Favorite Finds at Art Prize in Grand Rapids

I enjoyed another great year of incredible art at Art Prize in Grand Rapids, Michigan this year.

“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.”

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

“Sleeping Bear Dune Lakeshore” by Ann Loveless made from textile

Art Prize showcases entries of artists from all over the world. You might even catch a few in action as you wonder over 64 venues with entries by 1,524 artists.

“Sacrifice” by Tom Panei

Here are some of my favorite finds and their locations from this year. So many of them were beautiful, creative, innovative and thought provoking.

The Devos Place Convention Center

“Taking Flight” by Micheal Gard

I loved watching this piece move.

“Lincoln” by Michael Feehan

“Civil War Soldier” by Shayne Davidson

The murals at this venue were absolutely incredible!

“Burning Ranch” by Emeka Ikebude

“November 1st” by Paul Rousso

“Michigan Forest: The Future of Genetic Manipulation on a Eco System” by Rob Vander Zee

“The Standoff” by Santiago Michalek

Amway Grand Plaza

“Myth or Logic”  by Robin Protz

“Awakening Ophelia; Nishikigoi Dream” by Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson

“A Battle Cry : It’s Time to Move Mountains” by Kate Askegaard

J.W. Marriott

“Jimmy Carter” by Cindy A. Craze

Jimmy Carter’s face created from peanut shells!

San Chez Bistro and Cafe

“Rhinocirrhosis” by Lambert Nelson

This was made with a collection of corks from over 20 years.

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

“Monty, a dog gone dragon” by John Andrews 

GRAM (Grand Rapids Art Museum)

“Sessilanoid” by James Peterson

SITE:LAB @ 54 Jefferson

“The Last People” by Stephen Hendee

“Year of the Snake” by Mark Dean Veca

The Jon Hartman Photography Studio

“One Dream” by Jehovany Huerta

“The Dream – Slices of Cardboard” by Nate Post

The B.O.B  Parking Lot

This panda was made out of tires!

“Tired Pandas” by Nick Jakubiak

“Le cercle de temps” by Alex Andre Thevenot White

This one took a while to figure out. You can see my friend and I disappear in the reflextion we are standing in front of. I was on one side and she was one the other side.

“Moving Violation” by Robert Shangle

This human statue would move to a new position and then freeze in place for long periods of time.

“Through the Trees Pentych” Linda K Shingle Rodney

The entry beautifully captures how light changes a scene in nature.

“Glitter Ocean” by The Kirsch Brothers

This Art Prize piece was created with thousands of sequins!

Calder Plaza

“Childhood Desires” by Sebastian Salamanca Huet

“STALA Landing:: Innovation for the Future of Michigan” by STALA team

UICA

“Woolhouse” by Annie Belle

This entry was made from crayons!

“Will You Still Need Me, Will You Still Feed Me” by Michael Peoples

The Kendall College of Art and Design

“Trash Mirror” by Daniel Rozin

This piece shadowed the person or object in front of it.

The Harris Building

“Trichomatic Spectra” by Thomas Linder

“The Oasis” by Ryan Peterson

This mural went to another level when you put on the 3D glasses!

“Jesus Mosaic” by John Pallister

 Grand Rapids Public Museum

“In the Doghouse (Lucky DOG)” by Ritch Branstorm

“Giant Quackers” by Dovetail

“The Art of Freestyle” by Rick Chyme

My friend and I observed Rick at two locations during his quest to break the record for continuous spoken word.

He set a record that day with a 17 hour free verse marathon!

There are so many other pieces that I could share but my point is that Art Prize is an event you truly have to experience. Art speaks to different people different ways, which is why the vast variety of styles is so great.

Art matters and Grand Rapids is dedicated to sharing why with residents and visitors each year with Art Prize.

 Art Prize is from September 18- Ocotber 6th

Check out these 15 Tips for Attending Art Prize before you go and learn more about Why Art Prize is Road Trip Worthy

Disclosure: Experience Grand Rapids provided my accommodations and meals during my visit. All restaurant selections and opinions were my own. Check out their site to find fun things to do in Grand Rapids all year long.