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ArtPrize moves into the last week

No, this isn’t a beauty salon.  It is the roof of the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts and it is what ArtPrize is all about…….. creativity in many forms.   Questions.  Aha moments. Major Wows.  Smiles.  Connections.

ArtPrize has totally taken over Grand Rapids, the headlines, the conversations, the social life, the restaurants.  It has caused jammed parking lots and busy streets.  It’s healthy.  It’s fun.  It’s creative.   And a little nuts.

This week the top ten chosen by popular vote were announced and the opinions about the results have been bandied about.  Pigs. Pennies. Go Figure.  If you want to see the winners, go to the ArtPrize web site and see for yourself.  Or follow the reports on MLive.com.  They are doing a terrific job of keeping up with what’s happening and what folks think about it.  I’m staying out of the discussion except to share my favorites.

It is fun and I’ve enjoyed it all.  I’ve meandered about camera in hand by myself and visited the venues with friends.  The speaker series is great and I recommend attending if you can.  Be sure to pop into the less well known venues.  You’ll never know what you find.

Here are few of my Memorable ArtPrize Moments.  Like many people I’ve posted photos on Facebook (my DesignDestinations fan page)  and if I have time I’ll post on Flickr as well.   If you have a favorite ArtPrize moment to share, I hope you’ll post in the comment section at the end.   And if you aren’t from near here and haven’t been able to visit, mark your calendar for next year.  ArtPrize, Grand Rapids, Michigan, is the place to be late September.

Fun Moment: Talking to Jeff Zimmermann, the artist who painted the marvelous and huge mural on the wall of Kendall College of Art and Design.  I am so disappointed this didn’t make the top ten.  Most deserving.

Make me Smile Moment: Children enjoying a street performer who created huge bubbles for them to chase.

Reflections Moment Friends who travel with me know I’m fascinated with “reflections.”  How about this ArtPrize entry reflected in the window of a nearby business? I’m drawn to it.    So fleeting.

What were they Thinking Moment. Wonder what this guy is thinking? Pondering the results of the top ten vote? Is he asking, “Why didn’t I make it?”

Just in Time Moment: Just when I thought my feet couldn’t take me another step, I came across this entry.  I’m not sure I’d call it “art” but the sign that said, “sit on me” was certainly welcome.  Ahhhhhh.

Made me Stop and Ponder Moment: While the “big pig” at the B.O.B. made it into the top ten, this guy is stationed over near the Community College making a political statement about cruelty to animals.

Gets my Vote: Very difficult to capture in an image, the piece by Beilli Liu, at the new U.I.C.A. on Fulton gets my vote for the big kahuna.  I think it is magical.

Stunning and Unexpected Moment I was really surprised that the piece I captured a part of didn’t get into the Top Ten.  It is breath-taking.

What’s this all about? Not sure what this is all about but I think it typlifies what the Executive Director of ArtPrize meant when he said, “At ArtPrize we do as little as possible.”  While that sounds like the ArtPrize staff is trying to maximize their opportunites for coffee breaks, I understand what he meant.  They see their role as not directing and dictating, but rather establishing an environment where creatively can flourish.  I’d say they were successful.  Doesn’t mean we have to like it all

Want to Take these Guys Home Moment.   I have the perfect spot in my house for them to live.

Musical Moments. I wish the pianos could stay.  So lovely to hear people of all ages playing the 22 pianos positioned around around town.


 

Post Author
Susan J. Smith
Susan's career includes writing for newspapers, lots of community work and a wonderful family life. Now she is enjoying traveling, photography and writing for DesignDestinations and Grand Rapids Magazine. She welcomes you on her journey and appreciates your comments.

Comments

5 Comments
  1. posted by
    Georgia Gietzen
    Oct 2, 2010 Reply

    Hi Susan . . . thanks for sharing your “moments”. I spent two days downtown and loved every minute. I was however a bit disappointed in the top 10 this year and it will be interesting to see how Art Prize continues to evolve and unfold in the years ahead. I felt very fortunate to have been able to wander the streets and venues this year in search of . . . art. It was wonderful.

  2. posted by
    Margaret Cheff
    Oct 3, 2010 Reply

    Hi Susan,
    Since I haven’t made it “very far” in getting to many of the venues, I’m “living” ArPrize through your photos!! They’re wonderful!!! Hope to take in more this week with Cindy.

  3. posted by
    smithsj
    Oct 3, 2010 Reply

    Thank you. There is so much to see and enjoy. sjs

  4. posted by
    Karen Johnson
    Oct 4, 2010 Reply

    What a wonderful place to see comments about Artprize, soothing and relaxing! I’ve enjoyed your travels regarding art destinations on the top of my google page! So appreciated! Artprize is magical hope it blesses all who have put time and effort into the experience…thank-you!

  5. posted by
    ArtPrize 2021 | DesignDestinations
    Oct 1, 2021 Reply

    […] ArtPrize moves into the last week […]

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