ArtPrize is one of the largest art competitions in the United States. Art projects in just about every medium from small to gigantic are installed throughout the downtown area of Grand Rapids, MI. For two weeks in October the works of these artists are viewed and voted on by the public. A jury of art critics and experts also weigh-in on the hundreds of exhibits.

Dave Thompson of Thompson photography created and installed the largest high resolution photograph of Grand Rapids on record. It was showcased and enjoyed at the base of the city's home for hockey and basketball, VanAndel Arena.

Dubbed a”Mega-Pan,” it showcases the Grand Rapids skyline on July 8, 2017. Dave first set up just planning to photograph the fireworks, but as he waited for the sun to set, he fired off some test shots and began to wonder just how far he could push the size of this image without compromising resolution. Because for Dave, this would only be interesting if the resolution could knock your socks off.

That evening he shot 96 images in less than five minutes and spent the next 18 months stitching them together and photoshopping the fine details. In the end, this photograph was printed at 300 dpi - with detail rivaling a magazine cover - only one that stands 60 feet wide and 12 feet tall. The Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Grand Rapids Press confirmed this was by far the largest photo ever of the city. — at a level of resolution that visitors living in high rises could pick themselves out of a group on a balcony awaiting the fireworks.

It stands to reason that July 8, 2018 is probably the most well-documented evening in Grand Rapids architectural history.