ArtPrize Frustrations and Fails, Artprize 2014 Disappoints

Well, we just visited ArtPrize 2014 (a public-juried art show/contest downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan). I go every year because I love art. But this year, ArtPrize signally failed to impress. There were very few large, 3D pieces. The prime locations--bridges, Grand River, museum lawns, B.O.B.--had few, if any, pieces. The B.O.B's parking lot, always a hot spot crammed with fascinating pieces was mostly food trucks and DJ stands this year. I feel like I called this last year, when I enumerated the fails of ArtPrize.  ArtPrize 2013 Frustrations and Fails.



I got a Smartphone this year and was supposed to be able to vote (one of my biggest peeves of ArtPrize is the need to vote by phone). But the app didn't even work. Also, I just learned that some of the prizes are awarded by a panel--thus negating the concept of "public-juried" as we've always been led to believe ArtPrize was. It's kind of  like the beefs with the electoral college vs. popular vote in elections. And that small panel seems to have a bias, or at least a very different idea of what constitutes art, than the general public. Take Gon Kiron, the fire breathing dragon from Detroit. That entry WAS ArtPrize 2013. It was always featured in media, newscasts, articles, etc. People came to ArtPrize specifically to see Gon Kiron. Downtown

merchants have Gon Kiron artists to thank for the huge influx of business. It was big, loud, interactive, hands-on, loved by all ages and tons of fun! It was probably expensive for operators to feed that thing all the propane it  needed for nightly fire shows that people mobbed the BOB (I can attest to standing room only) to see.



But it didn't even place in the top 25. I think these problems led to fewer high-quality entries. Artists don't want to bother putting lots of energy and time into a piece when judging is so (I'm sorry to say it) incompetent. If coordinators don't fix some of these problems, they turn this around and change some of the glitches, I predict that ArtPrize will fizzle out. And that would be heart-breaking.

Travel Guide to Best Michigan Beaches, Waterfronts

It's no secret I love my native state of Michigan. I've grown up practically in Lake Michigan. Our license plates used to read 'Water Wonderland' and indeed Michigan is known for beaches and water sports. A friend who hails from New York, quipped when she saw Lake Michigan for the first time--"This is a lake?? More like a small ocean!' And better than an ocean, our lakes are freshwater instead of salt. Besides our monumental Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior, Michigan boasts hundreds of smaller inland lakes. Here's a travel guide for to Michigan's ten best beache rated for swimming, boating, water sports, camping, cleanliness, sand quality, safety, accessibility, water temps, DNR services, amenities. Most are located on Lake Michigan. Eastern Michigan--Lake Huron--has more industry, rock bottom and fewer swimable beaches.

  Ludington: Ludington has an interesting beach configuration. If you turn off from US 31 at US-10 and go west you eventually hit Lake Michigan. At that point, you have Ludington's beautiful city beach with shady, grassy picnic area. You can also turn north there and drive along the lake to Ludington State Park. It's located along the Au Sable River which empties into Lake Michigan and connects to Hamlin Lake.

  Silver Lake: A summer resort nestles on Silver Lake, which forms a sort of junction with Lake Michigan. It's famous for splendid dunes, gobs of water sport and gorgeous water.


  Pentwater: Pentwater is a tiny community with a back-in-time feel. It's getting more built-up and touristy, but still retains that vintage lake resort air Michigan is famous for. Gone are several of our favorite historical establishments and in their place massive, expensive condos, but we still love it. Be sure to check out the main street antique mall.


  Grand Haven: My hometown boasts the best waterfront layout on the Big Lake (what us old-school locals call Lake Michigan). Washington Street (the main drag) boasts Victorian homes and 1920s store facades. It walks you to the Grand River channel waterfront. Dewey Hill, across the river, forms a natural staging area for our Musical Fountain. Follow the river along our boardwalk to our historic pier, catwalk, lighthouse, foghouse and state park. Or turn the other way for marinas, Pere Marquette locomotive and on the Spring Lake just over the bridge.


  Manistee: Explore trendy shops, antique stores, vintage booksellers, brew pubs and eateries on main street or drop down a few steps to the boat-lined riverwalk. It wends along the Manistee River and out to Lake Michigan. Manistee boasts some of our awesomest dunes!


  Petosky: Named for the legendary Petosky stone (Michigan's state stone) Petosky combines upscale, cosmopolitan with charming beach themes for a delightful community.


  North Muskegon: Had I written this article 30 years ago, Muskegon's beaches would have topped my list. Unfortunately, Muskegon was hit pretty hard by unemployment upheaval of its major industries. It does have some nice beaches--Pioneer Park, the oval and North Muskegon. The USS Silversides, a WWII submarine, is docked in the channel.

Remember, "if you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you" in Michigan! Oh and don't miss the old lighthouses--most every Lake Michigan beach has one!

Father's Day Activities In and Around Detroit

Downtown and Metro Detroit are great places to celebrate Father's Day. There are venues for every taste and hobby. From sports to history to technology to arts, Detroit has it all. Here are suggestions for Dad. From motor musters to Motown! (Please excuse the typo in the first graph of this article--it snuck past my grammar check).  Father's Day Activities In and Around Detroit

What's New in 2013 for Detroit Microbreweries, Craft Beers

Michigan has an active, vibrant beer-making history. When microbreweries and craft breweries hit the scene in the early 1990s, Michigan led the pack with Big Buck in Gaylord, Bell's in Kalamazoo, Short's in Elk Rapids, Old Boys' in Spring Lake, and New Holland in Holland. Detroit also has a flourishing beer culture. Here are 2013 brewing trends in the Motor City and its environs.  Detroit Microbreweries, Craft Beer Trends

Best Restaurant Soups in Metro Detroit

While we haven't seen much snow this winter in Detroit, it's been cold. And what better way to warm up on a chilly day than with a bowl of soup? Sadly, soup at many restaurants is the ho-hum side to the main entree. Looking for outside-the-can, anything-but-boring soups in the Metro Detroit area? Here are best local restaurants where you can get it. Restaurant Soups in Metro Detroit

Michigan Lame-Duck Session Produces Storm of Legislation

Michigan's 2012 lame-duck session is generating some controversy. Along with the hotly debated right-to-work legislation passed recently, Gov. Rick Snyder's pen has been busy signing other bills, too. As snow threatens, there's been a storm of legislative activity, especially over issues in Detroit, says WXYZ ABC Action News.  New 2013 Laws for Michigan

Free Adult Health Clinics for Uninsured in Detroit

As health care costs escalate, more people are struggling to access and pay for basic medical needs. According to S.A.Y. Detroit, 550,000 people in the Detroit area lack health insurance, and nearly 100,000 of these are kids under 10. 20,000 people will sleep on the street (and this doesn't count those in shelters). To bridge these gaps, several Metro Detroit missions and community organizations offer free clinics and health services to uninsured adults. read more

Welcome Back, Detroit Belle Isle Aquarium, You Were Missed

The stately Belle Isle Aquarium, located in on Belle Isle in Detroit, is open to guests again after a seven-year closure. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony in September, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing officially welcomed the Belle Isle Aquarium back to operation, says the Detroit News. Many in the local Detroit community and entire state of Michigan are rejoicing to have this historic structure available to the public again. Read on

Paranormal Group Says Nunica, Mich., Cemetery is Best Halloween Haunted Spot

Paranormal experts have long-standing debates over which spots are the most haunted. The West Michigan Ghost Hunters Society has nominated Nunica Cemetery near Spring Lake, Mich., as the No. 1 spook spot for Halloween visits. Here's a Q-and-A about Nunica Cemetery and west Michigan ghost hunting.  Group Says Nunica, Mich., Cemetery is Best Halloween Haunt 

Harvest Festival Celebrations at Detroit Metro Farmers Markets

This was written for the 2010 Detroit farmers market season. For 2012, the Birmingham Farmers Market will celebrate its fall Harvest Festival on September 16, 2012. All season long from May through October, you've been enjoying fresh, locally grown produce and hand-crafted goodies from the Birmingham Farmer's Market. So you won't want to miss the End of Season Celebration at the Birmingham Farmers Market.  Harvest Festival Celebration at Birmingham Farmers Market. Here's their Facebook page to keep abreast of all festivities.

Coming up on November 10, it's the Royal Oak Chili Cookoff Jaycees' benefit, held at the Royal Oak farmers market. Here are details on that event.

Michigan Summer Swimming Safety Tips

Every year, Michigan sees its share of drowning accidents. Sadly, most could have been prevented had some basic safety precautions been observed. Michigan is home to hundreds of summer camps, campgrounds and bodies of water. I attended and worked at several camps. Our children have attended various sports, scout and religious camps. As a family, we have stayed at many campgrounds around the state.  Michigan Summer Swimming Safety Tips

Ways Save Money on Back to School Shopping in Detroit

Written for back to school shoppers in Detroit and the metro area, this article has school shopping cost cutter tips for parents in other Michigan cities, too. According to the Detroit News, shoppers will spend an average $688 per child on back-to-school purchases. Several organizations in Detroit are hosting back-to-school giveaway events to help defray expenses for parents. Here's a list of school supplies giveaways and back-to-school festivals. Read more at Ways to Save Money on Back to School Shopping

Epic Heat Wave Hits Detroit: Ways to Stay Cool

Much of Lower Michigan is getting blasted by scorching temperatures and far-below-average rainfall. City-locked Detroiters have suffered through record high temperatures since May. The Detroit News reports that the city could see its highest temperature ever in the next few days. Here are details about this epic heat wave along with tips on inexpensive ways to cool off in the metro area.  Epic Heat Wave Hits Detroit: Ways to Stay Cool

Detroit Breweries, Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Festival 2012

Detroit -- in fact, all of Michigan -- is fast becoming a hot spot for craft beers. There's a diverse mix of modern and traditional in Michigan beer-making. Beer may even surpass ice cream as Michigan's favorite summer treat, and like ice cream, Michigan beers come in every flavor under the sun. One not-to-be-missed Detroit beer event is the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Festival 2012. Here are details.  Detroit Breweries, Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Festival 2012 

ACLU Sues Over Medical Marijuana Ban in Michigan Cities

The manufacture and sale of medical marijuana has been legal in California since the 1990s and in Michigan as the of the 2008 election. Several cities in Michigan and California have created city ordinances banning medical marijuana and the ACLU is suing. Since this article was written, two more cities have banned medical marihuana: Lansing (temporarily) and Wyoming, Mich. Read more...

Catholic Churches of Grand Rapids Steepletown Michigan

Grand Rapids 'Steepletown' Catholic Churches Decorate the Horizon
Grand Rapids, Michigan is known to tourists as the Furniture City, but locally and colloquially, downtown GR is  'Steepletown'. Here over a dozen Catholic churches send spires heavenward to help decorate the Grand Rapids 'steepletown' landscape.
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What's Your Art? A&E Calendar for Grand Rapids, Michigan

What's Your Art GR- Local and Arts Calendar and Schedule
If you're an arts buff like me, your bulletin board is covered with events calendars. And your computer screen cluttered with RSS feeds from all the local venues. Would you like your local Grand Rapids events in one convenience location?
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Democrat Virg Bernero Closer to Michigan than Rick Snyder

Virg Bernero, a Democrat, is closer to Detroit residents than Republican Rick Snyder
Detroit residents like the rest of Michigan voters face a big choice at the November 2, 2010 election polls: who will replace incumbent Governor Jennifer Granholm? Virg Bernero is the Democratic hopeful. Rick Snyder leads the Republicans.
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Michigan Ballot Proposal 10-2 Prohibits Convicted Felons from Holding Public Office

Proposal 10-2 on November 2, 2010 Michigan Ballot Makes Felons Ineligible from Holding Public Office
Voters in Michigan face several interesting proposals at the November 2, 2010 polls. In my nearly 30 years as a registered voter, I do not remember a proposal like Proposal 10-2 which would prohibit a convicted felon from holding office.
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Fruit Ridge Hayrides Harvest Fest Pumpkin Patch, U-Pick Apples, Corn Maze

Fruit Ridge Hayrides Harvest Fest Apple Orchard, Pumpkin Patch Family Fun
There's no better place to be in fall than an apple orchard and pumpkin patch. Fruit Ridge Hayrides Fall Fest, September 18-October 31 serves up hayrides, corn maze, petting zoo, pony rides, fire engine rides, pig train, donuts and cider.
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