ArtPrize has created quite a buzz around town whether you are an art connoisseur or not.  The variety and scope of the hundreds of pieces of art have surely caught the imagination and appreciation of the West Michigan audience and beyond.

Now that the first phase of the competition is over, I can talk about one of my favorite pieces. I was especially drawn to the mural on the wall at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Humanity at the Crossroads.  Daan Hoekstra’s beautiful image of the two faces draped in shawls, one eyes closed the other looking up, was striking.  The woman in the mural looks to be Latina, like me and a sense of wonder I can relate to. 

Whatever it is that a piece of art can stir inside of us is truly unique and personal.  This is what I enjoyed the most about ArtPrize, not necessarily the competition or hype.  To be surrounded by so much incredible creative energy was fantastic.  

Whatever the critics may say about this event, I have enjoyed looking out my window at WOOD TV8 at the beautiful metal flowers on the lawn, driving down a side street and discovering a hidden treasure I had not seen before or peaking into an empty store front or building to now find an array of art.

What art have you connected with?