ArtPrize: Off the beaten path

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Anyone interested in venturing out for ArtPrize but reluctant about where to start should consider heading to the hub, at the Old Federal Building.

The boundary area for ArtPrize covers three square miles and there's a lot to see off the beaten path.

Event organizers showed off an interactive application Tuesday that tracks hot venues. The heat signature indicates the spots that are creating the most buzz on social networking sites such as Flickr and Twitter.

"Yeah, find out about it (at the hub) and talk to a volunteer who will have an iPad that will help them navigate as to which is the fastest way to get there from here," said Paul Moore, the ArtPrize communications director.

This year's shuttle will take ArtPrize spectators to the seven exhibition centers. But for unique finds, people may have to jump in the car or go for a bit more of a walk.

One of the larger venues is the Immanuel Lutheran Church, off Michigan and Division. About 30 pieces are on display, including some in the sanctuary and on the south wall outside.

"And we think that will make it evident to the public that there are some exciting things going on inside here at Immanuel," said Steve Eyerman, of the church.

And don't forget about Heritage Hill. People can see a lot just by wandering the neighborhood, including a picture frame display outside the WOOD TV8 studios.

Another artist, James Mikrut, incorporated pieces into his work from all over Grand Rapids.

So, what exactly is his ArtPrize entry?

"If you want to know more, you're going to have to come down and check it out," Mikrut said.

To do that, interested people would have to travel to the very edge of one ArtPrize boundary. His venue is housed within his business -- Icon Sign, off Leonard and Plainfield.

"I consider this a destination," he said. "Everybody is downtown kind of bumping around, but we can be more of a destination."

Organizers said as the event progresses, word will spread about the must-see pieces.