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5 Tips to Make Your First ArtPrize Experience Mind-Blowing

ArtPrize: The World’s Largest Annual Art Event.

Pretty cool, right?

September 15 – October 2, 2022 I 760 artists are connecting and decorating the city of Grand Rapids, MI with their artwork for one of the world’s largest community art competitions.

As you walk around downtown Grand Rapids, you will see that almost every restaurant, bar, shop, public park, and exhibition center is a registered ArtPrize venue.

Earlier in the year, artists were connected with venues and collaborated to create the most compelling display for their masterpiece ArtPrize entry.

After countless hours of creativity, design, and preparation, the ArtPrize artists are ready for you to experience their art and judge which pieces are your favorites.

What to Expect if This Is Your First Time Attending ArtPrize?

ArtPrize is so much cooler than a traditional museum or art gallery.

Hundreds of artists from around the world showcase and integrate their original works of art throughout the city of Grand Rapids.

Yes, there are stunning large 2-D paintings, drawings, and photos hung on walls inside venues…

But also, there are thought provoking 3-D entries intended to be viewed from multiple angles…

And there are time-based works of art that change throughout the ArtPrize competition (bonus – you can usually interact with these entries)….

AND there are installations! Often outside, these entries are designed based on the venue and would look drastically different if their location changed…

Plus this year there is a new category for digital entries that can be viewed through a TV, tablet, projection, etc…

So as you walk through Grand Rapids, expect to see astonishing art everywhere!

Tip #1 Create Your ArtPrize Account In Advance to Vote in ArtPrize 2022

ArtPrize is so much more than a massive display of original artwork through the city of Grand Rapids.

It’s a community event where thousands of people come together, connect, and appreciate the art masterpieces.

The coolest part about ArtPrize?

You get to vote for your favorite ArtPrize exhibits and help decide which artists are awarded part of $175,000 in prize money.

1.Create an ArtPrize Visitor Profile Online HERE

Sign up for an ArtPrize account with your name, zip code, and email address. Choose a password so you can log in each time you visit ArtPrize in 2022.

If you have created an account for previous ArtPrize competitions, you will need to create a new Visitor Profile this year.

2. Navigate ArtPrize Entries Using the Interactive Map

ArtPrize is spread over 3 square miles of downtown Grand Rapids, MI. The interactive map has information about each venue – including their hours – and the ArtPrize entries at each location.

3. Vote For Your Favorite Pieces Online by Clicking the Star in the Bottom Right Corner

As you walk downtown Grand Rapids and experience the hundreds of ArtPrize entries, be sure to vote for your favorites by clicking the star in the lower right hand corner of each piece while logged into your online account.

ArtPrize will award prize money to artists based on…

First favorited entry of the day.
Last favorited entry of the day.
Most favorited entry of the day.
Top 5 favorited entries in each district.
Most favorited during the week.
Most favorited during the weekend.
Top 10 favorited entries.
Biggest jump in one day.

Tip #2 Wear Your Most Comfortable Shoes for ArtPrize

If you’ve never been to ArtPrize before, you might be wondering, what’s the vibe? Is ArtPrize fancy? Should I dress up? Or is ArtPrize casual? Can I wear sweatpants?

ArtPrize is a laid-back, casual event. Wear whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.

Most people will be wearing jeans and a light jacket (assuming Michigan is having cool fall weather).

While a majority of the ArtPrize exhibits are indoors, some of them are outside. Be sure to have layers of clothing in case it’s cool and windy while you are experiencing the outdoor ArtPrize entries.

The most important thing to consider when dressing for a day at ArtPrize…

Comfortable shoes.

ArtPrize is spread out over 3 square miles of downtown Grand Rapids, MI. Be prepared to get your daily 10,000 steps in while exploring and enjoying all of the magnificent art at ArtPrize.

Tip #3 Go to ArtPrize During The Best Times

Thousands of people will be traveling to Grand Rapids, MI to attend ArtPrize over the 18 day annual art event from September 15 – October 2, 2022.

Likely, anytime you go to ArtPrize will feel busy.

If you prefer to admire art with peace and quiet, the least busy time to attend ArtPrize is late-mornings to early afternoons during the week.

If you can sneak away from work for an hour or two for an early lunch or long afternoon break you will be able to experience ArtPrize without elbow to elbow traffic.

If you love the hustle and bustle then the best time to attend ArtPrize is during the evenings and on the weekends.

One of the best parts about ArtPrize is connecting with the Grand Rapids community.

In the evenings there are many ArtPrize events. From watching live ice sculpting to shopping the Makers Market to rappelling over the edge of Bridgewater Place, ArtPrize has tons of events to keep you fascinated and engaged.

Tip #4 The Easiest Ways to Get Around ArtPrize: The Rapid, DASH, & Lime

Navigating through thousands of people downtown Grand Rapids can be frustrating.

Before you attend ArtPrize, know you are going to have to be patient.

ArtPrize is more enjoyable if you aren’t in a rush and can slow down to fully appreciate the artwork.

If you hate parking garages and driving through traffic, park further from the city and ride the city bus The Rapid for $1.75 into downtown Grand Rapids.

Once downtown Grand Rapids, hop on the pink DASH bus for free. The DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) will drive you between downtown area neighborhoods, quickly.

Feel like scooting around even faster? Jump on a Lime bike or scooter. Download the Lime app to get started.

Tip #5 Refuel At The Most Delicious Places to Eat Near ArtPrize

Experiencing ArtPrize is a multiple hour event that includes lots of walking…which means you’re going to need to plan tasty snacks and a great meal to keep your energy levels high.

Best Food Trucks For Grab & Go Food at ArtPrize Downtown Grand Rapids

Many food trucks will make the trip to Grand Rapids for ArtPrize and park at either Calder Plaza or Rosa Parks Circle. Be sure to check out these spots and discover which food trucks are there each day.

Patty Matters – The best gourmet burger food truck in West Michigan.

Parliament Pizza – Grand Rapids’ best hand-tossed pizza.

Street Frites – West Michigan french fry cart with toppings like truffle fries, chili cheese fries, taco fries, and more.

Favorite Breweries to Refuel Between ArtPrize Exhibits Downtown Grand Rapids

Founders Brewing Company – Grab a few friends and circle around a table or outdoor picnic table for cold on tap craft brews and hearty, filling sandwiches while live music plays in the background.

Atwater Brewery – Pull up a chair at the bar and share an appetizer with friends at Atwater Brewery, right downtown Grand Rapids.

Jolly Pumpkin – Sour beer lovers, this brewery is for you. Enjoy pizza and other elevated bar food at this fun brewery on Bridge Street.

Brewery Vivant – Grab a spot inside or on the patio and enjoy incredible beer and food with friends in East Grand Rapids.