things we like.

Posted on September 28, 2010

In the midst of this busy time, we wanted to take a moment and post something non-photography related.

#1. We love Grand Rapids for many reasons … but especially this time of year in particular because ARTPRIZE is upon us. For our readers who aren’t from the great city of G.Rap, Artprize is an art competition that takes place in downtown Grand Rapids. Anyone can enter, anyone can vote, and anyone can win.

One of the entries has greatly impacted us. That entry is known as “Waterprize”. Waterprize is a large scale painting located in the fountain at the Gerald R. Ford Museum. Aside from the fact that the painting is crazy impressive, the meaning behind the painting is especially impactful.

1 in 8 people do not have access to clean drinking water.

Every 20 seconds, a child dies from a water related disease.

Dirty water kills more people than all forms of violence, including war.

Wow.

The luxury of turning on a tap and having clean water is something we often (sometimes always) take for granted. Waterprize is associated with the organization 20 Liters – they are working to install water filters in countries that don’t have access to clean drinking water.

Help those in need by voting for Waterprize. Go to the Gerald R. Ford Museum. Check out the painting – it’s huge, you can’t miss it. There are many volunteers who are eager to tell you more about it and a short video documenting the impact water filters are having on those in Rawanda. Oh, and buy a t-shirt while you’re there. Aside from the fact that the proceeds go to a good cause, they fit like a glove and are pretty darn awesome.

First round of voting ends tomorrow at 11:59pm!

Click here for information on how to vote.

For more information on Waterprize, click here

and click this link for more information on the organization, 20 Liters.

We also love this video by Rob Bell discussing clean water and poverty issues.

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#2. We love etsy.com. In my opinion, Kai is a very good gift giver – and I am impressed.
He has taken to finding me things on etsy and I have to rave about the latest.

Um, hello – awesome, custom, logo neckalce. This was made by Sue Urquhart of Lulu Bug Jewelry.
This is my second piece of jewelry made by her. The first is larger than the logo necklace and has an impression of a realistic elephant.

Can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received on both pieces!

My knowledge when it comes to handcrafted jewelry is seriously limited so I won’t even try to describe what  she does to create her fantastic pendants.
On her etsy shop she sells pre-made jewelry and also takes custom orders. Can someone say gorgeous personalized bridesmaids gift?
Anyway, check her shop out here. It’s great (and reasonably priced). That’s that.

oh, and p.s. … Kai, this one is too cute.

Alright, folks. Thanks for tuning in. More photography on the way …

.KayleyHeeringa.