The Mission: Swift Printing's ArtPrize 2023 Showcase

Swift Printing is proud to announce its artist for ArtPrize 2023 – an art installation by the renowned artist and designer Bryan Galloup, titled "The Mission." This collaborative endeavor beautifully blends craftsmanship, musicality, and design, redefining the boundaries of artistic expression.

The Mission Guitar and chair by Bryan Galloup

The Mission: A Fusion of Artistry

At the heart of this endeavor is the concept of a "mission." A mission, in its truest sense, represents an important goal, a vocation fueled by unwavering conviction. It is with this spirit that Bryan Galloup embarked on this artistic journey.

The visionary artist shares their perspective: "Our vision was to deliver a world-class musical instrument paired with a personalized chair that incorporates classic mission designs." This vision encapsulates the essence of the project – an ambitious fusion of art and functionality.

The Misson: Bryan Galloup Guitar and chair with Walt Gutowski

The Guitar: A Melodic Masterpiece

At the heart of "The Mission" lies a musical treasure—a guitar valued at over $25,000. This exquisite instrument, meticulously crafted by Bryan Galloup and his team of skilled artisans, is a melodic masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of conventional music and art. With a dedication to precision and a deep appreciation for the harmonious fusion of form and function, the guitar embodies the spirit of this artistic endeavor. It not only serves as a testament to the craftsmanship of Bryan Galloup and his team but also offers a profound auditory experience to those who have the privilege of witnessing this remarkable installation. The guitar's design and craftsmanship mirror the artistic vision, making it an integral part of "The Mission" and an embodiment of the project's mission to deliver unparalleled artistic and musical excellence.

The Chair: Where Art Meets Utility

Crafted with precision and care, it boasts a unique feature – the back of the chair is etched with half of the guitar's artwork. This intentional design choice ensures that the artistic expression remains incomplete until the two elements, the chair, and the guitar, are brought together.

Collaborative Craftsmanship

Bryan Galloup worked closely with accomplished luthiers, including Zake Balwinski, Tyler Robbins, and Mathew Van Arnam, to create a masterpiece that transcends conventional boundaries.

Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright

Inspiration for this project was drawn from the iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Side bar: For those familiar with Swift Printing, Frank Lloyd Wright's work holds special significance. Both Walt Gutowski III and Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon are proud alumni of Florida Southern College, home to one of the largest collections of Frank Lloyd Wright's work.

Experience The Mission

Art enthusiasts and the community alike will have the opportunity to witness this remarkable creation at Swift Printing from September 13 through the beginning of October. While the guitar, valued at over $25,000, will be for observation only, visitors can view the installation from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and around the clock through the window along Bridge Street.

Walt Gutowski & Jes Slaydon

A Musical Performance

For those seeking a deeper experience, mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 19 from 6 to 6:30 p.m. On this special evening, there will be a live acoustic performance in front of Swift Printing at 404 Bridge Street, allowing you to revel in the sweet sounds of this classic instrument by Jessica Gutowski Slaydon and Walt Gutowski Jr.

For more details about Bryan Galloup or Galloup Guitars, please visit their website at https://www.galloupguitars.com.

Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon

Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon is the president and a third-generation leader of Swift Printing, a commercial printing company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She works alongside her brother, Walt, helping West Michigan businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and organizations communicate through high-quality print, direct mail, signage, and custom marketing materials. Jessica is passionate about making printing approachable and helping customers choose the right solution for each project.

Learn more about Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon and her printing experience.

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