In what will hopefully become an annual event, the East Hills business district is holding 19 Windows, a window design competition. The humble window display is being elevated, as 19 Windows asks people to think of store windows not as advertising, but as an art form. Nineteen businesses are being randomly matched with teams to create an artistic display that captures the business' identity while showing off the artists' creativity.

"[19 Windows] will turn East Hills into a living, breathing, art gallery for the evening," says Brynne Roberts, owner of Muse Boutique.

Roberts came up with the idea for the competition while at a brainstorming meeting with other East Hills businesses. All of the businesses wanted to come up with an event for their clients and for the local neighborhood.

"Suddenly it hit me that everyone has these beautiful windows," Roberts says, "Why not use them for something?"

The contest has drawn a wide range of talent; local art students, professional interior designers and career artists will all be competing for a $1,000 First Prize. To make things a little more interactive for event-goers, there is also a People's Choice award of $500. Attendees can pick up a voting card from any one of the participating businesses, mark their favoritewindow, and turn it in. Both prizes will be awarded at the 8p.m. reception at the ICCS Garden. Votes for the People's Choice award are due at 7p.m.

The winning team will be chosen by a seven person jury made up of artists, business owners, and college faculty. The judges will be looking for originality and for "something that melds the artist's and the business's identity together," says Brynne Roberts. "A high fashion women's clothing boutique wouldn't have a heavy metal, punk feel."

Ashley Cole, an interior designer, and Dan Carlson, Master Builder, are teamed up together and will be creating a design for Global Infusion's window. Cole heard of the 19 Windows competition onFacebook, and was drawn to the unique idea. Though at first she was hesitant about the way that teams were randomly matched with businesses, she is excited to be working with Global Infusion.

19 Windows Competition Cherry St, Diamond Ave, & Lake Dr, Grand Rapids June 26, 3–9 p.m. FREE 19windowsgr.com, (616) 635-2678

"They [Global Infusion] are very open-minded," Cole says, "They really just want us to run with our creativity." Cole plans to incorporate Global Infusion's philosophy into her design as much as possible, and looks forward to working with her teammate. Cole describes Dan Carlson as "a maker of things."

She has worked with Carlson on previous designs and can't wait to work with him on the window display.

19 Windows will push the boundaries of art and creativity, challenging local artists and designers to be at their most inventive. This free event encourages Grand Rapids citizens to stroll through the East Hills neighborhood and enjoy a summer evening full of art.