UICA changes affect ArtPrize contestant

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - When an ArtPrize contestant showed up at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art to set up Friday, she realized there may be an unexpected obstacle in her way of the $250,000 grand prize.

The brand new building on the corner of Division and Fulton doesn't have its occupancy permit yet, meaning people will only be able to look in through the windows.

Beili Liu said she didn't know about the rule until she arrived to set up.

The problem is, her artwork is supposed to hang low to the ground, so when people walk by, it moves like a lake.

Liu adjusted her exhibit by raising the small circles of thread up to waist level so people walking by can see her work.

"Because of the nature that people can't come in, I think it's a necessary change," she said. "It happens every time I go to a new space. I have to think about, how is this going to fit in the new space?"

Her art represents an ancient Chinese legend about soul mates being attached by red thread at birth.

Since people looking at her art can only see it from the outside, she hopes it will create a mystery instead of an obstacle.

"I hope people will come out to see it when it's all done, or even just pass by and look at us when we're working," Liu said.

Four other ArtPrize entries will be housed in the new UICA building.