written by Jody Kuchar for Lakeshore Artist Guild
The 2018 Inaugural Art Slam kicks off with a private Reception for Art Slam Artists and Sponsors on Friday, September 14th, from 6 to 8 pm in The Riverview Room at The Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Artists who have not already done so can register at this event. Artists will receive maps and an information package; there will be music, drinks and light snacks. Katie Ries, founder of Land Scouts will be the keynote speaker.
Saturday, September 15th, artists will be scattered about downtown Manitowoc working on their specific pieces from 9am-5pm. Pick up a brochure with an area map and event details at Art Slam Headquarters located in the Aspire Education Center at 816 S. 8th St., Manitowoc. Bonus Buttons will also be for sale at Art Slam Headquarters.
Early Saturday, September 15th, after the sun has burned off the mists, start your day with a stretch and a warm up at the Farmers Market with a Free Yoga session presented by Teresa Falvey of State of Grace LLC. Yoga starts at 9am and goes until 10am. Please bring your own blanket or mat.
During Art Slam, the participating Bonus Button businesses will be offering discounts and deals during the business day. For a list of participating businesses, please check the Art Slam Manitowoc Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Art-Slam-Manitowoc-1909228436036104/ or our website: https://lakeshoreartistsguild.weebly.com/art-slam.html. Bonus Buttons are available at various locations in Manitowoc. The cost is $2 per button. Businesses offering discounts to people sporting a Bonus Button will display a poster to announce their participation.
Glaze & Paint on Washington, will be open all day for working artists to use their space and for clients who are inspired to stop in and make something. In the mood for more great art? Stop by Gallery East, 930 South 7th Street, and enjoy a beverage with Ron Stokes while taking in rooms full of fabulous art. In conjunction with Art Slam, Moore’s Irish Pub will be having a street party, featuring the music of the Roving Scallywags and Nettle Hill. Jay Street to 9th Street will be closed to traffic; Moore’s Irish Pub is offering a special drink to Bonus Button wearers.
Have you ever wanted to help paint a mural? Everyone is invited to help paint Manitowoc’s newest community mural during Art Slam. Erin LaBonte and Silver Lake Art Students will be leading the project and they will make it fun and easy to do. Located at the intersection of Jay and 9th, next to the street party closures, you’ll find Erin and her students working on the next downtown community art project. Come and join them.
The long anticipated Land Scouts Workshop with Katie Ries at the Manitowoc Public Library begins at 10am – registration required. This is an exciting event for all family members; more information is available at Manitowoc Public Library.
After a busy morning, take a break and ArtenLunch! from noon to 1:30pm, in the Balkansky Room at the Manitowoc Library. Bring a brown bag lunch and mingle with the brown bagging artists. Public is welcome.
ArtSlamFashMob invites dancers of all experience, age and attitude to join in the inaugural Art Slam. Flash Mob at 4pm (surprise location to be announced). For more information about how to join this fun (and filmed) event, visit https://www.facebook.com/bringdesigntolife/videos/717279855277067/
Poetry Slam Event: Saturday, September 15th, from 6-8pm at Kathie’s Stage Door Pub, 7th and Franklin Streets, in the big tent. Twelve local poets will read their own work (or their favorite work), after which an Open Mic reading opportunity will take place. Open to the public, to poets and lovers of poetry! For more information about the poets involved, see the Art Slam Facebook page.
And lastly, on Saturday, someone new to our Art scene: Liysa Callsen, who says “Comedy is Art.” Liysa is happy to be part of the first annual Manitowoc Art Slam and to perform ”Craftswomanship Comedy,” with stories and improv. Thanks to Beacon Organizational Consulting for hosting. The show is free, but accepting donations to benefit Manitowoc County Humane Society. Show time is 8:30 to 10pm and space is limited.
Sunday, September 16th, from 9am to 4pm artists will be on location completing art pieces. Artwork is to be turned in at the Rahr-West Art Museum on Sunday September 16th, from 4 – 6 pm.
The Public Awards Celebration and Exhibit Opening will be Friday September 21st, from 6 -8pm at the Rahr-West Art Museum. Join us for some “Slamtastic” fun, drinks, and light snacks. Vote for your favorite artwork. The People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Manitowoc Yacht Club, will be presented by Ron Stokes after the votes are tallied. Three jurors, chosen from teachers, gallery owners, the digital press and working artists: Kathryn Dreifuerst, Frank Juarez, and Beryl Lutsky will determine the winners of The Lester W. Bentley Award and the Bodacious Barbara Bundy-Jost Award. Awards will be presented by Barb Bundy-Jost and Two Rivers Historical Society representative, Jeanne Mease. This reception is free and open to the public. The Rahr-West Art Museum is located at 610 North Eighth Street, Manitowoc,WI 54220.
Artwork created during Art Slam will be on display at the Rahr-West Art Museum September 21-November 11, 2018.
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