ArtPrize Day 1

It's finally here. The absolute best time of the year has arrived- ArtPrize. 19 days of creativity, community, and expression. During these days, the city comes to life. We wait for this every year, and despite the critics, each year is better than the one previous. This is ArtPrize, when Grand Rapids changes from a city, into a community. We have 19 days, and we better make something of them.

Today, since it was the first day, I decided to pester my parents into taking me downtown. Well, it didn't take much pestering really because they love ArtPrize too! So, even though the weather looked a bit bleak we drove into the heart of the city. After shoving any and all the change we had into a parking meter, we got out to explore.

This was the first piece of art we encountered along the way. It was placed in front of VanAndel. We took it to be about women empowerment, but for all I know it could mean something different all together. My mom forced me into this pic, as passing strangers gave us funny looks. But, that's part of the fun of ArtPrize right? You aren't any more or less crazy than everyone else.
We got to the Hub to register to vote, and sadly they turned me away because I don't have a government issued I.D. I found it a bit sad that they'd turn me away. They'll let me volunteer for them (yeah, I'm an official ArtPrize volunteer this year. I'll be working some weekends as a WayFinder) but they won't let me vote. I'm hoping if I bring in my drivers permit they might change their minds, but I'm not sure that it'll count.
Once we left the Hub (after looking at all the merch that I need to get my hands on) we headed back to the car, considering that it had started raining (which is no big surprise, it always rains at some point while I'm at ArtPrize). But we were lucky to get an extra special surprise on the walk back...

Apparently, Ringling Circus is in town too. It was feeding time for the elephants. So we got to catch a glimpse of the majestic animals though the fences and we watched them for a few minutes. I have always loved animals. I can not understand how a person could deny their beauty, and grace. Elephants are simply profound.
We ate dinner, and I convinced my parents to walk around again (even though my dad had gotten tired from the long day at work). The clouds had parted, and the weather had improved drastically.There was so much sun we had to squint our eyes sometimes.
We went down by the public museum and the Ford Museum.
The next thing we found was, none other than a giant motorcycle. Which, might I add, matched my jacket quite nicely.

In the same area we same, what I think impressed my parents the most and what I found gorgeous, a mosaic (that I believe was called, "Returning to Eden"). It was so detailed and awe-worthy. It definitely deserved some recognition. I'm wondering if it would look even prettier at night with the spotlights pointed on it?

We continued down the "board walk" (or cement path around the museum). We actually saw quite a few things on such a short stretch of ArtPrize land. The first thing we noticed was the Grand River. Not an ArtPrize entry, but still art at it's finest. Art as nature; nature as art. The way the sun reflected upon it's surface, made it a dazzling view. As if to prove the point that their is beauty is nature. 

Then, on that same stretch of cement we found a very relatable piece of art (at least in my mind). Because every dreamer, that has one day picked up a dandelion, and blown it's seeds into the wind, with their eyes shut tightly, would understand the beauty of this piece. Well, I'm one of those people.

Next, was a piece that I found very amusing. Now, if you didn't know the story of it, and didn't care to learn it, a normal person might pass this one bye. However, we were lucky enough to meet the artist and talk with him briefly about it. The artist is from Michigan, but had built the original (of the ArtPrize entry) in Iceland while he was living there. The piece represents a sea worm, comparable to a sea moster, that is a part of Icelandic myths. After finding this out, the piece became even more interesting than I had previously believed it. Plus, the artist was a very nice, conversational guy that was willing to answer our questions (plus, he was wearing a bow tie, so, bonus points to him!).

After we exited the trail we went towards the Gerald R. Ford Museum, or rather, Ah Nab Awen park. On the native american mounds cut outs of various animals were scattered. I just couldn't help myself with this one. Who wouldn't pose like an otter if given the chance?

Then we continued, and we had to pose in the "Water for Elephants" inspired head cut-out thing-a-mah-bob. I was a mermaid, while my mom...well, see for yourself.

 
They were still preparing one of the entries, but it was a bright, colorful "room" with seats. It's hard to explain. I think this will be a popular attraction at night. I'm excited to see it at it's prime (night).  

Then, it was time for us to return to our car to go home (my parents were tired, and I had homework to do). On our way back I found this stenciled on the ground by Burger King and GVSU. I thought it was a great sign, and a good photo-op.

Because, I'm a firm believer in being the change you want to see in the world. I can be the change, we can all be the change. All we have to do is start.

Now, it's time for me to go to sleep (still have a long school say ahead of me tomorrow). I'll return to ArtPrize on Friday with my gang of friends in tow. I'm looking forward to uncovering more treasures of ArtPrize. On Saturday, I get my frist volunteer, wayfinder shift. The weekend ahead looks bright.

Have a good night and enjoy ArtPrize 2012,
Baylee