2026 Artprize Sculpture by Artist, Ryan T. Schmidt
Updated: Aug 31
Contemporary Sculptor, Ryan T. Schmidt, returns to ArtPrize 2026 with Persistence, a striking stainless steel sculpture exploring the enduring strength of the human spirit through form, reflection, and structure.
Schmidt has participated in ArtPrize since 2015 and has exhibited at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum since 2017. With Persistence, he uses mirror-polished stainless steel to express resilience through a material known for its strength, endurance, and resistance to time and the elements.
The sculpture’s reflective surfaces interact with light, surroundings, and viewers, creating an ever-changing experience. Its sweeping form suggests movement, tension, and release—echoing the idea of persistence as steady progress despite resistance.
Through its scale, balance, and reflective depth, Persistence invites viewers to see themselves within the work, both literally and metaphorically, and consider how perseverance shapes growth, identity, and transformation.
Ryan T. Schmidt’s stainless steel sculpture Persistence will be on view at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum during ArtPrize 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Schmidt’s work will be part of the museum’s ArtPrize exhibition, featuring artwork throughout the museum lobby and outdoor plaza.
ArtPrize 2026 Sculpture "Persistence"
Vote Code: 28860
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
📍 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
The museum lobby is free and open to ArtPrize guests with extended hours:
Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday: 12–6 p.m.
📆 Key ArtPrize 2026 Dates
September 12–17 — Preview Week
ArtPrize preview week leading up to the official opening.
September 17 — Preview Day
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
See Persistence and other ArtPrize works before official voting begins.
5–8 p.m. | SoulArt Gallery Opening Reception
An invitation-only reception, hosted by SoulArt Gallery, following the museum preview.
September 18 — ArtPrize Kickoff & Fireworks
Official ArtPrize opening and voting begins.
September 18–October 3 — ArtPrize 2026
ArtPrize continues throughout Grand Rapids.
October 3 — ArtPrize Awards Celebration
6:30–10 p.m. | Acrisure Amphitheatre
The 2026 ArtPrize season concludes with the Awards Celebration.
Check out last year's interview by Channel 13 news coverage with Ryan Schmidt on "Tango Rosso"
Featured on the Cover of Golden Coast Connoisseur
Tango Rosso entered for last year's Artprize is now on-view at Bonobo Winery, nestled in the heart of Michigan's scenic Old Mission Peninsula, sculpture by American Artist, Ryan T. Schmidt transforms one of the region's most celebrated vineyard destinations into an immersive art experience. Founded by brothers and longtime Traverse City natives Todd and Carter Oosterhouse, Bonobo Winery provides the perfect setting for Schmidt's mirror-polished stainless steel sculpture, where art, nature, and the ever-changing vineyard landscape come together.
Access the magazine edition's digital copy here. Turn to pages 9-10 for the story...
Suggested Art Walk Tour during Artprize
Explore the map below featuring SoulArt Gallery, the ArtPrize venue, and Ryan T. Schmidt’s permanent public art installations, all within walking distance in downtown Grand Rapids.
SoulArt Gallery, curated by artist and sculptor Ryan T. Schmidt, features a distinguished roster including renowned Zimbabwean stone sculptor Gedion Nyanhongo, Idaho-born expressive painter Matthew Sievers, Mark Lewanski, William Attaway, Jeff Waddle, JeanFo, and Ryan T. Schmidt. The collection spans metal and stone sculpture, glass, and painting, thoughtfully selected for collectors, architects, designers, developers, museum patrons, and art enthusiasts.
Following an extensive 2024 renovation, SoulArt entered a new chapter as a gathering place for art, design, and creative collaboration, welcoming the Michigan Residential Architects (MIRA) and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for its special reopening. The gallery also hosts exclusive invitation-only events featuring contemporary art, music, fine food and wine, signature cocktails, and philanthropic partnerships.
Artprize 2025 winner Mark Lewanski Stone Sculptures by gedion Nyanhongo Painter William Attaway known for his murals and ceramics Expressive Artists Matthew Sievers The Late French Metal Sculptor JeanFo Metal Sculptor Jeff Waddle
The collection can be viewed through the building’s glass doors from the lobby during regular business hours. For a closer look, private viewings are available by appointment.
Stay tuned for exclusive art receptions and curated events throughout ArtPrize 2026.
📍 333 Bridge St. NW Lobby floor
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504
Monday–Friday, 9 AM–7 PM.
Parking: Parking is available inside the gallery building at Bridgewater Place.
Enter from Scribner Ave. or Bridge St. and park on Level C. Take escalators down to lobby floor or elevator to Level A. The gallery is at Suite 125-A. Additional outdoor parking is available across the building on Bridge Street.
ArtPrize is an annual international art competition and cultural event held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that fundraises year-round to cover entire operating budget, including the over $600,000 awarded in prizes and distributed in grants to artists, curators, and educators.
Ryan Schmidt's Artprize Past Entries:
Ascension Sculpture at Van Andel Museum Immanuel Sculpture at J.W. Marriott Grand Rapids 
Tango Sculpture at Gerald Ford Presidential Museum Grand Rapids 
Breath of Life Sculpture at Gerald Ford Presidential Museum 
Resting Dove Sculpture at Gerald Ford Presidential Museum Stupendous stainless steel sculpture for Artprize in 2022 Gerald Ford Museum Praise stainless steel sculpture for Artprize 2023 Gerald Ford Museum Grand Rapids
About the Sculpture Serendipity
Serendipity is the maquette for a proposed 50-foot monumental sculpture, envisioned as a landmark and destination for a city or prominent public space. Created in Ryan T. Schmidt’s signature free-form style, its flowing twisted-metal form is designed to engage viewers from every angle. The maquette represents the vision for a future landmark that could inspire community, attract visitors, and create a lasting cultural impact.
Sculptures, contemporary, art collection, fine art, stainless steel, artprize, local artist