Art Prize 2021- Interactive Map of Venues at ArtPrize, Tips, Parking in Grand Rapids Michigan! (How to Get to ArtPrize)

Art Prize 2021 | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan

ArtPrize is back in 2021! Returning to Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan September 16 - October 3, 2021. Grab our invaluable interactive map of the venues so you can easily find the art at ArtPrize this year.

Will There Be Art Prize 2021?  Yes!  We are thrilled it's back!

Art Prize 2021

What is ArtPrize?

ArtPrize® is an open, independently organized international art competition that occurs in throughout Grand Rapids, Michigan. The show is open to any creative with an artwork to enter and a venue open to hosting the work.

For 18 days, art is exhibited throughout the city in public parks and museums, in galleries and vacant storefronts, in bars and on bridges. $250,000 in prizes are awarded by the public (that’s you!), including a $50,000 grand prize.

How is the work judged? The public decides the winner by utilizing the ArtPrize mobile app.

First time visiting ArtPrize and Grand Rapids?  See our insider tips, parking suggestions and guide on how to get around Art Prize like a local.

Grand Rapids, MI

The show, for me, is absolutely phenomenal. I get so inspired speaking with the artists and those viewing the art.  Plus we get to visit beautiful Grand Rapids, MI!

Art Prize Map of Venues - How do I get to ArtPrize 2021?

How do I get to ArtPrize 2021?  

Be sure to click on this LIVE GOOGLE MAP of ART PRIZE 2021 so you can walk and find your locations at ArtPrize.

How to Use the Interactive 2021 Art Prize Map Above

• Zooming in: Click on the plus and minus buttons at the bottom left of the map to narrow in or out of the map. Or scroll with your mouse or use two fingers on your phone.

• Moving the Map: If using a mouse, click on the little hand icon to move the map around. 

• More Info: Click or touch the colorful pins to obtain more information about the event or schedule. 
  

• Drop Down Menu: Click or touch the square with the small arrow on the upper left side of the map for a drop down menu to find particular events or locations.
  

• Expanded Map View: Click the grid marks on the upper right of the map to expand the map.

Our Favorite Art Prize Venues 

Art Prize at The BOB

Note: All photos are from past Art Prize's but give you the idea of what to expect. The venues are the same but with different art.

We always start at The B.O.B. (20 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids), as it houses around 70-80 pieces of art within the two story eclectic venue. See who can spot the walls covered in smashed cans!!  Plus it's a great place to grab lunch. 

There is a good restaurant on the second floor that offers a buffet of salad, pizza and pasta for around $12.  Very fresh, healthy options.

Don't miss the basement as artists may be creating live art and it's fun to discuss their creative process.  Plan to spend at least an hour here.

ArtPrize The Bob

Right next door to The B.O.B is the Venue Tower Apartments with about 30 entries.  There are paintings, a holographic exhibit and an exhibit with sounds. 

You can see this in about 10 minutes so it's worth a quick stop.  Plus they have a restroom.  

• Homewood Suites (161 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids) had an outstanding surprise one year.  It housed my absolute favorite art which was this carriage with glass roses and tons of details.  We loved this venue as there were many "wow" pieces.

ArtPrize at Homewood Suites

ArtPrize at Homewood Suites

• The Grand Rapids Art Museum (101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids) usually has large pieces that have that "WOW" factor.  Plus entry to the museum is free!  Plan to spend around 20 minutes there depending on the line to get in. 

• The Devos Place (303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids) is another huge venue with lots of entries.  The space is breathtaking so don't miss it.  Wander around, take photos and enjoy the beauty of the building and art.  Plan about an hour at the The Devos Place.

Art Prize at the Devos Place

Be sure to continue along the very long highway to the left of the entrance of the Devos Place on the second level as ArtPrize entries are along this hall that connects to The Amway Grand Plaza hotel. 

ArtPrize at The Devos Place

The String Project is one of my favorite pieces that is the hallway between The Devos Place and the Amway Grand.  Very cool idea that the world is connected and what we do can affect others.  Love the concept.

ArtPrize at The Devos Place

To the left of this art piece is a tube that crosses a road and takes you into the Amway Grand Plaza hotel.  Continue along!!

• The Amway Grand Plaza (187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids) is a must see venue during Art Prize.  First, the hotel is stunning with chandeliers and their own art.  Be sure to check out their great boutiques shops. Plan to spend about an hour in the Amway Grand Plaza and maybe grab a drink or dinner.

The majority of the art is located to the right of the reception desk.  Restrooms are located to the right of the reception desk.  Be sure to check out the amazing chandeliers!!

Rendezvous Restaurant in the Amway Grand Plaza. Photo by Travel-Mi.com

• Grand River Art-as you walk over the Grand River, be sure to look for art on the bridge and in the river.  Each year artists think of creative installations in the river and the grassy area in front of the Gerald Ford.  

We felt it necessary to play with the giant red cast alligators.  Lots of shenanigans ensued!  

Take time to relax and enjoy the area and the fantastic views of the city and the river!

Grand Rapids Art Prize

Grand Rapids Art Prize

• The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids) houses around 25 entries and is always a favorite of mine.  There is usually exquisite sculpture, massive paintings and fiber art.  LOVE IT HERE.  

The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum

ArtPrize

You can then wander around the museum and visit their gift shop.  Be sure to take photos of their fantastic outdoor fountain and visit the outdoor venues also.  All for free.  

Time spent here varies as it depends upon your interest level and if you explore the museum or gift shop.  Plan around 30-60 minutes. 

• Grand Rapids African American Museum- (87 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids) This venue was also interesting as it housed a giant painting of Oprah and also some very striking drawings.  

This is a short stop but worth it for the quality of the art displayed inside.  Arts are also on hand to meet. 

ArtPrize Oprah

• Grand Rapids Police Department -(1 Monroe Center NW Grand Rapids) This venue was also one of my favorite locations this year.  Really outstanding art and we got to meet the 2D guy, Robert Shangle.  

Art Prize at Grand Rapids Police Department

• Art Studios at 40 Monroe Center.  This is a working permanent studio for these artists.  Plus there are numerous other ArtPrize exhibits in this space.  The artists are very friendly and it's worth the stop!

ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, MI

Be sure to visit Art Prize if it's the only art show you do this year. 

You can spend anywhere from an afternoon to three days visiting all the venues!  I recommend starting with the big venues and then wander down Monroe Center NW, as I stated above.  This will give you around 6-7 hour of art viewing.  Enjoy!