Meet the Artists: Kenn Vidro’s ‘Cats & Dogs’ tongue twisters

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Throughout ArtPrize 2024, the News 8 Live Desk will be giving you a closer look at some of the about 900 pieces being displayed throughout the city, hearing from the artists behind them.

Digital Host Phil Pinarski joined artist Kenn Vidro in front of Mojo’s to talk about his piece titled “‘It’s Reigning Cats & Dogs’ A ‘Tail’ of Tricky Tongue Twisters.”

The collection of eight paintings is on display at Mojo’s. According to Vidro’s artist statement, they feature cartoonish drawings of cats and dogs along with several tongue twisters for you to try and say as you walk by.

Vidro himself stands outside the piece and hands out cards with tongue twisters on them that are associated with each painting.

Vidro taught art for 40 years and has entered into ArtPrize for the past 13 competitions. He said he loves this time of year in the city.

“To me it’s the Super Bowl of Art for me. Of all the things that I do, I do a lot of art stuff, I teach art to my grandkids now, which I love, but this event is incredible because it brings the city together, I get to see old friends, students, people, it’s just a big party. It’s the Super Bowl of Art for me as I mentioned. It’s just very good feeling,” he said.

Check out more of Vidro’s piece on the News 8 Live Desk above.

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