How the City became a Gallery: Grand Rapids Artprize

This article was written by Brook’lynn Russau

Through the experience of art, every Autumn Grand Rapids turns into a display gallery.

Art prize 2025 transformed downtown into a broad range of creative work allowing people to express themselves and to highlight the influence of their art. Art Prize was held from September 18th to October 4th in downtown Grand Rapids. This event first took place back to 2009 grabbing the attention of artists and bringing in huge crowds to the city. Public voting for the contest, high ranked prizes and partnerships with local businesses draws attention to Grand Rapids and creates engagement between the city and its residents. It is one of the largest art competitions in the world. Art Prize is a huge support system for artists, and allows the community to engage with art and open up about the feelings and creative thoughts each unique piece delivers.

Art Prize is more than just art. One of the coolest things about the experience is every person that attends carries home a different discovery regarding the true masterpiece of the event.

For senior Addy Andres, the story behind the art is just as important as the art itself.

“My favorite thing is reading artist statements because some of them are really interesting and explain why they made what they made and what it stands for,” Andres said.

Sophomore Emani Burrello was captivated by pieces that defied the usual rules of art.

 “All of these different types of art, like the abstract pieces that were thrown together, was just like seeing a new art world,” Burrello said.

Applied Tech and Art teacher Alyssa Medina appreciates seeing it all in person, especially how the audience can get up close and personal with the art pieces while viewing.

 “It helps anybody understand the artist’s intentions better because you can see not only the texture of the artwork, but the scale, instead of it being on a computer screen, you can actually see that some of these pieces are massive,” Medina said.

Medina sees Art Prize as important enough to arrange a field trip every year for Northview Students to attend.

“It’s a great opportunity for students, even though they live so close to our prize, or Grand Rapids, a lot of them don’t even make their way down. They can also see the artwork in different ways down there,” Medina said. 

Art Prize, are students on a field trip, or are simply a visitor hoping to be inspired by art, Art Prize will make a lasting impression on you and is worth a trip downtown to experience.