The DeVos name has long been synonymous with Grand Rapids, entrepreneurship, and fore-sight. From Rich DeVos, co-founder of Amway, comes memories of a strong sense of responsibility to home, community, and hope for the future. And Rick DeVos , Grandson of Rich and son of Dick, is following in their very large footprints. Bringing wealth, character, and culture to his home town in the form of the first ever Art Prize competition.

What is Art Prize? A lot of people are asking that very same question. Art Prize is a whole new concept in art competition. From the size of the the prize to the manner in which the voting takes place, nothing has ever compared to the all-new Art Prize. With $500,000 dollars in prize money available, no curators involved, and voting being done by residents and visitors of Grand Rapids there is some controversy among the established art world concerning the credibility of the event.

The idea materialized in microscopic time compared to other similar competitions, some which have taken years from concept to reality, having been announced just 5 months prior to the start of the first competition. Some claimed it would be a failure due to the short time frame for publicity and exposure. Not so, as over 1,200 artists registered for the event which sent the city of Grand Rapids into a frenzy of artistic fervor with displays covering a three mile radius of downtown and people coming from all over the country to participate, witness and vote for their favorite artist or piece of art.

While many people are comparing Art Prize to American Idol there really is no comparison. Even American Idol has a set panel of judges until the very end. Art Prize is entirely judged by the voting public. More like a home-town talent show gone international as any and all artists, whether established or emerging, are encouraged to enter. All that is needed is a venue to display the work and businesses are more than willing to display works for the exposure it will provide for their own avenues.

The idea of Art Prize has caught on with a vengeance. 2009 may have been the first year for the amazing concept, but you can rest assured, it will not be the last. With a top prize of $250,000 and 9 more descending value prizes for the taking and the publicity surrounding the event, there will surely be many more Art Prize competitions ahead.

The entry process is quite simple. Artists submit their work through an on-line portal, procure a venue from the listing of over 150 available, and let the artwork do the rest. The 2009 competition is nearing its climax, but look for it to be a regular Grand Rapids event in the future.

The voting is proving to be more exciting and entertaining than any other art competition in Michigan history. Due to the fact that the judging is done solely by the public, and not buy private individuals or curators, the people of Grand Rapids are getting into the action with open minds and adventurous spirits. As reporter Alissa Walker wrote, " It's like a massive multi-player, explore-your-city game, and these people were taking it extremely seriously."

Will this artistic phenomenon continue? We can only wait and see how much of a boost it has given to the art-world and to the city of Grand Rapids. We can only imagine that, backed by the funds of the DeVos family, it is sure to go on in the style of generations old, Grand Rapids wealth.

Learn more about this author, Wendy Lafond.
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