Ray Ortner wins $250,000 at ArtPrize event

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.  — A Brooklyn, N.Y., artist has won the $250,000 top prize offered in a new art competition in Grand Rapids, Mich.

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Ran Ortner and his painting “Open Water no.24” topped the voting among ten finalists competing for a total of $449,000 in prize money in the first ArtPrize event. The winner was announced Thursday night.

Tracy Van Duinen of Chicago receives $100,000 for second place with her mural “Imagine That!” and Eric Daigh of Traverse City, Mich., places third and wins $50,000 for his series of portraits created with pushpins.

The remaining seven finalists each receive $7,000.

The public has selected the finalists and winners “American Idol”-style from among 1,262 works displayed throughout downtown Grand Rapids.