While ArtPrize is a brilliant idea, a beautiful thing to witness, and a shining example of the value of the arts...it is not perfect. It is only in it's infancy, and I believe that Professor Rockman is looking ahead and showing real concern and care for the sake of this community. There is incredible potential for this event to become world class- to attract artists and visitors from all over the world, filling our hotels and restaurants every year with even more people and exposing them to Grand Rapids, a city they might not otherwise visit. This creates not only potential for two or three weeks worth of "income" for our city, but the potential for artists, entrepreneurs, investors and corporations to see our city as a good "investment" for long-term ventures.

If we don't get this right-if the big winner is something kitschy and cute rather than truly innovative and singularly artistic-it says to the "art world" that Professor Rockman is speaking of, "Nevermind. Go somewhere else if you want to enter a serious competition". There is a place for every entry...but not every entry is a winner. ArtPrize was designed to put Grand Rapids on the global map for the arts, tomake us a "center for the arts". The winner of this competition has to be exceptional. The future success of this event and the reputation of the organizers, the city, and all the artists who compete depends on the outcome NOW.

It takes guts to say what Professor Rockman said. She cares about the future of the arts in this city. She is an educator and her life is devoted to promoting the arts and insuring it's good health in our community. Although they might sound elitist and exclusive, I believe it is her passion and sincere concern for Grand Rapids that motivated her comments.