Record number of students to take part in ArtPrize Education Days

A record number of students from across the state will take part in ArtPrize Education Days this year, thanks to support from Grand Valley's Charter Schools Office.

More than 2,800 students from 25 different Grand Valley-authorized charter schools will spend time exploring ArtPrize entries and engaging in art-making activities during the annual festival, which begins September 23. This year's program will span eight days, with opportunities for both Grand Valley charter schools and public community schools to take part.

Students will travel to Grand Rapids from around the state, including six schools in Detroit, and others from Muskegon, Lansing, Big Rapids and Battle Creek.

This year's program is called "From Recycled 'Trash' to Wearable Art." It will teach students how to use everyday items to create art. The programming for the event was created with assistance from Grand Valley's Art and Design Department and Art Gallery.

ArtPrize is also helping bring students to Grand Rapids to take part in the unique learning experience; ArtPrize awarded a $5,000 grant to help fund the program.

The ArtPrize Education Days program has been taking place since 2011.