ArtPrize Field Trip

 ArtPrize returned to Grand Rapids this fall after a three-year hiatus, and our 6th-8th grade students welcomed back this exciting field trip tradition. ArtPrize consists of artwork created from artists all over the world displayed throughout the city of Grand Rapids. Our 6th-8th grade students, teachers, and parent chaperones traveled downtown this September to see the artwork showcased this year. 

With a variety of venues hosting exhibits, students were able to walk in small groups to see artwork displayed in parks, museums, hotels, storefronts, and on bridges. Mrs. Beckwith shared, “[ArtPrize] was a way for students to get out into the city, explore the area around them, and contemplate art and the author's purpose behind a piece.” 

Each student had their own favorite art piece. Mia, 7th grader, said, “My favorite pieces were the horses made of wire and the picture that showed the differences of the body.” In comparison to previous years, Grant, 6th grader, said, “It seems more colorful than before. It's all very beautiful.” The group stopped at Veterans’ Memorial Park, where various veterans had submitted art pieces about their military experience or returning home. Students wrote messages on yellow ribbons thanking veterans for their service. They also stopped at the dinosaurs outside of the Fifth Third Business Center on Lyon Street. Chloe, 6th grader, said, "I like the colorful dinosaurs. They look like little kids did it." 

Alex, 6th grader, reflected on all the pieces the group saw downtown, "The technology that some of the artists used is awesome. It's hard to wrap my head around how they did it because some of them are so big and so detailed." ArtPrize was loved by all the 6th-8th grade students, and ASA looks forward to taking the next group when the event returns in 2023.