News Summary
Grand Rapids hosts ArtPrize 2025, featuring 931 entries from over 1,110 artists showcasing various art forms. Local artist Esan Sommersell’s sculpture, “Emergence,” reflects community themes and is displayed at Rev Luxury Juice Bar. The celebration includes a Mardi Gras-themed parade, fireworks, and activities like artist workshops and live performances. Top entries will be acknowledged during the ArtPrize Halftime Show, and public voting is open through the Flockx app. The event draws significant visitors while highlighting local artistic expression.
Grand Rapids is currently hosting ArtPrize 2025, which began on September 18 and will continue until October 4. This year’s festival features an impressive 931 entries from over 1,110 artists, showcasing a diverse array of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, and immersive installations.
Among the artists represented is Esan Sommersell, a Grand Rapids native whose sculpture titled “Emergence” highlights themes of overcoming obstacles. This piece, inspired by his mother and the local community, was created using a 3D printer purchased with a Motu Viget Grant from ArtPrize and took approximately two months to complete. Sommersell’s “Emergence” sculpture is currently displayed at Rev Luxury Juice Bar in Grand Rapids, which also features a previous work honoring the late grandmother of the juice bar owner, Shedaira Jones.
Jones explains that community connection plays a crucial role in inspiring artistic creation, and this sentiment is reflected in Sommersell’s new piece for this year’s ArtPrize. In addition to Sommersell, the Art of Life NOW Gallery is highlighting works from nearly 60 ArtPrize artists alongside local creators. This venue aims to amplify local stories and support artists who may feel disconnected from traditional ArtPrize sites. The Art of Life NOW Gallery is situated in a former Mel Trotter overflow shelter that has been transformed into a 15,000-square-foot artistic space.
The opening weekend of ArtPrize 2025 saw a lively Mardi Gras-themed parade and fireworks light up downtown Grand Rapids. As the event progresses, there are various special activities planned, including artist workshops, live performances, and interactive exhibits designed to enhance the visitor experience.
The top entries competing for awards will be announced during the ArtPrize Halftime Show on September 26 at Sixth Street Park. Following this, winners will be recognized at the awards ceremony scheduled for October 3 at Studio Park. Public participation is encouraged as ArtPrize allows individuals aged 13 and older to vote once per day for their favorite entries via the Flockx app.
Annually, ArtPrize draws in over 800,000 visitors, demonstrating the significant impact that art can have in fostering community engagement and connection through a wide range of artistic expressions. With a vibrant local talent pool and an emphasis on community stories, ArtPrize 2025 aims to make a memorable addition to Grand Rapids’ artistic landscape.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: ArtPrize 2025 Favorites
- Wikipedia: ArtPrize
- Lansing State Journal: ArtPrize Festival 2025
- Google Search: ArtPrize 2025
- Fox 17 Online: Artist Performing at ArtPrize Halftime Show
- Google Scholar: ArtPrize Grand Rapids
- WOOD TV: ArtPrize Largest Venue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Art
- Fox 17 Online: Downtown Businesses Boost After ArtPrize
- Google News: ArtPrize 2025 Grand Rapids
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
