News Summary
Grand Rapids Downtown Market will showcase Roald Bradstock’s installation, ‘LA Rising’ at ArtPrize 2025. This collaborative art experience aims to engage the community in responding to the devastation of California’s wildfires. Participants can help fill in Olympic rings on ten artistic panels made from charcoal and paper. The event runs from September 18 to October 4, featuring over 1,100 artists across various venues, reflecting the growing interest in the competition.
Grand Rapids, MI – ArtPrize 2025 is set to feature a compelling installation titled “LA Rising” at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, created by artist and two-time Olympian Roald Bradstock. This unique exhibition aims to engage the public in a collaborative art-making experience inspired by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
“LA Rising” consists of ten large panels crafted using charcoal and paper, artistically depicting the remains of burned wood and trees. The installation serves not only as a reflection of the natural destruction caused by the wildfires but also invites attendees to actively participate in its completion. From 1 to 6 p.m. daily, visitors can fill in one of the Olympic rings, contributing to the unfinished artwork. This collaborative effort seeks to create a symbolic connection between different communities as the city prepares for the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Roald Bradstock, often referred to as the “Olympic Picasso,” is known for his involvement in various Olympic art initiatives. “LA Rising” is part of The Olympism Exhibition, which showcases works by Olympians who are also accomplished visual artists. This exhibition is located in the second-floor atrium of the Downtown Market, an establishment that enhances the art experience by providing a selection of food and drink from local vendors.
The 2025 ArtPrize event is scheduled to run from September 18 to October 4, showcasing over 1,100 artists across more than 155 venues in Grand Rapids. This year, the competition will feature 931 entries from artists spanning 39 states and 18 countries, reflecting a 10% increase in participation compared to the previous year.
Throughout its history, ArtPrize has distributed $6.9 million in awards to artists since its inception in 2009. This year, more than half a million dollars in grants and prizes is expected to be awarded, emphasizing the competition’s commitment to both public voting and juried assessments.
In addition to “LA Rising,” ArtPrize 2025 will include other notable installations like Arborialis: An ArtPrize Experience, a captivating three-story luminarium designed by the UK’s Architects of Air. The BioPhilia Gallery will also feature a multi-sensory exhibition that explores the intersection of art, science, and nature.
ArtPrize is widely recognized as one of the world’s largest art competitions, celebrating the transformative power of art and promoting creative expression within the Grand Rapids community. This year’s festival promises to enhance the rich artistic landscape of the region while providing an inclusive platform for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 17: ArtPrize 2025 Set to Transform Grand Rapids
- Wikipedia: ArtPrize
- PR Newswire: ArtPrize 2025 Returns
- Google Search: ArtPrize 2025
- Zenfs: ArtPrize 2025 Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ArtPrize
- Wood TV: Preparations for ArtPrize
- Google News: ArtPrize 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.
