Final ArtPrize day = Long wait at GRAM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - ArtPrize 2012 has come and gone.

During the world's largest art competition, there were more than 1,500 pieces of art across downtown Grand Rapids; but since Friday night's winning announcement, hundreds of people waited for hours to see just one exhibit.

That exhibit: Adonna Khare's "Elephants."

Most of the people who stood in line at the Grand Rapids Art Museum Sunday waited for at least an hour, maybe two, to see this year's ArtPrize winner. Security guard Tammy Hill understands the anticipation to see the exhibit, but makes sure others don't have to wait forever to see it.

"By no means are we going to try to rush you, but we do ask that there is a steady flow going," Hill told GRAM patrons.

Some visitors wanted more time, but didn't want to be the clog in the line.

"You can't really concentrate on viewing the piece as much as you would like to, because you have to keep moving," visitor Sherry Rennick said.

About 153,000 people visited the GRAM during the three-week period of ArtPrize. The GRAM says that is consistent with years past; being in the 150,000 to 160,000 range.

If you didn't get a chance to see Adonna Khare's "Elephants", don't worry; the exhibit is staying around for awhile. ArtPrize now officially owns Khare's graphite pencil piece and the exhibit will be on loan to the GRAM until Thanksgiving.