GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — While Lewanski now has bragging rights after winning Art Prize 2025, he hasn’t seen the piece that won it all since Oct. 1.

“The piece is still under lock and key in the Ford Museum and we’re waiting for the government shutdown to end, to have access to the artwork,” said Mark Lewanski. “Even having the piece locked away, we were still able to get enough, you know, votes to win. So no complaints there. It didn’t affect it,” said Lewanski.

Lewanski said the Ford Museum, which has been closed because of the federal government shutdown, has been helpful throughout the whole process. More than a dozen other pieces from Art Prize artists are locked in the building as well.

“There was nothing but positive vibes going from their whole team, and the space was amazing, and

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