Returning artist stunned by ArtPrize

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - When Barbara Merlotti left Grand Rapids around 1980, it was because "there was nothing going on here." Now living in St. Louis, she heard about ArtPrize and how it's energized the city.

"I mean, I would have never thought there'd be anything like this, " she told 24 Hour News 8. "I've never seen anything like this, ever. I live in St. Louis now, I've lived in London, I've lived in Boston, I've lived in LA, and there's nothing like this anywhere. So it's very exciting it's happening in my hometown."

She's exhibiting one of her works at the Waters Building, and can't wait to see what ArtPrize is really about.

Merlotti is one of many artists exhibiting at the Waters Building, including Mic Carlson. His lifesize sculpture of Jesus and St. Francis takes up a sizable spot in the main lobby.

Never one to enter art competitions, Carlson said he doesn't worry. "I've just been driven to do my thing. I don't worry about what other artists do."

His gallery is already in the Waters Building, and he said "it's just fitting" his sculpture is there, too.

There are over 1700 artists displaying their work at nearly 200 venues. ArtPrize officially begins Wednesday evening and runs through October 10.