ArtPrize 2011

Mia Tavonatti has won the top prize of $250,000 in the open international art competition ArtPrize® 2011 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA (title link). Her traditional Crucifixion is a colourful stained-glass mosaic, not a window. The photo shows her discussing her winning entry with schoolchildren. Public voting is vital to this prize. More than 382,000 votes were cast by an estimated 500,000 visitors. A total of 18 artists received cash prizes, 10 decided by popular vote and 8 decided by juries. $498,000 was split between them with $250,000 going to the winner of the popular vote. UK awards take heed.