Finding the 'hidden' ArtPrize venues

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Downtown Grand Rapids ArtPrize venues are separated by mere blocks, but when it comes to visitors it seems more like miles. Some hidden gems are getting only a fraction of views because they're in out-of-the-way locations.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum topped more than 10,000 visitors Thursday. Even combined, three other sites 24 Hour News 8 visited didn't even come close to that number.

Photos: ArtPrize 2012 hidden venues

ArtPrize-goers Alison Fielder and her friend Emma found arrows directing them to a guide, and then an elevator that opened to an empty space-turned-venue.

"That is very smart," Fielder commented on the space.

High Five @ Riverfront Plaza isn't off the beaten path -- it's five floors above it.

"It's in a great location, but being on the fifth floor, it does have some challenges," said artist Gwen Terry.

Another challenge is that it's brand new.

Elizabeth Mims started her ArtPrize adventure at The B.O.B. Like many others, she had never heard of High Five.

"You have to expect that there's going to be a lot of people, especially in this area," said Mims.

At The GRAM, visitors are counted. But The SPOT on Pearl Street consistently gets about 10% of that -- only 1,231 visitors as of 8 p.m. Thursday.

"I think it would be somewhat disappointing for the artist that they didn't get the attention," said Barry Kane with The SPOT. "On the other hand, our artists, I think, all appreciate the space that we dedicate, and the care that we give to them. Respect we give to their pieces."

High Five saw 1,364 visitors as of 8 p.m. and Kendall College of Art and Design had 1,223.

"I didn't do this necessarily for a prize," said artist Terry.

With more than 1,500 pieces of art around the city, expect to find something you didn't expect.

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Some venues to see (Information, addresses and maps from ArtPrize ):

Calder plaza

High Five @ Riverfront Plaza Building

Kendall College of Art and Design

The SPOT