News Summary
ArtPrize 2025 wrapped up with a lively closing ceremony in Grand Rapids, celebrating the artistic achievements of the year. Mark Lewanski won the grand prize for his breathtaking piece ‘Arras,’ while Second Vibes earned the juried prize for their sustainable fashion exhibit ‘Scraps.’ With over 110,000 public votes and a total of 930 artists participating, this year marked a significant increase in engagement, showcasing the strong community support for the arts in Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids – ArtPrize 2025 concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids, where the winners of this year’s prestigious awards were revealed. This year’s event marked a successful turnout, with over 110,000 votes cast by the public, one of the highest participation rates recorded in the past five years.
The grand prize of $100,000 was awarded to Mark Lewanski for his remarkable exhibit titled “Arras.” This colorful woven glass tapestry measures over 4 feet in height and 10 feet in width, and it weighs approximately 400 pounds. The artwork is constructed from thousands of delicate glass fibers that were hand woven and kiln-fired in Lewanski’s studio in Lansing, Michigan. Notably, despite the closure of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum due to a federal government shutdown, Lewanski showcased a smaller version of “Arras” outside the museum, where he engaged with attendees throughout the event.
In addition to the public vote winner, the juried prize of $100,000 was awarded to Second Vibes, a local Grand Rapids business, for their innovative exhibit “Scraps.” This display, highlighted at BioPhilia Gallery, showcased sustainable fashion pieces aimed at promoting eco-friendly practices within the art community. Co-owner Kaitlynn Fitzpatrick emphasized the gallery’s commitment to supporting local artists and fostering creativity through their work.
With a total of 930 artists participating at 155 venues, this year’s ArtPrize event saw awards totaling $375,000 distributed during the closing ceremony. The overwhelming public engagement and participation signify a strong community interest in the arts. This year’s ArtPrize saw a remarkable increase from approximately 93,000 votes cast last year, with a final tally of around 118,000 votes, reflecting the festival’s growing popularity.
The experience of participating in ArtPrize was described by Lewanski as surreal, and he expressed gratitude for the support from his family and the local community. This year’s event not only highlighted the creativity of artists but also underscored the importance of art in fostering community connections within Grand Rapids.
ArtPrize 2025 marked its 15th anniversary, and the celebrations included the screening of a documentary that chronicles the extensive history of the event. The festival continues to attract visitors and raise awareness of art’s role in cultural dialogue and community engagement. As ArtPrize remains open through Saturday, attendees still have an opportunity to experience the diverse offerings and rich creativity on display at this year’s festival.
As a celebration of artistic expression, ArtPrize plays a pivotal role in showcasing the talent that Grand Rapids has to offer, while also inviting a broader audience to engage with art in various forms. The successful conclusion of ArtPrize 2025 sets a promising precedent for future events, reinforcing the relationship between the city and its artistic community.
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Additional Resources
- Fox17 Online: Grand Rapids Shop Wins $100K
- Wikipedia: ArtPrize
- MLive: Colorful Hanging Glass Tapestry Wins ArtPrize
- Google Search: ArtPrize 2025
- WZZM13: ArtPrize Wraps Up 2025 Season
- Google Scholar: ArtPrize
- Wood TV: ArtPrize 2025 Awards Grand Prize Winner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ArtPrize
- Manistee News: Artist Crafts ArtPrize Sculpture
- Google News: ArtPrize 2025 Winners
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.
