One of the things I love most about the area we live in is something called Art Prize. Each year more than 1,500 works of art are installed indoor and out at over 160 venues all within 3 square miles of downtown Grand Rapids. Art from around the world pops up in every inch of downtown, all competing for award money totalling over $500,000. Half decided by public vote, the other half decided by a jury of art experts with two $200,000 grand prizes and eight category awards of $12,500 each. And all of it is free and open to the public.

The following video captures it perfectly.

The photos below were taken during 3 separate visits to Art Prize during it’s final week. We missed out on the voting portion of the event but enjoyed the best Michigan fall weather all 3 times we went. I didn’t feel like it was the strongest Art Prize out of the 7 years that it’s taken place, but it’s still such a unique event and part of what makes Grand Rapids once of my favorite cities and one that I’m so happy to live so close to.

This last photo isn’t an art prize entry but we did stumble on it during our art prize wandering. It’s in one of my favorite buildings downtown Grand Rapids (the Harris Building) and I love everything about this lower level space. If it were a coffee shop I’d work there at least twice a week. : )

Next year’s event takes place September 21st – October 9th if you want to start planning a trip to check out Grand Rapids Art Prize. ; )