This video was shot of the Swing Set Drum Kit by Dave Ford in Calder Plaza during ArtPrize 2012.

The Swing Set Drum Kit is an interactive sonic sculpture encouraging kids to build rhythmic sounds with a swing set. Three swings are attached to large colorful wheels that trigger multiple drumsticks, striking percussive instruments. A child’s realization that the sounds are directly related to their swinging is the foundation of the piece. Further exploration of the participant’s speed and swinging height is immediately translated into varying rhythms, rewarding the curious rider. Full time participation of the artist, constantly conducting the swing-set ensemble by re-arrangement or complete editing of the module instruments, dramatically changes the piece. More Glockenspiel! Also interchangeable during live interaction is the peg system that activates the drumsticks, (some 1 peg to another’s 5) producing radical rhythmic variation. Kids love that they are part of the sculpture, while the other viewers appreciate the engineering and overall impact of the kit.

Thank you everyone who keeps sending beautiful images of the Swing Set Drum Kit in Calder Plaza. This one is particularly lovely with the sun lighting the fuzzy swing seats.

ArtPrize 2nd Place Winner Martijn van Wagtendonk is returning Saturday, October 20 for a special performance with Grand Rapids Symphonymembers. Experience the beautiful and moving “Song of Lift” at this one-night-only event!

Tickets available online or by calling 616 454 7000 x14
http://songoflift.eventbrite.com/

Be sure to stop by Calder Plaza this weekend for your chance to swing on the Swing Set Drum Kit before it leaves Grand Rapids. Stop by both Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and make some music!

Thank you to everyone who has turned out for ArtPrize to volunteer, make music and take photos! This photo above was taken by Sarah Haas and if you post any photos on Facebook, be sure to tag Dave Ford.

Also big Congratulations to all the artists and venues who won awards during ArtPrize 2012. For those of you who missed out, the Top 10 Artists were Song of Lift, Life in Wood, Stick-To-It-Ive-Ness ,Rebirth of Spring, Origami, Return to Eden, City Band, Elephants, The Chase and Lights in the Night.

Tonight at 5 p.m. the ArtPrize juried awards and the public vote are announced LIVE at the Loading Dock of the former Grand Rapids Press Building. Visit http://www.artprize.org for more information.

Swing Set Drum Kit by Dave Ford

The Swing Set Drum Kit is an interactive sonic sculpture encouraging kids to build rhythmic sounds with a swing set. Three swings are attached to large colorful wheels that trigger multiple drumsticks, striking percussive instruments. A child’s realization that the sounds are directly related to their swinging is the foundation of the piece. Further exploration of the participant’s speed and swinging height is immediately translated into varying rhythms, rewarding the curious rider. Full time participation of the artist, constantly conducting the swing-set ensemble by re-arrangement or complete editing of the module instruments, dramatically changes the piece. More Glockenspiel! Also interchangeable during live interaction is the peg system that activates the drumsticks, (some 1 peg to another’s 5) producing radical rhythmic variation. Kids love that they are part of the sculpture, while the other viewers appreciate the engineering and overall impact of the kit.

The best part of the Swing Set Drum Kit is that everyone of all ages and sizes can enjoy it! Look how happy this swinger looks.

Swing by and make some music in Calder Plaza. We’re here until October 6!

Click here to read the article. Below is a short excerpt.

“Come on! Grab a Swing!” says the artist Dave Ford as he reaches out and directs several adults toward one of the three fuzzy white seats. As if they were kids that received permission to do something they never expected approval for, they cautiously approach the carefully engineered swings. The once cautious bystanders become a part of the piece, carefree, chuckling back and forth, bringing a beam of satisfaction to Ford’s face. Standing over six feet tall, Ford wears a black coat carefully sprinkled with white paint. Parts of his “Swing Set Drum Kit” still lie on the ground in a box. Exchanging “thank you’s” with those around him, Ford continues to connect the final pegs, shoes, playing cards, bells and other ear-catching noisemakers. The closer one explores the “Swing Set Drum Kit” the more intricate the piece becomes. Each swing is individually connected to its own set of dings, booms, clicks and clacks. How the series of noises will play is dictated by how fast or slow one swings. When all three swings are up and running, it’s hard to look away.

See you at ArtPrize and vote: 53024.

Stop by Calder Plaza today until 10 p.m. and play some music on the Swing Set Drum Kit!

Swing Set Drum Kit by Dave Ford

The Swing Set Drum Kit is an interactive sonic sculpture encouraging kids to build rhythmic sounds with a swing set. Three swings are attached to large colorful wheels that trigger multiple drumsticks, striking percussive instruments. A child’s realization that the sounds are directly related to their swinging is the foundation of the piece. Further exploration of the participant’s speed and swinging height is immediately translated into varying rhythms, rewarding the curious rider. Full time participation of the artist, constantly conducting the swing-set ensemble by re-arrangement or complete editing of the module instruments, dramatically changes the piece. More Glockenspiel! Also interchangeable during live interaction is the peg system that activates the drumsticks, (some 1 peg to another’s 5) producing radical rhythmic variation. Kids love that they are part of the sculpture, while the other viewers appreciate the engineering and overall impact of the kit.

Vote code 53024

Go see Swing Set Drum Kit in Calder Plaza and swing and make music. Vote: 53024

CLICK to see: Swing the drum all day with an interactive ArtPrize piece from Dave Ford by Todd Chance 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The MLive ArtPrize Webcast is a live and unscripted video feed from our new MLive Studios at 169 Monroe Ave. NW, across from Rosa Parks Circle. You can view the webcast live at 4 p.m. in the player at the bottom of this article.

On Thursday’s show, I featured Dave Ford’s entry “Swing Set Drum Kit”for my Interactive Art segment. I choose pieces that rely on the public’s help to make them a reality. If you’re looking for engagement with ArtPrize, this segment is for you.

Ford’s entry is located on Calder Plaza and isn’t too hard to find. Just listen for the banging and clanging of drums and pots and pans.

His contraption plays beats based on how fast or slow people swing on the three connected swings. He claims if you find the right rhythm, you can actually make more than just noise, you can make music.

Ford looks for “found energy” to use in his art. Watch the video for an example of what that means and to see the swing set in action.

Former local radio hosts, Kevin Matthews and Kim Carson will join MLive’s statewide entertainment reporter John “Gonzo” Gonzalez and myself Friday and Saturday as we bring you an informal and fun broadcast featuring a daily sample of the best of ArtPrize 2012.

Gonzalez will keep you up to date with all of the top ArtPrize stories you can find on MLive.com. He’ll have the stories you won’t want to miss.

Carson brings “Kim’s Art Corner,” which features her favorite artists in this year’s competition.

Matthews’ segment, “The Art of Noise,” will feature hand-picked musicians involved in ArtPrize. When possible, a live performance will be included in the webcast.

I’ll bring you the interactive art entries around town. If there’s a way for you to get a hands-on experience and get involved, I’ll feature it in my segment.

Hear more about the concept and the format of the show with this audio from the “Going Gonzo Show” on 1340AM WJRW.

Check out how happy these swingers look on the Swing Set Drum Kit! Join them and stop by Calder Plaza this week for a swing!

Swing Set Drum Kit by Dave Ford

The Swing Set Drum Kit is an interactive sonic sculpture encouraging kids to build rhythmic sounds with a swing set. Three swings are attached to large colorful wheels that trigger multiple drumsticks, striking percussive instruments. A child’s realization that the sounds are directly related to their swinging is the foundation of the piece. Further exploration of the participant’s speed and swinging height is immediately translated into varying rhythms, rewarding the curious rider. Full time participation of the artist, constantly conducting the swing-set ensemble by re-arrangement or complete editing of the module instruments, dramatically changes the piece. More Glockenspiel! Also interchangeable during live interaction is the peg system that activates the drumsticks, (some 1 peg to another’s 5) producing radical rhythmic variation. Kids love that they are part of the sculpture, while the other viewers appreciate the engineering and overall impact of the kit.

Vote code 53024