Michigan Goes Nationwide with Art & Wine
Michigan has taken the national stage with one eye on the ArtPrize competition in Grand Rapids and the other on it’s burgeoning and award winning wine industry which gaining credibility amongst wine experts and wine lovers. This is truly a positive and a definite 180 degree flip from most of the national news our state receives as of late.
ArtPrize garners national attention in the New York Times
The New York Times reports on the competition and the overwhelming positive response and impact on Grand Rapids in their article Eyes on the ArtPrize by Micheline Maynard. The article also takes note of several of the exhibits including some of the final top 10 entries. The winner of ArtPrize drew over 1,200 artists and has had about 32,000 people register to vote on the works. The winner will be awarded 250,00 with a minimum of $7,000 for the nine runners-up.
No matter who wins, the 17-day competition has spurred a lively debate in Grand Rapids, a city of about 200,000 with a tradition of interest in art. It is home to several museums and a college of art and design.
“Every conversation I’ve had here for the past two weeks has been about art,†said Dustin Dwyer, a correspondent for Michigan Radio, a public radio network, who is based in Grand Rapids and has reported on the competition since its inception earlier this year. “From that perspective, it’s a success. But are we rewarding good art? That’s up for question.â€
Be sure to check out Absolute Michigan on Location – ArtPrize and the Absolute Michigan’s ArtPrize 2009 Page.
Michigan wine continues to gain ground as a world class product
The 45th parallel yielding good wine from Michigan, ABC reports.
Other national news regarding Michigan wines and wine trails
Off the beaten wine trail: Explore four emerging regions – USA Today
Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan: The state’s 56 wineries are spread across Michigan along four wine trails, but most of the best grapes are grown near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and its bays.
Exotic vacations may be closer than you think: Napa Valley-esque wine tastings – CNN
If it’s wine you want, find an alternative to Napa Valley in Michigan’s Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas. Here you’ll discover more than 850 acres of land and more than 20 wineries for your choosing.
The area offers tastings and gourmet meals, and Kantrowitz says, “The region is particularly known for its great pinot blancs.”
The new Napa Valley: Taste one of Obama’s favorite wines at this Michigan winery – Examiner.com
The rumor is that Michigan is soon to become the new Napa Valley. With climate changes potentially affecting the California coastline, Napa vineyard owners are looking to Northern Michigan to grow their grapes.
Part of the appeal of Northern Michigan is the colder climate on the 45th Parallel where grapes for rare ice wines flourish. For more information on why wines do so well along the 45th parallel, read the Chicago Tribune’s story on this region.
Best North American Wine Destinations – Digital City
8. Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City lends itself to making Baco Noir and Cabernet Franc, thanks to grapes that grow near the shores of Lake Michigan, offering a unique climate. The rest of the state’s wines come from Michigan wine country, where you can also find rare fruit and ice wines.
According to Michigan Wines – The Official Website of Michigan’s Wine Industry:
Michigan’s wine, grapes and grape juice products and related industries …
… produced nearly $790 million of total economic value to the State of Michigan in 2005
… paid more than $42 million in state and local taxes in Michigan, and an additional $42 million in federal taxes
… account for more than 5,000 jobs across the state, for a payroll of more than $190 million
Check out their collection of photos of Michigan’s vineyards and wineries.
