ArtPrize

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I must say, Grand Rapids feels most alive in the fall. Hands down.

 

Just when everything else in nature is preparing to hibernate for the long, snowy months ahead, ArtPrize comes along and BAM!, suddenly you have something to occupy your evenings that doesn't involve Netflix and Two Minute Mug Brownies. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

 

Part arts festival, part social experiment--this international contest is decided solely by public vote. (source)

 

Over a thousand artists from around the world fill downtown GR and the surrounding neighborhoods with art. Massive amounts of art. It's amazing, really. ArtPrize is unique in the sense that there are really no parameters set on the definition of art. Sure, you have your standard gorgeous paintings and blown glass sculptures, but there are also pieces on a much larger scale.

 

Like The Nessie Project from 2009.

 

 

 

Or Steampig from 2010.

 

 

Anything goes. Paintings. Music. Performance art. Photography. A giant table and chairs on a bridge.

 

And it really sparks conversation. At the height of the competition, it's all anyone can talk about. Normally a fairly quiet city, GR is flooded with hundreds of thousands of people during ArtPrize. I love the sense of community and pride that is felt so strongly over the course of the competition. The energy is palpable.

 

ArtPrize officially begins this Wednesday and runs through early October, although much of the art remains for much longer. I know what my evenings will be consisting of for the next few weeks.

 

 

I am so proud to call this place my home.