ArtPrize 2011 in Grand Rapids draws people from all over the world and the United States. This year the art contest features more than fifteen hundred artists’ works. Many entrants are local and a large number come from other parts of the US and abroad. Featured ArtPrize work ranges from a fiberglass figure of the late President Gerald Ford to Large wooden sculptures highlighting nature.
The list for types of mediums entered into ArtPrize is exhaustive. Mixed media, oil and acrylic painting, wooden and metal sculptures, and photography are among the most popular mediums. One artist even uses blood as part of his work. For the 2011 ArtPrize, music and performance is being promoted even more. The range of art and mediums is large, giving enthusiasts a taste of everything at ArtPrize.
164 venues serve as hosts for the art at this year’s ArtPrize. Museums, performance halls, bars and restaurants all house the art. Foot traffic during ArtPrize skyrockets for Grand Rapids. This sends thousands of people into many of these establishments and locations, which is a plus for the local economy. Venues will often later house or buy artwork from ArtPrize contestants.
ArtPrize goers are given the opportunity to vote for their favorite pieces. Each artist’s piece is given a 5 digit number that people can use to vote for them. A person may vote for a particular Artprize piece one time. Votes are casts electronically. ArtPrize 2011 allows votes by text message, with mobile devices, and also by Android and Iphone applications. Some ArtPrize enthusiasts will vote while others simply attend to just look at the art.
Some artists for ArtPrize don’t go away empty-handed. The top ten artists receive a cash prize. ArtPrize officials will give the grand prize winner $250,000. The second place prize is $100,000. Third place receives $50,000. ArtPrize 2011 gives the fourth through tenth place winners $7,000.