artprize, oktoberfest, and some outfits

Between ArtPrize and Oktoberfest, the last couple of weeks in Grand Rapids were pretty happening.  We forced ourselves to take a little time off work and enjoy the beautiful early autumn weather, checking out ArtPrize and seeing downtown GRR buzzing with people.  I don't have much to say about the results, except that I'm really glad that SiTE: LAB won a much deserved prize for Outstanding Venue!  (Also, I loved this comment from critic and ArtPrize judge Jerry Saltz about SiTE: LAB.  I could not agree more.)

This beautiful work, titled Flora Metamorphicae, is by a Norwegian group of ceramics artists.

This is on the outdoor terrace of the UICA, which has lovely views of the city.  I'm not sure it's been open to the public before.

The weather was nice enough to enjoy beers on Hopcat's Lucy-friendly outdoor patio.

Poser.

These two shots were taken outside the GRAM (Grand Rapids Art Museum).  Food trucks!  I'm not sure they show the out of the ordinary concentration of people downtown.  Every day we were outside the GRAM, there was a line of people to get inside.

Sisters by Shie Moreno.

Short Oktoberfest break.  I'm sure Andy's shirt has been on this blog before, but I don't care.  It's too cool not to have a rerun.

The only hat that seems to fit my big ole head.  Looks like I'll be collecting berets!

Prost!

xo

k

hoy hoy hoy!

Saturday brought two of my favorite autumnal events: Oktoberfest and the beginning of ArtPrize. Luckily I had this cool piece of vintage German gear to wear to Oktoberfest--an eggplant purple wool trachten jacket with green felt oak leaf appliques and antler buttons.

Lucy wore her cool new chipmunk t-shirt from WrenWillow on Etsy.

After sharing some sausage and delicious German beers, we headed across the river to check out the ArtPrize offerings. I like the giant SteamPig!

However, I wasn't too impressed by the "art" that was the giant Hallmark card.

And the flipside of the card was, frankly, a little creepy.

The tree man, made out of rusty metal.

This last photo may not look like much (try clicking to enlarge it), but it's a really cool piece: a parabola of purple-blue balloons that floats over the Grand River, and is illuminated at night by what look like tiny LED lights. So pretty when viewed from the blue (pedestrian) bridge!

xo

K

old tradition, new fun

At the beginning of every fall we make a point of attending Grand Rapids' Edelweiss Club's Oktoberfest. I need to go--to celebrate my German heritage, watch people dance, eat a brat, and drink good German beer. Andy needs to go, also--mainly for the beer. It's become a tradition, and a good way to welcome in autumn.

This past weekend was a big one for us. Oktoberfest and the start of Grand Rapids' gigantic, superfantastic ArtPrize. (Follow the link to learn all about ArtPrize.) We checked out some of ArtPrize's giant outdoor sculpture offerings by night with our friends Mark
and Roberta (who was celebrating her birthday--happy birthday, Roberta!).

I took some photos at both events. (And I promise--there's some vintage in here, too!)


Oktoberfest tents under a beautiful evening sky.




Dancers!




Zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi hoi hoi!




A cute Polish boy I met at Oktoberfest.




Puzzled. Why is the wiener schnitzel sandwich served with tartar sauce?




Random cute dog (okay, well, it's Lucy) shot.




This is the outfit I wore Saturday night. It's the dress I found on this thrift trip. Yes, it's on the dress form. Trust me--this is a lot faster and easier than directing Andy in taking 350 photos of me that I will obsess over and hate. I love the scalloped neckline on this dress, and I wore it with my go-to vintage black shrug, which has cute mini flower appliques all over it.




And now, a few ArtPrize photos. I have to apologize for the poor quality of my photos. I am not used to taking nighttime photos, or using my flash.

A streetlight through the trees.




Very cool work-in-progress glass sculpture.




Mechagodzilla?




Loved these little flying dudes--they look like something out of Star Wars.




Nessie in the Grand River. Love it, but thought the roaring audio effect was a bit over the top.




Taco truck. Not really "art," but a thing of beauty nonetheless.




Next weekend promises even MORE excitement, if you can believe it. My best friend Stephani is coming to visit, and it's her birthday! Not to mention, it's Pulaski Days.

xo
k