ArtPrize 2011 winner: 'Crucifixion'

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The winner of ArtPrize 2011 is Mia Tavonatti for her stained-glass mosaic "Crucifixion."

Tavonatti came in second place in ArtPrize 2010. She is from Iron Mountain, Mich. Currently, she lives in California.

"Crucifixion" was created on commission for a Catholic church in California. Construction at the church was delayed, prompting Tavonatti to enter the mosaic in ArtPrize.

Tavonatti will recieve $250,000.

The second place winner is Tracy Van Duinen and his team of artists for "Metaphorest." That prize is $100,000.

The third place winner is Lynda Cole for "Rain." She will recieve $50,000.

Rick DeVos announced the winner at about 7:40 p.m. on Thursday at the DeVos Performance Center.

The show began at about 6:40 p.m. with a speech by Todd Herring of ArtPrize, who hosted the finale event. Herring was light-hearted as a host, joking with the audience about applause, his bow tie, and that his ballet "leaping" days were over.

Opening comments from ArtPrize Executive Director Catherine Creamer focused on the quality of the ArtPrize staff. She also thanked ArtPrize-goers for supporting the event.

She called the ArtPrize experience "unparalleled in the world today."

She also said that 1,582 artists from 39 countries and 42 states came to Grand Rapids for the event. They filled 164 venues around the city and about 140,000 people attended.

Though the event is chaotic, she said, it is rewarding. She said ArtPrize is "delighted by this success."

Creamer's speech was followed by a montage of ArtPrize moments. Then the juried and special recognition awards were announced.

Giovanni Yoshida of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company performed "Compulsive," a ballet choreographed by Mario Radacovsky.

Catherine Creamer returned to the stage to announce the first-ever Award for an Outstanding Venue, which went to Site Lab by the University of Michigan School of Art and Design.

Rick DeVos took the stage to announce the winner of ArtPrize 2011.

He discussed the unique quality of ArtPrize and its focus on contemporary art. He said the ArtPrize organization is "committed to the openness that sparked this event" and praised the discussion about art that ArtPrize encourages.

He then announced the top three and Tavonatti as the winner.