ArtPrize

ArtPrize announced the Public Vote Final 20 today. The results are mostly predictable.

ArtPrize goers at one of the event's largest venues got a surprise on Friday: a visit from Donald Trump. The Democratic Presidential nominee made an unexpected stop at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum before a fundraising event at the JW Marriott.

D. B. Henkel's "Father Time" is at Women's City Club for ArtPrize Eight. The lifesize, working grandfather clock is carved out of African mahogany and has been popular with voters.

Kirsi Ihalainen's "Finnish Forest Frequencies – sound installation" invites visitors to enjoy the sounds of a Finnish forest by hugging pieces of wood hanging from the ceiling at ArtPrize Eight.

IlaSahai Prouty's "Paper Bag Test - Grand Rapids" invites visitors to ArtPrize Eight to share their thoughts about race and identity.

Today on Segment 16, Joe talks about his weekend wandering around downtown checking out Artprize 8, and tells us what he likes, what is weird, and what is simply garbage thrown on the ground in laziness.

Artprize Eight is here! Wednesday, September 21st, downtown Grand Rapids filled up with thousands of additional people, wandering aimlessly through the streets and buildings, taking your favorite booth at the restaurant you love for lunch, and clogging the streets as they try to decided if they're really lost or not. Yay, Artprize! I've had two years of experience with it now, and I've learned som

It's safe to say that one ArtPrize Artist stands out as the most unique artist in the competition.  Dartagnan Little is a convicted felon who created his entry while behind bars.  "America" was crafted at Baraga Correctional Facility, where Little resides due to an attempted murder and sexual assault conviction in 1987...

As Artprize approaches its official opening for 2016, the "art" is going up, and the guys are getting more confused and angry about what they're seeing installed around downtown. And for God's sake...don't get Joe started on the freaking quilts!

ArtPrize brings thousands to Grand Rapids and kids are always a big part of the event. Many schools take trips to explore ArtPrize and families spend time downtown too. Sometimes the art kids enjoy most is the same artwork that's favored by jurors and the public, but often it's not. Here are the best ArtPrize entries for kids to see at ArtPrize Eight!

Jeffrey Augustine Songco's installation "Revelry" brought 2,700 pounds of Mardi Gras beads to Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids at ArtPrize 2015. Those beads were (mistakenly?) taken on opening weekend. Songco is back for ArtPrize Eight with the "Macarena" at UICA.

ArtPrize Preview Week has begun! Over 30 venues are participating including major venues such as the GRAM, Calvin College - (106) Gallery, The B.O.B. and UICA. One popular and award-winning venue that won't be opening early at ArtPrize Eight is SiTE:LAB.