Exploring ArtPrize 2024: How to See 3 of the BEST ArtPrize Venues in One Hour

One of my favorite traditions of the fall season in Grand Rapids Michigan is experiencing ArtPrize. As an ever-evolving art festival, ArtPrize features hundreds of unique exhibits ranging from large sculptures and traditional paintings to performance art and hands-on community-created pieces. 

If you want to see the best of ArtPrize in one hour, I’m sharing the top art venues to make the most of your time. If you have extra time to explore more of Grand Rapids, check out my additional recommendations at the end.

Need to Know Info for ArtPrize 2024

ArtPrize Clubhouse: Located at 2 Fulton St W, this venue serves as a central hub for ArtPrize information. In addition to several large-scale art exhibits, the ArtPrize Clubhouse also provides concierge services, merchandise, and an artist-only lounge.

Updated voting app: Hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money goes to artists each year, and you can help choose the winners. In 2024, you will need to be in the designated ArtPrize district to cast your first vote. Simply scan the QR code for an entry, register through the Flockx app, and vote for your favorite art.

Where to Park for ArtPrize

While Grand Rapids has lots of metered street parking throughout the city, parking ramps are usually a sure bet to find an open spot. The Government Center Ramp (300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503) just across from DeVos Place is very convenient to the center of downtown.

If you are local to the area or plan to visit the Grand Rapids area a couple of times a year, an annual membership to the Grand Rapids Public Museum is valuable in so many ways. One membership perk is free parking validation in the nearby museum parking ramp (Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). It’s perfect for a visit to the museum and an ArtPrize tour!

See the Best of ArtPrize in One Hour

When it comes to art, what constitutes “the best” is very subjective. A more accurate title might be “See Some of the Most Popular Art Exhibits Conveniently Clustered Together in Downtown Grand Rapids in 1 Hour.” Whew, but that’s a mouthful.

3 Popular ArtPrize Venues

• DeVos Place Convention Center
• Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
• Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

DeVos Place Convention Center

303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

If you only have time to visit one venue, DeVos Place is packed with fascinating art. With towering ceilings and glass windows, the main lobby and upper halls of DeVos Place provide an ideal location to feature artwork. Notable exhibits at DeVos Place in 2024 include:

• My Poem Your Topic by Endlesswill: Write down one word and Endlesswill will type out a short, original poem based on that word. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience at ArtPrize. *** Time-Based – Public Vote & Juried Winner***
• One Line Drawing of a Princess by Stephanie Glen Ducasse: An amazingly detailed portrait of Princess Diana, hand-drawn using one continuous pen and ink line. *** Top 100***
• The Prophets by Robert VanderZee: A series of vivid, fantastical nature-inspired paintings. *** 2D – Public Vote Winner***

More Top 100 ArtPrize Entries at DeVos Place

• Covid Memorial: Love and Loss in the Time of Corona 2020-2023 by Kym Nicolas
• Tut’s Tomb by Bruce Gorsline *** 3D – Public Vote Winner***
• Otto’s Good Stuff Batteries not Included by Randy Dusdal
• Too Much Information by Bruce Holwerda *** New Media – Public Vote Winner***
• The Mother by Franklin Delgado
• Sarah – City of Peace by JP Goncalves
• Armor of Flowers by Jessica Bohus
• Reflecting in Michigan by Brett Farmer

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

With crystal chandeliers and luxurious velvet furniture, the lush interior of the Amway Grand creates a beautiful backdrop for displaying art. Notable exhibits at the Amway Grand in 2024 include:

• Ruling the North by Shelley Lynn van Gilse: A bold painting inspired by the Detroit Lions mascot and team colors. *** Top 100***
• Nostalgia in the Present by Dorelle H Brock: A whimsical series of iconic cartoon and movie characters reimagined in abstract paintings. A crowd-pleaser for the young at heart! *** Top 100***

More Top 100 ArtPrize Entries at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

• Euphoric Blooms by Sara Black
• Hangin’ by a Thread by Robert Shangle

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Walk along the sidewalk and fountain area outside the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to observe interesting outdoor sculptures and exhibits. Take advantage of the free museum admission available during ArtPrize, and scope out the art displays inside as well.

With bridge and city skyline views, Ah-Nab-Awen Park right next to the Ford Presidential Museum is a lovely spot to take in a view of the Grand River. Some notable exhibits at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in 2024 are:

• Dynamic Sunset by John Katerberg: Underlayers of metal create a mesmerizing effect of movement when this painting is viewed in person. *** Grand Prize Winner – Public Vote***
• E Pluribus Umun by Anni Crouter: A towering series of 3 lifelike bald eagle paintings. *** Top 100***
• Orchid by Fritz Olsen: This fun, vibrantly colored sculpture welcomes visitors to the museum.

More Top 100 ArtPrize Entries at Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

• Be There In Five by Tanner Bosma
• Egyptian Dream by The Obelisk
• MI Lakeshore Victorian by Kathryn Johnson
• Moon landing by Rick Gann
• Empowered Women by Jillian Bartsch
• 1-100 by Tails Jekel
• Avian Shores by Thom Cicchelli
• Hombre Quilt by Suzanne Wilson
• Symbiosis by Joy Bradley
• I Was Your Child by The Smoke Artist
• Sisters on the Grand by Kelli Bishop
• Rose Patch by Majaha Arts
• Turbulence by Bruce Mackley
• End of the Storm by Ann Dyer
• Avian Shores by Thom Cicchelli
• Opus by Edward Skellie

ArtPrize 2024 Winners

Public Vote Winners

• Grand Prize: Dynamic Sunset by John Katerberg, located at Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
• 2D: The Prophets by Robert VanderZee, located at DeVos Place
• 3D: Tut’s Tomb by Bruce Gorsline, located at DeVos Place
• Time-Based: My Poem Your Topic by Endlesswill, located at DeVos Place
• Installation: Reflective Journal by Shirin Abedinirad, located at Lookout Park
• New Media: Too Much Information by Bruce Holwerda, located at DeVos Place
• Design+: Ash Desk with Drawers by Zak Doezema-Nunez, located at Clear Sky Eyecare

Juried Vote Winners

• Grand Prize: Trauma Project, located at 106 Gallery
• 2D: Remember Who You Are by Jonathan Harris, located at DeVos Place
• 3D: Old Stories by H. Highwater, located at The Atrium at Ucello’s Downtown
• Time-Based: My Poem Your Topic by Endlesswill, located at DeVos Place
• Installation: marshmallow polypore variant by Samuelle Green, located at Kendall College of Art and Design
• New Media: Me So Calgon by Stafford Smith, located at Kendall College of Art and Design
• +Design: Understory by Common Object Studio, located at ArtPrize ClubHouse

Explore More in Grand Rapids

While I’ve covered some of the prime ArtPrize locations, there is still so much more to see and do in Grand Rapids! If you have additional time, I highly recommend doing one or more of the following:

1. Check out more amazing ArtPrize venues.

Head to these additional venues with stellar art:

• The Atrium at Ucello’s Downtown
• JW Marriot
• Sixth Street Park
• Monroe Community Church
• ArtPrize Clubhouse
• Veterans Memorial Park

2. Dine at one of Grand Rapids’ many fine restaurants.

Some of my personal favorites include:

• Roam by San Chez, featuring a global street menu
• Donkey Taqueria for tasty Mexican cuisine
• Brewery Vivant for craft beers and pub fare
• Forty Acres Soul Kitchen for contemporary American soul food

3. Visit additional local attractions that feature ArtPrize exhibits and more.

Top local attractions worth your time:

• Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives
• Grand Rapids Art Museum
• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

4. Experience the art exhibits at night.

While most art exhibits are better viewed in the daylight, there are always a few displays that come alive in the evening.

No matter how long you have to explore, there is definitely time to see some new and exciting art pieces at ArtPrize!