Every year for the last few years we’ve traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan for ArtPrize.
Accommodations and meals provided.
We love all kinds of art and find the creativity and imagination at this event is inspiring and we always look forward to going. We are excited to share why we think everyone should go to ArtPrize at least once.
I’ve thought and thought on how to describe ArtPrize in Grand Rapids to the unfamiliar. The best description I can come up with is that for art and craft lovers it is the equivalent of Disney World.
The anticipation of what is awaiting you visually around the next corner only compares to standing in line at a theme park waiting for your next ride. The thrill of discovery. Your senses overwhelmed by the sight of the art pieces, the comments of the crowds as they came upon a piece of art they either liked or hated, the taste & smell of the wonderful food found wafting in from all over town, and the feel of goosebumps when you come upon an amazing find.
Last year we spent only a day and a half in Grand Rapids. It was only time enough to see the bigger venues. So this year we decided to spend three days. We are so glad we did. We were able to get farther out from town and see places that we might never have seen otherwise.
ArtPrize is designed to send you on a exploration the entire city. We had the opportunity to see some amazing venues including museums, hotels, restaurants, churches and parks to just name a few. The creators of ArtPrize have developed a plan to bring you to town for the art show, make you familiar with various locations and then hope you will be back to visit.
It worked with us. Last year while exploring ArtPrize we came upon Leo’s Restaurant. We were very intrigued by it, but didn’t take time to eat at that time. We deliberately sought it out this year and had a wonderful lunch. My crab cake melt was excellent and their homemade Parmesan waffle fries were very tasty.
One of the most memorable venues we came upon was Fashion Has Heart. The entry was Corporal Hoffman Series. It combined a wounded warrior with an art designer who, through their work, told the soldier’s story. A touching tribute to those people who put their lives on the line for us.
St. Cecilia Music Center was a real find. It was established in 1894 and much of the concert hall is still as it was during that time. It was also the location of the Top 5 music award winners of ArtPrize.
Fountain St. Church was an art piece in itself. Throughout the Sanctuary are mosaics, paintings, wood carving and stone sculptures. They offer tours and it is something we will put on our list to do in the future.
We had Sunday brunch at Six One Six in the J W Marriot hotel. There was a wide selection of choices and Chef Elvis even flipped the omelets in the air.
Dinner one night was at Bistro Bella Vita. They pride themselves on their Mediterranean countryside menu. Randy splurged and had Duck Two Ways. The breast was so moist he actually thought he was eating beef for a second. I had the Harvest Ravioli. It was sweet potato ravioli with roasted vegetables. I was surprised how much I could taste the sweet potatoes in the ravioli. The vegetables were roasted to perfection.
Grand Rapids certainly knows how to do it right. They are continually bringing in events to keep the city active and thriving. As ArtPrize was coming to a close, Rascall Flatts was having a concert. It is a city on the move in the right direction thanks to their citizens with a vision.
We love visiting different art museums. This looks like the perfect place for us. I will take your advise and make at least a couple days of it. Great review!
I love these pictures this looked like a fun little trip and looks like you really got to see what the area offered . Thanks again for sharing this one and all of your fun trips.
I love the pics you post of all the places you travel too. Many will be as close as I’ll get to the places is through your pictures.
love that stained glass window
Sounds like there was something for everyone at ArtPrize – I’d like to participate.
Hello Te’sa, My name is Chris and I am one of the artists that displayed at Artprize last year. I was looking around and saw that you have my piece “Windows” on your blog. Thank you for coming out and making more people aware of Artprize.
That harvest ravioli would be my choice, too.
Beautiful stained glass, and that food looks delicious!!
Great pictures! Looks like a fun and unique place to visit!
Grand Rapids looks like a great place to visit, rich in culture and the arts. This is a good way to teach young kids art appreciation. Thanks for sharing and lucky you to have received such accommodation. Great review!
I love the pictures! Looks like fun!
I would have loved seeing all that art work!
We drove through Grand Rapids but did not get the chance to stop. This looks like an amazing event.
This sounds like a fantastic event! Fountain St. Church is breathtaking – how beautiful! It looks like you all had a fantastic trip
Superb! I thought those were real sharks. What a lovely place to spend some time at. I’ve not been up that way but if I do, I know where to visit. Thanks for supplying such amazing art pieces.
That hedgehog is beyond adorable! Looks like a great time for the whole family! I totally would’ve loved to see that omelette flipping, too.
Looks amazing! I love art shows and so many of these exhibits are breathtaking! I love the fish (dolphins?) jumping out of the water.
Grand Rapids puts on amazing events! When I lived there, I went to soooooo many of them.
Oh my, Fountain St Church is GORGEOUS!!!
What a great adventure! That church is stunning.
The hedgehog is so darn CUTE!! And the food….oh man…I am hungry!! Would love to go there someday.
wow–who knew there was so much to do in Grand Rapids–love all the awesome pictures–my favorite is the stained glass in the church and the FOOD! LOL
Wow..thanks for sharing your experience and beautiful pictures. This is definitely something I would want to do!
My sister in law lives there and loves going each year!
I am a huge art buff! When I lived near the Smithsonean, I used to go and spend a whole day just browsing the art! The Starburst is just gorgeous!
We went last year for a weekend and I was so sad to miss this year’s! I am in love with the winner, too! Grand Rapids is a place I truly miss since our move to Ohio!!
Steph
Steph, I moved to Ohio from GR, too. Miss it so much!
Absolutely awesome!
My sister loves this and goes every time with her family. She says there is never enough time to see it all.
I Love Art! It Ages So Perfectly And Has So Much History !:)