Grand Art on The Grand River ~ Art Prize 2009 ~ Grand Rapids Michigan

Unless you have hiding under a rock, or chained to your computer, The

Art Prize is the BIG NEWS in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Art Prize was

announced earlier this year as a top prize of $250,000 for the top

art work selected by a public vote. This public voting is highly controversial,

as those in the art community doubt that the average person is qualified to

judge their art work. It is sure to create a buzz around art and I think that is

the point.

The Art Prize Exhibits opened yesterday and we went for our first

tour today. With 1262 artists entered in over 159 venues, it is no

small task to try to see them all. We took some time to tour the

Blue Bridge sculptures, Cathedral Square, Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts

and the Waters Building today. The others will have to wait until another day.

The voting will take place over a 2 week period, with just a thumbs up

vote to keep an entry in the running. The top 25, top 50, and top 100

are posted on the web site so we can all keep track of who is getting the

attention of the public.

Here are a few photos of the large installations at the Blue Bridge,

so you can get an idea of what Grand Rapids is up to:

The Nessie Project

Sarah Grant Table and Chairs

Our sources tell us the Nessie Project was supposed to go farther out

in the Grand River, so there would be more movement but the cranes

could not get it installed any farther from the shore.

The giant Table and Chairs is a very apt piece for Grand Rapids as we

were known as "Furniture City" for most of the 20th century.

Come on out and see the art work for yourself and don't forget to

register to vote for your favorite pieces.

10-3-09 UPDATE: Both of the art pieces pictured here are in the Top Ten for

the big cash prize. Vote for your favorite!