ArtPrize takes center stage in Grand Rapids this weekend, with light installations, family-friendly art-making, a party at John Ball Zoo and a neighborhood-wide competition in Southtown. Here are four ways to get out and experience the festival — and some of the events happening around it — on Sept. 25-26.
FRIDAY
Friday Nite Lights
Friday, Sept. 25, 8-10 p.m.
Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St. NW | Free
Rosa Parks Circle gets a nighttime makeover during Friday Nite Lights, an ArtPrize event celebrating the people and businesses behind Grand Rapids’ building arts.
Six illuminated towers will surround the circle, while an LED wall highlights downtown building projects constructed or renovated by local companies. There will also be a beer garden and a DJ providing the soundtrack for the evening.
The result is a one-night light experience that puts the spotlight on the vision, craftsmanship and expertise that go into creating the spaces where ArtPrize unfolds.
SATURDAY
DoodleStreet
Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Grand Rapids Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids | Free
ArtPrize gets hands-on at DoodleStreet, an immersive creative experience designed with children and young families in mind.
The event at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market will feature interactive activities that give young artists plenty of opportunities to doodle, create and explore their creativity. The West Michigan Youth Ballet will kick things off with a special opening performance.
It’s a chance for families to take a break from the usual ArtPrize gallery crawl and let the kids make some art of their own. For more information, click HERE.
ArtPrize HalfTime Party
Saturday, Sept. 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St, Grand Rapids | $10 general admission*
Halfway through ArtPrize, the competition heads to John Ball Zoo for an evening of art, animals and celebration.
Presented by Meijer and supported by John Ball Zoo, the ArtPrize HalfTime Party will give guests a chance to explore the zoo after hours, watch live painting at animal exhibits and celebrate the artists and venues participating in this year’s competition.
The evening will also reveal the current frontrunners in the ArtPrize competition, offering a snapshot of how things are shaping up as the festival reaches its midpoint.
*Admission is $10 for the general public. Artists and ArtPrize venues get in free, as do ArtPatrons at the Enthusiast level and above.
SUNDAY
SouthPrize Voting Days
Sunday, Sept. 26, Noon-8 p.m.
Various Southtown venues and Hub07, 1534 Kalamazoo Ave. SE | Free
ArtPrize heads south for SouthPrize, a one-day competition that celebrates local artists while encouraging visitors to explore businesses throughout Southtown’s six business districts.
Hub07 will serve as a central gathering spot, with an art expo, live screen printing, live performances, break dancing and more happening throughout the afternoon and evening.
Visitors can follow the SouthPrize signs in each district and hop aboard a free trolley or bus to tour participating venues. Transportation will run approximately every 15 minutes.
After checking out the artwork, visitors can cast their votes in person at Hub07 for their favorite artist. It’s an easy way to combine an afternoon of art with a little neighborhood exploring — and support Southtown businesses along the way.
