If you’re from West Michigan, you might be sick of hearing about ArtPrize by now. For those of you outside West Michigan, it’s hard to describe the experience.
From the ArtPrize website:
ArtPrize® is a radically open, independently organized international art competition with an unprecedented $200,000 top prize decided entirely by public vote.
For 19 days, three square miles of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, become an open playing field where anyone can find a voice in the conversation about what is art and why it matters. Art from around the world pops up in every inch of downtown, and it’s all free and open to the public.
It’s unorthodox, highly disruptive, and undeniably intriguing to the art world and the public alike.
This year it’s from September 18 to October 6. I’m not going to talk about the controversies or “what is art?” For me, it’s best to just put all the debates aside and simply take an afternoon to enjoy the installations. Whether silly or serious, each piece says something different. I don’t consider myself a serious art connosseur, so I usually spend most of my time looking at exhibits that are outside. Plus, it gives me a chance to enjoy the nature found downtown; the river, the trees, the landscaping, the people.
It makes me wish that we had more art all the time, not just one time a year. It creates such a fun atmosphere – walking along a sidewalk becomes an adventure because you never know when you will stumble upon a fun sculpture or sign. People smile. People are patient. Families enjoy spending time together, sharing the wonderment with their children.
For me, that’s what ArtPrize is about.
Look like a fun way to spend part of your day. I wish someone would put together something like this, but in winter time. (This is South Florida.)
I would definitely come and visit! (always looking for an excuse to travel south in the winter)
This is very cool! What a neat thing to be able to share!
Wow I love this. Thank you for sharing. I imagined myself wandering through the town looking at all the art, lovely. We were recently in Bristol where an art project had taken place for charity. We walked through the city trying to spot the various displays, I loved it 🙂
ohhh . . .sounds like fun. Maybe a Fall trip next year! thanks for sharing something new with me!
That sounds awesome!! Wish I was there (and definitely a fun reason to travel)
Sounds like a fun thing to do!