ArtPrize 2012 in Grand Rapids, MI

This past weekend I was able to make a trip out to Grand Rapids to visit ArtPrize, a gigantic international art competition judged by the public vote. This year included 1,517 pieces of art located in 161 venues across the city (from the Grand Rapids Art Museum to Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop). I love the way this event brings art to the public on such a huge scale and for no cost. It opens up an important dialogue about art, creativity, and its place in our world. ArtPrize will continue until October 7th so that you can cast your vote to decide the grand prize winning artist ($200,000). If you have the time to make the drive, it is a wonderful trip for the whole family and a great way to view/talk about art with your kids. If you can't make it this year, you can always plan for 2013 and browse the work on the ArtPrize website to hold you over...

Here are some pieces that caught my eye:

Recycled plastic caps made into a face, Chuck Close-style.

CLOSE by Mary Ellen Croteau

Natural materials made into sculpture.

Stick-to-it-tive-ness: unwavering pertinacity; perseverance by Richard Morse

Creased paper squares make the silhouettes of faces.

Oragami by Kumi Yamashita

A quilt made out of wood... Don't believe it? I didn't either and I was two feet in front of the piece. Incredible!

The Lake by Fraser Smith

Metal sculpture of Einstein "in between theorems".

Albert Einstein Between Theorems by Jim Dolan

The work of Midland's own Armin Mersmann. There were actually quite a few artists who participated from this area.

The Simplicity of Silence by Armin Mersmann