ArtPrize sparks interest in small town art

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WZZM) -- Towns like Grand Haven are seeing more tourists interested in West Michigan art festivals like Grand Haven's Art Fest.

Artist Tim Feuerstein says many out of towners are starting to associate West Michigan with ArtPrize.

Tim Feuerstein says, "People from outside Grand Rapids show an interest in Grand Rapids because ArtPrize has made quite a bit of news."

So much news-- that the word is spreading. 

Feuerstein says "I get a lot of people from Detroit and Chicago asking about ArtPrize. It's creating a lot of publicity outside of Grand Rapids."

For area artists, that news is translating into more interest in local art. 

Local artist, Julie Sanford says, "Grand Haven has kinda jumped off with the ArtPrize thing, with ArtWalk, which is pulling people and the idea into small communities too."

For many it means art is more accessibility to enjoy art all over our area.