Grand Valley State University art professors Norwood Viviano, Anna Campbell and Mandy Cano were recently listed in Cultured.GR’s piece “Naming Names: My Ten Favorite Grand Rapids Artists.”

The article, written by Kevin Buist, was compiled when Buist posted to Facebook and asked his followers who they thought were the best artists in the Grand Rapids area.

Many of the noted artists were nominated from the viewership of their pieces featured at Art Prize.

“It goes to show the growth in the art community of Grand Rapids in the last 15 years,” Viviano said.

Viviano teaches sculpture courses at GVSU and has a bachelor’s degree of fine arts in sculpture and glass as well as a Master’s degree in fine arts in sculpture.

Many of Viviano’s students take sculpture as a general education class.

“They have less experience but work just as hard,” Viviano said. “My students here are incredibly hard-working and dedicated.”

Currently, Viviano is working on a project called “Cities Underwater” which focuses on rising sea levels as an effect of climate change. Viviano will collaborate with other GVSU faculty from the science department to create the exhibit in New York.

Viviano plans on staying at GVSU for the community he has here, but also looks forward to his national travel teaching workshops.

Campbell teaches 3-D design and creative problem solving at GVSU. She has a bachelor’s degree in studio art and a masters degree in art.

Usually, Campbell’s work utilizes objects and furniture to explore sexual identity and gender issues.

“Part of what the work does is bring in historical context that might be unknown vernacular,” Campbell said.

Cano teaches foundation courses in the art department. She creates installations, drawings and performances to explore various relevant ideas.

Viviano appreciates Buist’s list for its ability to spark dialogue out in the art community in Grand Rapids.

“Being part of a community as a way of a bigger audience and not just Grand Rapids,” Viviano said. “It can be an opportunity for the work to grow through that dialogue.