Picture this: you just bought the latest release from your favorite band. You can’t wait to listen to it from start to finish, to really let it unfold, to go back and give it another go after the first run through. Now imagine, would you do this on your tiny little laptop in a crowded space with lots of noise all around?

What makes ArtPrize successful is its ability to polarize the community. Is it legitimate art if anyone can enter? Just because the public likes the piece the most, does it actually make it the best? And why are there so many big-ass pieces of art? Like any big event, there are the hits, the misses and the things that just make you laugh out loud. We've found some of the best.

• artprize

I don’t care if you’re the Queen of England, you have laughed at a fart joke. Let’s get real: adolescent humor tickles the funny bone of even the snobbiest snob on occasion. A little part of everyone is always irrepressibly drawn to free, unabashed silliness—humor that hits its mark because it’s just plain goofy.

 You may have noticed, and perhaps participated in, First Friday events held in cities across the country: Albany, Anchorage, Bellingham, Chicago, Denver, Kalamazoo, Scranton, Phoenix, Tallahassee and many more. On the first Friday of each month, galleries and artists’ studios open their doors and encourage the public to explore the diverse offerings. Many are clustered within walking distance of each other. Sometimes there’s a trolley making the hop between arts areas and downtown hotels.

Never cross a scorned woman. But what happens when said scorned woman crosses herself? That's the basis of Christopher vanDer Ark's Feminine Tragedies on Grecian Themes or, The Scorpio Play.

Francis Henshall has two bosses. His first is Roscoe Crabbe, a local gangster. His second is Stanley Stubbers, an upper-class criminal. Anxious to keep his dual allegiance a secret, Francis desperately attempts to prevent the two “guvnors” from meeting.

• Two Guvnors

A remarkable exhibition, David Nash: From Kew Gardens to Meijer Gardens, is currently on view at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The exhibition hosts more than 25 works by this internationally renowned British sculptor. In addition, Nash will be creating and installing several new works at Meijer Gardens.

• Frederik Meijer Gardens
• David Nash
• Lakeshore Art Festival

Many of us strive to be more compassionate, sympathetic human beings, yet true understanding and empathy can be elusive; walking a mile in someone else’s shoes is easier said than done.

Summer is on its way, which means it’s only a matter of time before your steering wheel is scorching your fingers and your patio is barbequing your toes. The interior of your SUV won’t be the only thing too hot to handle this summer, however, with the sizzling premiere of Mason Street Warehouse’s Steam Heat. A tribute to legendary Broadway director and choreographer Bob Fosse, the production features hits from favorites like Chicago, Cabaret, Sweet Charity and more.

• Steam Heat
• Mason Street Warehouse
• Saugatuck

Though traditional art seasons are wrapping up, the blazing heat has failed to dry up all opportunities for West Michigan artsy-fartsy fun. Summer theatres are drawing back their curtains, while year-round venues are lining up a diverse array of events and exhibitions sure to offer visitors more than just air conditioning.