Drum circle in Calder Plaza

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

Video: MLive Interview by Todd Chance features Swing Set Drum Kit

 

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.

Swing Set Drum Kit isn’t just for kids!

 

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

ArtPrize Swing Set Drum Kit in Calder Plaza is open for swinging!

The best thing about this photo is the pure joy and excitement on this swinger’s face as he realizes the momentum from his swinging is playing a drum kit!

School groups are walking around downtown Grand Rapids today as part of ArtPrize’s education programming and the Swing Set Drum Kit in Calder Plaza is open for swinging.

Vote: 53024

Top 25 Juried List: 10000 Hours La Grande Vitesse by Laura Isaac

Congratulations to fellow artist Laura Isaac! Her “10000 Hours La Grande Vitesse” piece made it into the Top 25 Juried List. Susan Szenasy, editor in chief of Metropolis magazine, picked Isaac’s piece and four others for Best Use of Urban Space. Come to Calder Plaza to check it out! And congrats to Adoration Detroit!

Man with cigar swinging

ArtPrize Swing Set Drum Kit, Make Some Noise!

Check out these two little dudes swinging and chatting and making some noise on the Swing Set Drum Kit in Calder Plaza! Hopefully their more than 16 year old hosts voted: 53024!

We’re seeing great traffic in Calder Plaza this weekend and are thrilled people are making the rounds to see all the amazing work Adoration Detroit has curated for ArtPrize.

Swing Set Drum Kit

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