Things You’ll See at ArtPrize in Downtown Grand Rapids

ArtPrize kicks off in downtown Grand Rapids on Thursday, September 15th and will run through Sunday, October 2nd, 2022. The independent international art competition celebrates artists working in all medium from anywhere in the world.

There are several things you will see on the streets of downtown Grand Rapids during ArtPrize. Let's take a look...

People

There will be lots of people wandering around the streets of downtown Grand Rapids. These people will be walking from one venue to another looking at various art pieces. Many of these people won't be paying attention at intersections. Many will walk out in front of traffic, or not look at the walk/don't walk signals at the stop lights -- they will just walk out in front of vehicles. If you will be driving in the area, beware of these people who won't be looking out for you.

Lost & Confused Drivers

ArtPrize also brings many into the downtown area that are not familiar with the one-way streets in Grand Rapids. Have an eye out for cars going the wrong way on a one way street, or drivers that blow through red lights or stop signs because they are lost or confused on their journey into downtown.

Blinking Red Lights

To add to the confusion of pedestrians that just don't pay attention, and frustrated and confused drivers, many of the traffic lights in downtown Grand Rapids are still on their blinking red modes. This signifies that the intersection is to be treated as an all-way stop. Many drivers, unaware of which streets are one way and which are regular streets, will have no clue as to whether the intersection should be a three way or four way stop. And some people just have problems figuring out who's next.

Scooters

To add to add the confusion of pedestrians and drivers, we might as well throw in a few hundred rental scooters and bicycles. These things are often just abandoned when people are done with them. You can expect to see them just lying all around downtown Grand Rapids.

Frustrated Downtown Workers

To make matters even worse, you will also find many frustrated downtown workers trying to get to and from work during ArtPrize. With so many people in the area who will  be lost, confused, and just not paying attention -- the frustration level for these workers will definitely be rising.

Construction?

The intersection of Fulton and Monroe is currently closed to traffic for road work. The work is schedule to be completed by Labor Day. If it is not finished on time, this could be an issue for people trying to get into -- and out of -- downtown Grand Rapids for ArtPrize.

Art

Oh yes, I almost forgot...there will be plenty of art at ArtPrize! Almost 150 different venues in the downtown area will be hosting more than 750 artists and their pieces of art from around the world. For information on ArtPrize visit their official website at ArtPrize.org or check out their Facebook page.

Stay Safe

When you come down to visit ArtPrize and to check out all the fantastic art, make sure you are focused and paying attention to your surroundings. Others won't be looking out for you. they will be too confused or focused on other things. We want everyone to stay safe while enjoying their time in downtown Grand Rapids.

Below are pictures from ArtPrize in the past