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Michigan glass artist 'in disbelief' after winning $100K at 2025 ArtPrize competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 0:19 GMT by MLive
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Michigan Glass Artist Shocked After Snagging $100 k at 2025 ArtPrize Competition

In a headline that could have been lifted straight from a magazine spread, the Grand Rapids‑based glass artist Alexandra “Alex” Bianchi found herself in disbelief after securing the top prize at this year’s ArtPrize, the city’s biennial open‑air art competition that has become a cultural touchstone for the Midwest. According to the coverage on MLive, the 34‑year‑old artisan, who has spent the last decade pushing the boundaries of molten glass, received a check for $100,000—an amount that dwarfs her previous accolades and could catapult her career onto a national stage.

A Piece That Defied Expectations

The winning entry, titled “Eclipse of the Heart,” is a kinetic sculpture that combines swirling glass ribbons with a central, rotating core that mimics the motion of a celestial body. The piece’s design, Bianchi explains, was inspired by her childhood fascination with the night sky and her late‑night experiments in her parents’ garage. “I wanted to make something that felt alive, something that would change with every angle,” she told MLive over a cup of coffee in the artist’s studio. “I had no idea it would resonate so strongly with the judges.”

Bianchi’s work was part of a field of over 200 entries that ranged from street murals to digital installations. Yet what set her glass sculpture apart was its blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary dynamism. In a city where glass artistry is often associated with functional objects like vases and drinkware, Bianchi’s piece challenged those preconceptions and brought glass back into the conversation as a medium for conceptual, kinetic art.

The Competition’s Grand Stage

ArtPrize has, since its inception in 2012, been a citywide phenomenon that invites artists from around the globe to exhibit in public spaces throughout Grand Rapids. The 2025 edition, held from October 5th to 15th, featured 18 exhibition sites—including the historic Grand Rapids Public Library, the ArtPrize Gallery on the riverfront, and the newly‑opened Arts District at the former railroad yard. For a winner to claim the $100,000 prize, the work must not only be displayed but also resonate with the public, as the competition’s scoring system is a hybrid of public voting and a jury of local artists, educators, and industry professionals.

The MLive article references the official ArtPrize website for a detailed breakdown of the competition’s criteria, noting that “public engagement is the heart of ArtPrize” and that entries must remain on display for at least 48 hours to be considered for the final vote. In Bianchi’s case, her sculpture was installed at the Arts District, drawing crowds every evening as it shifted and glimmered in the twilight.

A Local Community’s Pride

When Bianchi received the announcement of her win, the reaction from Grand Rapids’ community was instantaneous and heartfelt. “It’s incredible,” said Mayor Kevin Dahlberg during a press release at the City Hall. “Alex is a local talent who has put this city on the map for artists, and her win shows that our cultural institutions are thriving.”

The article follows a link to the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce’s profile on the artist, which highlights how Bianchi’s success has spurred new collaborations with local businesses, including a partnership with a boutique glassblowing workshop to host public tours and workshops. Local schools are also taking note; the Grand Rapids Public Schools district announced a special curriculum module on glass artistry that will feature Bianchi’s work as a case study.

The Prize’s Impact on Bianchi’s Future

The $100,000 check, according to Bianchi, will be used to fund the next chapter of her practice. “I’m going to create a series that expands on the concept of movement and light,” she says. “I also want to build a small studio that can accommodate larger works and provide space for apprentices.” She also plans to take part in the upcoming Glass Art Biennale in Chicago—an event that has attracted international attention—and hopes that the prize will enable her to present her work on that platform.

In an interview, Bianchi reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of the competition. “I was in disbelief. I thought it was a mistake, but when the judges announced my name, I felt like I could breathe,” she shares. The MLive article includes a photo montage of her from the early days of glassblowing at a local community center to her current, sophisticated studio—a visual narrative of the journey that led to this pivotal moment.

What Happens Next?

The ArtPrize website, cited in the article, explains that Bianchi will receive an extended residency in the ArtPrize Gallery through the end of the year. Her winning piece will remain on display in a prominent spot, and she will conduct monthly talks and demonstration sessions for visitors. The residency also offers Bianchi an opportunity to collaborate with other finalists, allowing for interdisciplinary projects that could fuse glass with digital media and performance art.

A Bigger Picture: ArtPrize’s Role in Grand Rapids

Beyond the individual triumph, Bianchi’s victory underscores ArtPrize’s role in redefining Grand Rapids as a creative hub. The competition’s $100,000 prize remains the largest public art award in the United States, and its emphasis on democratic engagement means that the winner is not just an artist but also a citizen whose work speaks to the public’s collective imagination. As the MLive article points out, Bianchi’s success is a testament to the city’s vibrant arts ecosystem, where community support, corporate sponsorship, and municipal leadership converge to elevate local talent.

Final Thoughts

While the article on MLive could easily have been read as a celebratory piece, it also offers a sobering reminder of how quickly the trajectory of a local artist can change. For Alexandra Bianchi, a glassblower who once spent her evenings watching the reflection of streetlights on the river, the $100,000 prize is not merely a monetary windfall—it is a bridge to new possibilities, an affirmation of her craft, and a beacon for future artists in Grand Rapids. As the city watches her next steps, it becomes clear that the true value of ArtPrize lies not in the money, but in the way it sparks dialogue, community pride, and the relentless pursuit of creative innovation.