Joshua Kortenhoven, a ninth grader from Grand Rapids City High Middle School, has been named the winner of the 2023 Consumers Energy SmartArt competition at ArtPrize. Kortenhoven’s artwork titled “Green Shoes” earned him the prestigious honor and a $2,000 scholarship.
The SmartArt competition, sponsored by Consumers Energy, encourages Grand Rapids Public Schools students to create art that revolves around the theme of renewable energy. In a statement, Cathy Wilson, Consumers Energy’s executive director of corporate giving, expressed pride in the students’ art and its message of making a difference through small steps.
Kortenhoven’s artwork was selected from a pool of 41 total entries and was among the top 20 finalists. The other finalists’ works were also acknowledged for their thoughtfulness and meaning regarding the issue of renewable energy.
Dr. Leadriane Roby, superintendent of GRPS, commended the students for their creative and impactful artworks. She emphasized the importance of community support in uplifting and celebrating the achievements of these young scholars.
The winning artwork, along with the other top finalists, can be viewed at the Consumers Energy substation located at Fulton Street and Market Avenue in Grand Rapids.
This article is based on the source article: “GRAND RAPIDS CITY HIGH SCHOOL 9TH GRADER WINS CONSUMERS ENERGY SMARTART COMPETITION” by WOOD TV8.