ArtPrize brings hundreds of artists to Grand Rapids from all over the country and all over the world.

The inspiration for the art that covers Grand Rapids during ArtPrize is just as diverse.

This year, you'll find a number of ArtPrize entries inspired by Detroit.

Detroit holds an important role in the history of our country. Some of this year's ArtPrize entries reflect on that history. Others focus on the present and what the future may hold.

I spoke with artist Ashley Benke, creator of "Queen of Detroit" (pictured above). Benke explained the inspiration behind the painting:

It is a celebration of the old Detroit and the new growth that has begun in the city. So many people have a negative outlook on the city and what has happened in the past, but when I moved here I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the city and the hardworking community. I see Rosie as an ode to those people and the new people that will build the city back up.

Benke's entry is a part of a series she's working on called "Untitled Detroit".

"Queen of Detroit" may be seen at BANG Blowdry Bar during ArtPrize.

Another Detroit-inspired entry is Juliet Foraker's "Exploring Detroit" which is at Boardwalk GR Condominiums. Foraker talks about her entry in her ArtPrize artist statement:

In winter of 2012 I started going into the city and exploring it. Since my initial journey into the city, I have become emotionally attached to it and feel sad when looking at what is happening to Detroit. I want to make people aware of what is happening in the city, how the decline has affected it.

Some of the Detroit-inspired entries at ArtPrize focus on the beauty of the city, others show the city in poor condition, while some address the political history of Detroit.

There is no doubt about the passion that so many feel for Detroit. That love for the city is reflected at ArtPrize 2014.

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