Experience ArtPrize Artists at 7 Grand Rapids Locations

ArtPrize 2025: A Celebration of Creativity in Grand Rapids

ArtPrize 2025 has officially begun, bringing a vibrant array of artistic expressions to the city of Grand Rapids. Over the next two weeks, bars, restaurants, shops, and other venues will showcase hundreds of entries from local and international artists. With a total of 931 entries created by over 1,110 artists, the event promises an immersive experience for art enthusiasts. While many of these works are on display throughout the city, there are only a few opportunities for attendees to meet the artists in person.

Here are seven venues that have planned artist meet-and-greet events during ArtPrize 2025, offering unique chances to engage with the creative minds behind the artwork.

City Built Brewing Company

City Built Brewing Company is hosting a special event featuring Grand Rapids artist Aaron McCall. The meet-and-greet party will take place at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 19, at 820 Monroe Ave. NW. McCall will discuss his ArtPrize entry titled “Bone Zone,” a 2D painting depicting a pixelated skeleton that symbolizes the daily struggle for survival.

McCall’s statement reflects on the challenges of maintaining hope and perseverance. Visitors will have the opportunity to obtain free 5-by-7-inch handmade prints of his work. Additionally, the brewery will release its exclusive Bone Zone Kolsch with matching can art.

Morning Ritual Coffee Bar

Photographer Mione will be present at Morning Ritual Coffee Bar for a meet-and-greet event from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, September 19, at 150 Ottawa Ave. NW. She will present her art piece titled “Open Your Lens,” which features a continuous series of Polaroid portraits of individuals who have been affected by suicide and their loved ones.

Each portrait was taken after a personal interview, aiming to reduce the stigma surrounding discussions about suicide. The project seeks to open the door for awareness, conversation, and remembrance.

Rapid River Stillhouse

Grand Rapids artist Brooke Bennink will host a meet-and-greet event at Rapid River Stillhouse on Saturday, September 20, starting at 5:11:45 p.m. at 401 Stocking Ave. NW. Bennink will showcase her 2D entry titled “Manifest Michigan,” which explores the culture and enlightenment of Michigan through creative expression.

In addition to the meet-and-greet, the same night will feature a performance by the band Trapped on Mars, playing Rock, Funk, Pop, Punk, and New Wave from 8 to 11 p.m.

Sugar Bar

Jenison artist Danielle Cuperus will hold multiple meet-and-greet sessions at Sugar Bar from 5 to 7 p.m. on September 20, 21, 27, and 28. Her entry, “You Have an Effect on Me,” is a series of mixed-media portraits of people who have influenced her to stay kind, compassionate, and loving.

Cuperus emphasizes the importance of capturing moments in time, highlighting the gift of seeing details in portraits. Her work reflects not just faces but precious moments in time.

Cellar Bird Books

Cellar Bird Books will host a meet-and-greet event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, for artists Simon Brom, Lain Leo, and C.R. Warner. Their works will be on display at 415 Bridge St. NW, Suite B.

Brom’s entry, “Robin,” is a painting of a robin he saw at the lake in the morning. Leo’s “Cycle” features two sycamore rounds—one whole and one shattered—symbolizing the balance between life and death. Warner’s “35” is a self-portrait reflecting on financial difficulties and uncertainty.

Harmonic Egg & Wellness GR

Holland artist Bryan Hathaway will demonstrate his tie-dye technique from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, at Harmonic Egg & Wellness GR at 924 Cherry St. SE, Suite B. His installation, “Portal to Your Soul,” is a framed tie-dye piece created using a technique called a “cosmic roll.”

Hathaway’s statement describes the dynamic unfolding of energy that mirrors the spiraling ascent of awareness.

Popnotch Goods

Artist Martha Lubbers will discuss and demonstrate her painting style and inspirations from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, at Popnotch Goods at 746 Wealthy St. SE. Her painting, “appleblossom,” was inspired by watching bees flit in and out of apple blossoms.

Lubbers hopes viewers will lose themselves in the childlike wonder of being entirely present in a moment, a place, or an experience.