Pizzazz in Grand Rapids, MI thanks to Artprize!

How cool it is to see so much excitement and energy generated here in Grand Rapids, MI with Artprize. Artprize is an Art competition with huge monetary prizes but with judging by the public on line. A very community based free flowing competition with art as the centerpiece.

I was walking around on Friday taking a look at the artists and the art all over downtown and was amazed at so many things! Check it out at www.artprize.org

First I was amazed at the positive attitudes of everyone. From the artists who were engaging the public in discussions about their work - to the throngs of people out to see the art - to the merchants who housed the art - and just the various folks enjoying the festivities - they were happy!

Smiles were on the faces of everyone - what a wonderful attitude stimulus. Here we are in Michigan. We are faced with some mighty economic challenges and we can take some time to enjoy and be positive! Hurrah!

Secondly, I was amazed that this great opportunity to see the art and engage these artists is all FREE. Sure you can buy a wristband to take the shuttle around the loop of venues and get a book with all the artists in it - but you certainly don't have to. The GR Press has published all the maps and the venues and you can find them online - so it would be very easy to see everything totally free. This in itself makes you smile :))

'Third - It is building a great sense of community. Sometimes when we are in some difficulties we tend to hunker down and curl up inside ourselves when in reality we all need to reach out to each other and support one another to get through any tough times. What a collaborative venture this has been - the art community is hanging out with the shop keepers who are opening up their businesses to the throngs - it is a cooperative circle that is building a wonderful community of help for one another.

Fourth - Its FUN! Smiles are great! Paper Airplanes flying in the wind and as my granddaughter Anna says "got dumped on my head and it was so cool" making people laugh.

Fifth, it's bringing business to the entire community. Restaurants were full - hotels were sold out - hot dog vendors were dogless by early afternoon - Great Business Builder for our Grand Rapids area!

Thank You to everyone associated with Artprize - You've made my home town proud!