ArtPrize downtown Grand Rapids
ArtPrize is back and better than ever, encompassing 3 square miles of art displayed in downtown Grand Rapids. It is a 19 day event, from September 23rd thru October 11th, featuring artists competing for the public vote which determines who takes home the top prize. This event started about 7 years ago and has become so popular attracting crowds from all over. Below are ways in which you can tour the art:
New in 2015!
ArtPrize tonight is a new series that will allow the event to extend the art competition beyond the hours that venues are usually open. It will showcase events in three categories, Critical Discourse, ArtPrize on Screen and ArtPrize on Stage. These three new events will highlight creative expression through music, performance, video and film. Check out the ArtPrize tonight link to find out where the events are located.
Family friendly tours:
Families can take advantage of the Family tour & map guide provided by grkids.com to visit 200 exhibits within 54 different stops. There is also a stroller guide if you have limited time and still want to see some of the great kid stops. It is not an event to be missed in Grand Rapids.
Must see venues:
Top Venues to see at ArtPrize. Click Top Venues link for additional information or see below for a brief description of each.
Grand Rapids Art Museum (101 Monroe Center)
Taking a look at past winners and also located right next to multiple restaurants including a spot where food trucks gather.
Kendall College of Art and Design (17 Pearl St. N.W.)
Judges like this spot that shows off art that will make you think
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (303 Pearl St. N.W.)
Popular spot for the public which showcases some of ArtPrize’s bigger pieces and also a great spot for Michigander pride.
Grand Rapids Public Museum (272 Pearl St. N.W.)
Large pieces that you’ll want to get pictures of including a 30ft tall sculpture
DeVos Place Convention Center (303 Monroe Ave. N.W.)
See the most entries without walking far and is handicap accessible
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (2 W. Fulton St):
Come see larger abstract pieces but make sure to check their random hours, 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays, noon to 9 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.
SiTE: LAB/The Rumsey Street Project (333 Rumsey St. S.W):
This venue has won the most juried awards and the outstanding venue prize three times. This year will take over a city block including site-specific installations.
Fountain Street Church (24 Fountain St. N.E):
This building alone is a destination to stop at which includes a special award that is given out to one artist that best exemplifies the theme, Art to Change the World
Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (1000 East Beltline Ave NE):
Recently the park opened a Japanese Garden so this year they are hosting all Japanese artists