ArtPrize 2011 has arrived

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - ArtPrize organizers expect more than a half-million people to attend this year's event in downtown Grand Rapids that officially began at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

There are 1,582 artists in ArtPrize 2011, down slightly from the 1,713 last year. The public decides the Top 10 finalists who will split the $484,000 total purse, with the winner receiving $250,000.

Voting began when the competition officially started.

"Registration and being a part of the conversation is an integral part of the Artprize experience," Executive Director Catherine Creamer told 24 Hour News 8. "So as we say, we want people to get their hands dirty and many have already by volunteering or sponsoring us or hosting artists, and the artists are coming in. But we want the public to get their hands dirty by voting."

The city made sure most big street projects that could impact ArtPrize are either done or put on hold for the next few weeks. Parking on the street, though, will be hard to come by. But there is plenty of room in the various ramps. Two ramps offer parking for up to $14 per day.

Check out the city of Grand Rapids website for complete details and tips regarding transit and parking for ArtPrize 2011.

The world's largest art competition lasts until Oct. 9.