If you live in West Michigan or Grand Rapids and have internet access (as you must to be reading this post) or a radio or a television, you probably realize that this weekend is the official beginning of ArtPrize, the Grand Rapids community-judged art competition that annually fills the streets of downtown Grand Rapids and the interior of its many venues with works of art.
Citizens and visitors alike are encouraged to vote for works of art they enjoy, and there's a cash prize of $200,000 on the line for the artists whose work is being displayed. Those who don't inspire interest from the popular vote still have a chance at a prize; there is a jurored prize that equals the popular-vote prize, allowing those with great technical skill and talent but few social media followers a shot at winning as well.
The artworks range from massive murals and gigantic sculptures to standard-sized photographs and paintings, as well as everything in between. This year, in addition to a sculpture meant to depict The Three Billy Goats Gruff, there's a massive wall comprised of backpacks that were abandoned by people trying to cross the southern border into the United States. There re more than 1,500 works of original art on display on venues across the downtown area, and thousands of people across Michigan and from well beyond flock to the city for the ArtPrize festival. The local restaurants are offering their best as well, catering to the massive crowds, and Sunday features the Kids ArtPrize event downtown.
If the swell of art-gazing people doesn't appeal, there are plenty of alternative activities in West Michigan this weekend, because there's always something amazing happening in this area. Calder Plaza will be hosting the African American Art & Music Festival Friday, September 25th and Saturday the 26th. There will be live music, as well as a number of African American ArtPrize contestants. There will be amazing food on hand as well; food vendors include Backyard Grill Masters and the ever-amazing Jamaican Dave's.
If you want to avoid downtown altogether, you're in luck! Pack up the kids and hit the Hudsonville Fairgrounds, where you're find the Annual Farmgirl Pickers and Makers Market. For $4 admission with 12 and under free, you can browse the wares of 150+ vendors who offer handmade, antique, and vintage items for sale, from home furnishings to food.
If you're looking for something more outdoorsy, Robinette's is offering horse drawn hayrides on Saturday, from 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. The beloved local farm attraction sells tickets for $6 each for those who are 13 and older, $4 for children ages 3 to 12, with infants 2 and under free. They also offer a maze and a jumping pillow, though children under 3 can not participate in the jumping pillow, which is a massive jumping platform not unlike a trampoline.
There is always something interesting going on the Grand Rapids and West Michigan areas, which is one of many reasons why people move to this very family-friendly area. If you're interested in moving to West Michigan, call Pyxis Realty today for the best help in the area! If you're relocating to a new home or community in the West Michigan real estate market or the Grand Rapids real estate market, call Pyxis Realty for professional, courteous help from an experienced, professional team.