Those of you in my Facebook Friends list received live comments while we enjoyed the artwork in and around downtown Grand Rapids as part of ArtPrize. Absolutely enjoyable art filled day – even in the rain. Speaking to those working in the local shops and restaurants ArtPrize has brought people downtown in droves over the last few weeks. Based on the traffic even on this chilly and wet Saturday I have no doubt downtown businesses have enjoyed soaring sales as a result. As an economic an community benefit my guess is it has surpassed the original hopes the organizers sought. As an artist however I can’t help but address the wonderful benefit provided to all the artist who had opportunity to have their work displayed in such a successful and exciting event. A great job by Artworks youth job-training program and all the volunteers, organizations and sponsors who came together to organize this grassroots tribute to art.  A thank you to Rick Devos for his vision and dedication to bring the contributors together to bring ArtPrize to Grand Rapids and award artists for their talents. The top ten have been chosen and there is still time to vote at www.artprize.org. The exhibit goes through Saturday Oct. 10, 2009.

On October 4, 2009   /   General   /   Leave a comment