Art Walk

Last week Wed was the kickoff of the 4th Annual ArtPrize in Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan where I live.
This is such a great event.  The doors of the city are busted off and thousands of people swarm the city, strolling the streets, enjoying life and most specifically, art.  We missed the first year. I don't know what we were thinking except we had two very small children and it seemed daunting.  And we were so sad, so we have been out every year since. The second year this was the winner....

This was an ENORMOUS drawing all done in #2 pencils.  Crazy. It was so crowded I couldn't stand back and get a picture of the whole thing so this is the side shot.  It was beautiful and looked like a photograph.

And the third year it was this stunning piece....

This beautiful depiction of the crucifixion is actually a mosaic made out of beautiful glass tiles.  It was so gorgeous.

Who will be the winner this year I wonder?  There is lots to see around town. Something for everyone.  And the kids love exploring and seeing cool things too.  They picked the perfect time of year for this event as it seems every year the sunny crisp autumn weather makes for perfect exploring, not too hot, not too cold.  We usually venture down 3-4 times in the 3 weeks and so this weekends three hour trek was just our first taste but we had a great time. 

The first thing we all saw was a giant T-Rex! My nephew in the orange isn't grouchy, I think he was doing his best dinosaur roar and had a scowl. 

A beautiful day in the city

So much to see. The paparazzi all lined up to take a picture of a natural exhibit, a great blue heron fishing in the Grand River. God always lets us know he is the original Artist.

 

 

 Do these boys look excited to be standing by a giant dragon or what?

 

 

 My daughter loved this mermaid carved out of a tree trunk.  She was very cute and asked the artist for his card and then said, "I think you did a wonderful job!"

 

 Uncles are always good for a higher vantage point!

 

 

Inevitably after three hours of walking kids start to get cranky. My daughter didn't think she could make it any further.  My mom gave her a little pep talk, cheered her on and the last thing we saw was this huge sandcastle. She watched the artist working and noticed all the detail and was amazed.  She said that was her favorite so far!

Your town may not have Artprize, but you might have a museum you haven't been to in awhile. Or a park.  Or a trail in the woods.  Get out as a family (or even an extended family of 16.5!) and enjoy the beauty of fall together.  I bet you will see something worth talking about! And for heaven's sake if you live in Michigan and haven't been to Artprize, I don't care where in Michigan, make the trip.  It is awesome!