Maddie Young and Antonio Jaimes dance as a part of Cultura Collective /Kim Zahnow
Dance crew, "Vizions Dance" in front of art by George Eberhardt /Javier Jauregui
ArtPrize, a favorite time of year for many locals here in Grand Rapids. When the leaves begin to change color, and the warmth of the air shifts into a cool breeze, the downtown area becomes a place of discovery and curiosity.
My name is Antonio Jaimes, I am a junior at City High, I also attend the Cook Arts Center. Ever since I was a child, I have always been intrigued by the arts. From dance, to drawing, to sculptures, there has always been something involving art in my life. Currently, that is dance.
Although, when it comes to ArtPrize, there really is something that is incredibly, one of a kind. My experience in ArtPrize has truly been amazing. When you are fully immersed into the experience of what is ArtPrize, it becomes something much more. You see the minds of the artist in action, you see the people walking in and out of the venues with a face of excitement and happiness anticipating the next piece of artwork they will encounter. The only complaint I have is the weather, but a little rain doesn’t hurt anybody, right?
When a community of creative, like-minded individuals make the downtown area into their canvas, it becomes something that cannot be replicated.
I am a part of the Cultura Collective which is located on 912 Grandville Avenue SW. Being a part of this project has really opened my eyes to how different art forms affect people. Arts such as dance, photography and murals; The Cultura Collective is something truly unique. This has had a great impact on my experience (because I'm there all the time, of course). Different people come and go into this venue, and it is very interesting to see how they react. In my opinion, this venue doesn't feel like an ArtPrize venue, it has its own feeling and mood to it that gives it its attraction.
My experience in ArtPrize has been nothing less than amazing, from being in ArtPrize as a dancer, to walking around the greater downtown area to see what amazing art I encounter. When a city does this kind of thing, it doesn't really feel like city of just strangers, because of ArtPrize, we have formed this sort of community that makes everyone feel like they are welcome into Grand Rapids.
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