ArtPrize Welcomes New Executive Director

Tyler Loftis, founder of AllArtWorks, takes over leadership of the annual art competition in Grand Rapids.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:33pm

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ArtPrize, the annual art competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has a new executive director. Tyler Loftis, an artist and the founder of AllArtWorks, has been hired to replace the previous director, Catlin Whitington, who is leaving the organization to pursue new opportunities in the arts and community enrichment.

Why it matters

ArtPrize is a major cultural event that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Grand Rapids each year, showcasing the work of artists from around the world. The change in leadership represents an opportunity to potentially shift the direction and focus of the competition as it enters its next phase.

The details

Loftis, who is originally from West Michigan but is based in New York, is the founder and CEO of AllArtWorks, a platform that aims to connect art with homes. He is also currently listed as a member of ArtPrize's steering committee. Whitington, the outgoing director, was hired in 2023 and led the competition for three years.

  • ArtPrize 2026 will run from September 17 through October 3.
  • Venue registration for ArtPrize 2026 is already open, while artist registration opens next week.

The players

Tyler Loftis

An artist and the founder and CEO of AllArtWorks, a platform that connects art with homes. Loftis has been hired as the new executive director of ArtPrize.

Catlin Whitington

The previous executive director of ArtPrize, who has left the organization to pursue new opportunities in the arts, event production, and community enrichment.

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI)

The organization that collaborates with the city of Grand Rapids and Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University to run ArtPrize.

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What they’re saying

“We are grateful for Catlin's leadership and contributions during his tenure and appreciate the impact he has made in advancing ArtPrize's mission.”

— Bill Kirk, DGRI spokesman (woodtv.com)

“ArtPrize remains committed to its mission of creating a radically open art competition that celebrates artists, engages the public, and transforms Grand Rapids through the power of art.”

— Bill Kirk, DGRI spokesman (woodtv.com)

What’s next

ArtPrize 2026 will run from September 17 through October 3, and artist registration for the competition opens next week.

The takeaway

The change in leadership at ArtPrize represents an opportunity for the annual art competition to potentially evolve and adapt to new trends and challenges in the art world, as it continues to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Grand Rapids and showcase the work of artists from around the world.