Ato Ribeiro Receives the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Emerging Artist Award

Cranbrook Academy of Art Graduate Awarded Artist Residency in Berlin

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MICH., May 12, 2017 -– Cranbrook Academy of Art is pleased to announce that Ato Ribeiro (Print Media ’17) has been awarded the “2017 Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Emerging Artist Award.” This is the twelfth year that Mercedes-Benz Financial Services has given an Academy graduate the award.

Ribeiro was selected from among 10 finalists, one from each department at Cranbrook Academy of Art. He is a 2017 graduate of the Print Media department.

The Emerging Artist Award is part of Cranbrook’s 17-year partnership with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, which also includes premier sponsorship of Cranbrook’s recent STUDIO and OPEN(STUDIOS) events, as well as the 2017 Graduate Degree Exhibition of Cranbrook Academy of Art at Cranbrook Art Museum.

The company also supports the Academy and other institutions throughout the country through their Experiencing Perspectives art program, which encompasses annual art exhibitions, tours, community conversations and other events. It includes a year-long exhibition and display of student and recent graduate art pieces throughout its regional headquarters in Farmington Hills, Mich.

“Mercedes-Benz Financial Services is committed to supporting emerging and established artists in our communities, and our partnership with Cranbrook Academy of Art enables us to do that in many ways, including bridging our global business and art communities to provide this opportunity for education, networking and international exposure ,” said Peter Zieringer, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. “This is the fourth year I have had the privilege of participating in the Emerging Artist selection process and I continue to be so impressed with the talent and vision of all of the graduating students. We congratulate Ato and all of the finalists for their artistic accomplishments.”

Ribeiro will receive a two-month stay in Berlin from July 1 to August 31, 2017. The trip includes airfare and lodging, an expense stipend of $5,000, a vehicle and an art pass that grants free access to museums in Berlin. Most importantly, the Emerging Artist will also live and work as an artist-in-residence with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services’ Berlin partner, the Küenstlerhaus Bethanien, which will include a personalized networking program with members of the international art and business communities.

Each finalist presented to a jury last week while showcasing their work currently on display at the 2017 Graduate Degree Exhibition of Cranbrook Academy of Art at Cranbrook Art Museum. Jurors included Chris Scoates, the Maxine and Stuart Frankel Director of Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum; Peter Zieringer, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, USA LLC; Mary Beth Halprin, Director, Corporate Communications, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, USA LLC; Marilyn Finkel, Professor of Art History, Oakland Community College, Art Consultant and Governor, Cranbrook Academy of Art; Laurie Ann Farrell, Curator and Department Head of Contemporary Art, Detroit Institute of Arts; and Steven Bridges, Assistant Curator, Eli and Edith Broad Art Museum.

New this year, a $1,000 “New Beginnings Award” was also given to the remaining Emerging Artist Finalists. That includes: Preston Thompson, 2D Design; Sophie Yan, 3D Design; Sy Bodson, Architecture; Anjuli Wright, Ceramics; Anita Enriquez, Fiber; Emily Culver, Metalsmithing; Lauren Hussey, Painting; Clare Gatto, Photography; and Monica Sandoval, Sculpture.

The commitment to the arts demonstrated by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services is appreciated by both the students and administration of Cranbrook Academy of Art. “This program continues to get better and better each year,” says Academy Director Chris Scoates. “It provides our students with an opportunity they simply could not receive anywhere else. In addition to the financial award, our students gain connections to supporters around the world, and it shows them that the arts can be supported and appreciated in other sectors, and how important creativity can be in today’s workplace.”