GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Artists have spread out all over Grand Rapids for ArtPrize, tailoring their pieces and installations to their assigned venues.
A few venues, though, get more attention than others, including the always-iconic Blue Bridge.
Year after year, the Blue Bridge hosts some of the largest and most demonstrative pieces for ArtPrize. This year is no different with the installation of Sky by Day, Sky by Night. The textiles hung on the bridge change in color and light as the day wears on, making it a dynamic piece that won’t look the same if you walk under twice.
As the artist, Rachel Hayes, put on the finishing touches, she explained that ArtPrize organizers approached her with a few spots they knew would be good for large-scale installation works.
Prisoners’ ArtPrize sculpture embodies hope, redemption
“As soon as I saw the bridge I had an idea. I studied it on the map and Google maps and read about the history of it. I also have to design my work to take great care of the bridge. I want it to look like it is supposed to be here not covering up or hiding anything about it instead reveal the beauty of the bridge … so we made it happen with the historical committee and the engineer that signed off on what the loads of the cables could be. So it was a long conversation almost a year planning this,” said Hayes.
She said the reception so far has been good, prompting a few conversations about being present in a moment and taking in the world around you…