Grand Rapids is home to the largest winter festival in the country, the World of Winter. This festival features interactive sculptures around the city that celebrate the time of year that people tend to dread. It's a fun event that people look forward to.

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But there doesn't need to be a big event for winter to supply a bit of magic...and confusion, apparently. A gorgeous sculpture in West Michigan has delighted people for quite some time, but many don't know how it works and whether the sculpture is intentional or a happy accident. Fear not: I have come to clear up any and all confusion.

⬇️ALL ARTPRIZE WINNERS FROM 2009 TO 2024⬇️

The Blue Bridge during the World of Winter 2024
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. via YouTube
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Generating Confusion and Admiration

In the last week alone, I have seen two posts in separate parts of the Internet (one on Reddit and another on Facebook) expressing bewilderment at how this ice sculpture was made and whether it's actually a sculpture at all. However, take a look at this.

Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media
Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media
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Jension's N(ice)st Sculpture

Sometimes, the little things in life can bring the most joy. That's the case for the residents at Sunset Senior Communities in Jenison, where this yearly sculpture is made for them to enjoy. So yes, while this looks like Sunset Senior Communities forgot to turn the water off, it's actually the opposite.

Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media
Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media
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READ MORE: Arctic Blast Turns Sterling Heights Cars Into Ice Blocks |

Sunset lets the water run when it is below freezing using a mist nozzle via PVC pipes. This allows the water to create a unique sculpture every year. The ice is then coupled with LED lights to create a beautiful structure. Residents also host a contest to guess what day the ice will completely disappear.

Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media
Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media
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Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media
Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media
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The sculpture is viewable from Baldwin St. in Jension but can be seen up close by turning onto Sally Dr. If you do inspect the sculpture up close, be mindful that it is part of the Sunset Living Community and should be treated with respect.

All ArtPrize Winners from 2009 to 2024

In its 15th year, ArtPrize continues to draw hundreds of thousands of people to Downtown Grand Rapids to explore the art dispersed throughout the city. While there are many winners each year, there is only ONE Grand Prize winner determined by the public via voting. Here is each winner from 2009 to now. All photos are courtesy of ArtPrize.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

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Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

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