, 10^th grade, Museum High School
• Emily Barrios, 12^th grade, Southwest Middle High School
• Ingrid Bott, 10^th grade, City High Middle School
• Angie Cifuentes, 10^th grade, Museum High School
• Jack de Graaf, 12^th grade, City High Middle School
• Lizeth Gallardo, 11^th grade, City High Middle School
• Nusra Juma, 11^th grade, Ottawa Hills High School
• Jana Kalumbula, 11^th grade, City High Middle School
• KenZie Low, 11^th grade, City High Middle School
• Jaleny Maldonado-Marroquin, 12^th grade, Union High School
• Alanna Miles, 11^th grade, Union High School
• Jakelin Parada, 11^th grade, Southwest Middle High School
• Yarlin Reyes De la Cruz, 10^th grade, Southwest Middle High School
• Lily Salacina, 10^th grade, CA Frost Middle High School
• Barbie Sanders, 10^th grade, Southwest Middle High School
• Lux Schmitz, 10^th grade, CA Frost Middle High School
• Aeris Tuma, 10^th grade, City High Middle School
• Rory VanderPloeg, 11^th grade, City High Middle School
• Juana Zacarias, 11^th grade, Southwest Middle High School

ArtPrize is an open, independently organized international art competition. It celebrates artists working in all mediums from anywhere in the world and is open to any creative with artwork to enter and a venue willing to host it. For 18 days, art is exhibited throughout the city in public parks and museums, in galleries and vacant storefronts, in bars and on bridges. ArtPrize runs until Sept. 28

The SmartArt competition began in 2013. This is the 11th year of the contest after being canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19.

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Media Contacts:

Consumers Energy: Trisha Bloembergen, 517-614-2689

Grand Rapids Public Schools: Luke Stier, 616-318-7206