For two weeks in September, Grand Rapids will transform into ArtPrize—one of the largest art competitions in the world.
For a couple of week in September at least , Grand Rapids , Michigan is n’t really a city anymore . Or better put , it isn’tjusta city anymore . Nope , from September 13th until September 28th , it ’s a lawful work of art . That ’s because for those two weeks , Grand Rapids transforms itself into an international artistry contender called ArtPrize with installations in businesses , common , museums and public blank space across the city — making it one of the largest fine art competition in the world . ( Last yr , ArtPrize disembowel nearly one million visitant . )
Since its origin in 2009 , ArtPrize has awarded millions of dollars in prizes to artists at different level . ( This twelvemonth ’s prize money come to almost $ 400,000 with the grand plunder listed at $ 125,000 . ) substantially yet , the whole matter could n’t be any more popular , as anyone over the age of 13 has the power to vote on the piece of work that ’s on exhibit — the variety of work that ’s turned a famous fabrication town into a cultural hub that can be easy navigated by foot , public transport , or bike .
Drive Time
2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago
What to Do Beyond ArtPrize
For more than 10 years , Grand Rapids ’ has have a bun in the oven the nickname of “ Beer City USA.”A brewery tourguarantees that you wo n’t drop a single one of the local brewage that make it such a moniker .
If beer is n’t your thing , roam around the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park . At 158 Acre , it contains one of the largest collections of outdoor art in the Midwest , with 200 sculptures on permanent video display . There ’s also an synergistic children ’s garden on the assumption for younger guest . Meanwhile , theGrand Rapids Art Museumpays court to the metropolis ’s craftsman roots with its large collection of ceramic and textiles . Henri de Toulouse - Lautrec , Alexander Calder , Dawoud Bey and Richard Diebenkorn are among the illustrious artists boast here .
Where to Eat and Drink
Breakfast : maneuver to theField & Fire Café . The bakehouse - focused , snatch - and - go smirch offer a extensive variety of options to choose from , include a breakfast burrito , vegan skillet and cookie breakfast . Pair it with a cup of joe fromOutdoor Coffee Co. , a cute shop with an al fresco terrace that ’s fauna well-disposed .
Lunch : Make your way toThe Green Well , which uses locally sourced ingredient for a issue of originative dishes for every kind of dining car . wait to find beef bulgogi on the computer menu next to jerk cauliflower , mushroom spaetzle , and seared ocean escallop . Littlebirdis another local favorite . The family - owned bistro serves housemade fountain drinks alongside inventive entrees such as the “ edible corn on the filbert corndog . ”
dinner party : With temperatures dropping , the substantial meal , extensive whisky selection and dark - and - cozy vibe makesButcher ’s Uniona consummate dinner party spot . However , if meat is n’t your matter , then cease byThe Sovengardfor art - on - a - collection plate dining . The farm - to - mesa eatery serve seasonal dishes and craftsmanship cocktails in a nerveless , Nordic - inspired setting where veggie choice are bountiful .
“Tin man” by Bill Secunda, ArtPrize 2021.|Courtesy Experience Grand Rapids
drinking : Buffalo Traders Loungeis the place for an aperitif . The speakeasy - style cake is lay - back with yummy boozy drinkable to bang .
Where to Stay in Grand Rapids
The iconicAmway Grand Plazahas luxe rooms with sensational scene of the Grand River , and given its quality downtown location , it ’s very confining to the ArtPrize venue . For a dress shop , eco - favorable option , there ’s theCityFlatsHotel . The room are stylish , and the construction is also centrally located , making it well-heeled to enjoy Grand Rapids by metrical unit .
The Leonard at Logan Houseis perfect for guests who prefer a cozier option . The turn - of - the - century residence now offers lodging for travelers face to go through the metropolis ’s historical past . ask magical and elegant interior decoration .
‘Raining Wisdom’ by Abdoulaye Conde|Photo by Nick Irwin; Courtesy Experience Grand Rapids
