Art Prize Anyone?

It's pretty clear that ArtPrize is one of the best art projects....ever.

(^that's colored sand by the way^)

What exactly is ArtPrize? It's a $45 thousand competition where nearly 2 thousand artists from all over the world submit ONE PIECE to be displayed around the entire downtown Grand Rapids, MI area.

(^that's ballpoint pen by the way^)

To give you a better idea - let me elaborate. Basically, you drive into Downtown GR and it doesn't matter where you go - THERE IS ART. All kinds. All over.

You could be driving down the street and you'll see a giant sculpture of a praying mantis... 

(^This piece is actually a finalist in the contest.^)

...or you'll wander into a pizza parlor and see wall art made out of bras donated by women who have had breast cancer. 

(See? Literally everywhere you go.)

My Mom and I headed out there for a weekend and discovered so many interesting pieces AND explored the city of Grand Rapids. We were able to walk into any restaurant, bank, store, lounge, or gallery that we wanted because they all were a part of the event.

 (^This piece was in a restaurant and was made out of THOUSANDS of tiny pieces of sequence.^)

We had an amazing lunch at Sanchez - Tapas Bistro. And enjoyed our visit to the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

The best part of the trip for me, was the viewing of Ocean Exodus by Paul Baliker (WHICH IS ALSO IN THE TOP 10!) Whoever decided to put this intricate sculpture on a rotating platform is genius. The disturbingly breathtaking piece is compiled with wood and bronze. The center of the piece features a giant octopus with a single tear streaming down its face. Whales, fish, and other sea creatures are carved into the woodwork - as if they're weaving in and out of the ocean and earth. Viewers are supposed to question their actions regarding the pollution of our oceans. This piece is still a work in progress and is expected to get bigger!

...here is a side image of the sculpture that I was able to snatch...

I encourage you to do your research on ArtPrize. We Michiganders are extremely lucky to have the opportunity to welcome so many contemporary artists and art lovers into our home.

Would you ever go to ArtPrize? Is this something you could do for YOUR community? Stay curious readers. And love art. That's all I ask.

(^Um yea, that's made out of leaves^)

HAPPY FALL