Art Prize 411

I did a quick run through of GR this morning before the crowds hit. So here's some of the 411 on Art Prize 2012 via my research.



WHERE IS ART PRIZE?



Pic from today! Call them!



Short answer? Downtown Grand Rapids! Long: there is a 9 mile loop around the downtown area, it stretches from heart side to the west side. There are 3 marked walking tours through Art Prize- 3mile loop, 6 mile loop and a 9 mile loop. If you don't want to walk it there are shuttle buses, pedicabs, and segeway tours for a price :) RECCOMENDATION: Buy the Art Prize packet! Get an Art Prize baggie for all the cards you pick up from the artists, and get a map of all the hubs! If you don't know Grand Rapids very well and even if you do...this is worth the $5!

WHAT ARE THE BEST VENUES?

This does not mean anything because none of the previous winners of Art Prize have had their art displayed in these venues, but these are the venues that have some of the popular, crazy art.

1. The BOB and the BOB's parking lot. -the restaurant aka the Big Old Building.



Wed 9.19.2012, next to the JW Marriott



2. Bridges- literally speaking, the bridges crossing the Grand River have crazy fun art.

3. The Grand River- people get really creative with these h2o friendly pieces

4. UICA- aka urban institute of cotemporary arts

5. The JW Marriott

6. Gerald R Ford Museum

7.DeVos Place

8. Huntington Bank

WHERE DO I PARK?

Ahhh this is the worst part of Art Prize!! In my personal opinion, if you are going to spend 3-8 hours downtown just suck it up and pay $7, $8 or $9 for a parking ramp. Trust me, it's worth it to save gas and your sanity. Here's a link to Ellis Parking maps!! Ellis Parking Map. If you are adamant about not paying, go after 630pm so you don't have to pay for meters. If you are down for a little 1/2 mile walk into downtown I would suggest parking in Heritage Hill or right off the corner of Division and Fulton. Good luck!

WHERE DO I STAY?
There are a couple suggestions I have for you if you are from out of town:
1. JW Marriott
2. Amway Grand Plaza
3. City Flats Hotel
4. Holiday Inn (next to Van Andel museum)

My next post will be on where to eat!