GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — ArtPrize, the massive art competition that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Grand Rapids annually, starts today.

This year, visitors can view 931 entries from 1,000 artists spread across 155 venues. The artists represent 39 states and 18 countries.

A number of preview events are scheduled for Thursday, even as visitors can head out to view the art. The big opening celebration will be Friday, with a party in Rosa Parks Circle beginning at 6:30 p.m., a parade at dusk and fireworks over the Grand River. More events can be found on the ArtPrize website.

Awards will be announced at a ceremony at Studio Park on Oct. 3. The artists who win the public vote grand prize and juried grand prize receive $100,000, while public vote and juried winners in six categories — 2D, 3D, Installation, Time-Based, New Media, and +Design — each receive $10,000. There are also five $10,000 juried visibility awards and a $5,000 outstanding venue award.

The event officially wraps up Oct. 4.

Last year, ArtPrize drew 800,000 visitors and generated about $71 million in economic activity.