Swift Printing's ArtPrize 2023 Entry: The Surprise Sticker Vending Machine
It's that wonderful time of the year again when ArtPrize sweeps through Grand Rapids, bringing with it a sense of camaraderie, creativity, and unbridled artistic expression. This year, Swift Printing is thrilled to be a part of the festivities with our exciting entry—the "Swift Printing Surprise Sticker Vending Machine."
Unveiling the Surprise Sticker Vending Machine
As lovers of the ArtPrize camaraderie, we wanted to contribute something unique and delightful to the event. That's how the idea of the Swift Printing Surprise Sticker Vending Machine was born. If you happen to visit our Swift Printing lobby during ArtPrize, you won't be able to miss it—a vibrant red vending machine, just waiting to share a bit of joy with you.
Check it out! GRkids.com featured our ArtPrize Entry on 12 Interactive ArtPrize Entries
GRKids, it’s a Swift nostalgic treat. ;)
A Quarter for a Mystery Sticker
Here's how it works: For just 4 quarters, you can experience the thrill of receiving a mystery sticker from our vending machine. There are 16 different stickers to randomly receive, each one meticulously designed by our talented Swift Printing team and even some of our beloved family members.
Swift Printing is providing the 4 quarters per person to get a sticker. Of course, if you prefer to bring your own quarters, you're more than welcome to do so. It's all about the experience, the nostalgia of putting real money into a machine, and the pure joy of rediscovering that childlike excitement we felt when getting treats as kids.
Stickers Are Our Thing
Why stickers, you might wonder? Well, stickers are what we do, and they're a part of our printing passion. It just makes perfect sense for us to share our love for stickers with the ArtPrize community and visitors.
A Tradition of ArtPrize Group Entries
This marks the third year in a row that Swift Printing has embraced the spirit of ArtPrize by participating in a group entry. We believe that art should bring people together, spark conversations, and create memories. In 2021 we restored the Red Lion Vintage Neon and in 2022 We did the History of Printing and restored a pre electricity printing press. This year, the Swift Printing Surprise Sticker Vending Machine is our way of continuing the community engagement —adding a touch of surprise, nostalgia, and artistry to your ArtPrize experience.
So, as you explore the incredible art installations across Grand Rapids during ArtPrize 2023, make sure to swing by Swift Printing and pay a visit to our vibrant red vending machine. Let's celebrate the joy of art, stickers, and the wonderful sense of togetherness that ArtPrize brings to our community. We can't wait to share this delightful experience with you!
Please stop by Swift Printing between Monday - Friday 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to experience the Surprise Sticker Vending Machine.
Swift Printing Team Artist Statements
Candy - by Patrick
“Candy” comes from my love of the sugary sweets. When I see the bright colors and textures of candy I can’t help but wonder what each one tastes like. With this sticker I wanted to express the joy of sharing a new box of candy with the world. Even if you can’t eat the sticker, it is still a treat for the eyes.
Surfing Guinea Pig - by Patrick
What started as an inside joke between my wife and I has blossomed in to a creative outlet. It began with a guinea pig stuffed animal that accompanied us on a trip to college many years ago. We gave the little pig personality and traits that made it seem to come to life. Over time we collected more and I started leaving little guinea pig drawings as a way to brighten the day and leave a smile where I can.
The Surfing Guinea Pig is one of the fun activities I imagine our stuffed animal having when we’re not around. One day I hope to create an animated series based on who we affectionately call “The Pig” and his crazy adventures. Until then, hopefully this furry friend catches a wave and a smile on your face.
Sandy the Cat - By JP
The sticker is of my late cat, Sandy. He died labor day weekend of 2019 (8/31/2019) of old age in his sleep. He and I were very close. He would always greet me at the door when I came home, insisted I carry him around like a baby while I cooked, cleaned, and did anything around the house. He usually would sleep right by my side for most of the night. We rescued him and his brother, Oreo, after they were abused and abandoned in a park around the year 2003 (I was in first grade!). Oreo died in 2011, but Sandy lived for another 8 years until the ripe old age of 17!
My heart hasn’t fully healed from his loss, and I still think of him often. I wanted to create this sticker as a sort of memorial to him. Originally, I was going to have his name on there, but I didn’t want to alienate individuals that would likely not know what his name meant. Instead, a friend suggested that I make it into a cute play on words, which I thought was genius. The design feels personal enough for me to be happy and yet generic enough that a stranger could add it to their collection.
Stand by for more artist statements - we’ve got to get back to work!
