ArtPrize 2011

Have you heard of "ArtPrize"?  It is an international art competition and exhibit held throughout the entire city of Grand Rapids, Michigan with HUGE prize money.  I will be participating in the event this year which takes place September 21 - October 9.

The Rick DeVos of Grand Rapids created ArtPrize 3 years ago as an attempt to hold a novel event meant to show that "Art is Important!" and show thousands of people what a great city Grand Rapids has become.  The first year they were overwhelmed with success!  From the "history" page of ArtPrize.org:

"Neither the organizers nor the city were prepared for the massive public response.


By the first Sunday, restaurants had run out of food. By the next Sunday, hotels had run out of rooms. On the final day of the event, a line to see the winning piece stretched down the street for over two blocks. Ultimately, the venue with the winning piece would host over 80,000 visitors, while the number of total event visitors topped 200,000. Total votes cast during the event: 334,219."

The second year was bigger and this, the 3rd year, will be bigger still with 1,582 artists, each showing one piece.

After applying, I planned on contacting 2 specific registered venues to see if one of them would allow me to show a piece at their location.  But before the date when artists were allowed to start contacting venues, one of the two places I desired contacted me.  Of course I accepted!

I will be showing "They Know the Language of the Waves of the Sea" at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, at the top of the stairs;  a great place within a great venue.

Here is a photo of the piece just after I hung it last week.  The museum lighting had not been aimed yet, but this pic shows the scale of the piece.

Prizes you ask?  First place is $250,000!  Even 10th place is no small amount - it is $7,000.

The general public will vote on the winners.  Visitors can only register to vote in the city, during the event.  After registering, voters can vote for as many pieces as they want the first week.  After that, the top 10 winners will be announced.  Voters can then vote once, for their favorite of the top 10.  Voting is done online or by text.  Last year, ArtPrize.org kept a running tally of the top 100 vote getters throughout the first week and I assume that will be the case this year as well.


If you are in Grand Rapids for ArtPrize, first go to this page on my website for hints on planning your trip.

Have fun and vote for me!

Other links:

ArtPrize.org

Grand Rapids Public Museum