The following Art Forward article was written and submitted by Cheryl Mahowald for the Lakeshore Artists Guild.
Art Slam will be splashing down at Sputnikfest on Saturday, September 11, 2021. We will be bringing hands-on art activities for the whole family as well as opportunities for artists to create art to Sputnikfest. There will also be another paint-by-number mural and artists making art in real time. All activities except for the mural will take place under the big tent at Park Street and 8thStreet as part of Sputnikfest.
A fan favorite, the Paint-by-Number Mural will be on the Salvation Army Food Pantry building, located at 402 North 9th Street, Manitowoc- an easy walk from the fun at the Rahr-West. You’re invited to join Erin LaBonte, David Carpenter and Don Krumpos as they make their latest mural come to life from 9AM-3PM.
Artists will have two opportunities to create art for the Art Slam exhibition at the Rahr-West Art Museum. The exhibit will be on display from September 17th through October 17th. You can accept the Art Slam Artists Challenge on Saturday and Sunday, September 11 & 12, 2021. This is open to all artists working in all media. You have two days to sling some paint, click some photos, make some impressions and create a masterpiece reflecting the theme- you guessed it- “Space!”You can pick up a prospectus with full details at the Rahr-West Art Museum (610 N. 8th Street, Manitowoc, WI) or Basil Ishkabibble’s Art Gallery (1612 Washington Street, Two Rivers, WI). You can also download it from the Lakeshore Artists Guild website athttps://lakeshoreartistsguild.weebly.com/art-slam.html If you have questions or need further information, please contact the Lakeshore Artists Guild at lakeshoreartistsguild@gmail.com.
Artists work on their “Spittin’ Image” portraits of model, Lee Nudelmann. Photo provided.
Another way to qualify for the exhibit is to participate in “Spittin’ Image.” Working with a live out-of-this-world model, eight artists will have six hours in which to complete a portrait in the medium of their choice. The event will be held under the big tent from noon to 6:00PM. Artists must bring their own art supplies, chair & table. Space is limited, so register no later than September 4th! Contact Darla at Basil Ishkabibble’s Art Gallery for more information and to request an entry form by calling 920-645-4896 or emailing basilishkabibbles@gmail.com.
Artists who participate in the Art Slam Challenge and Spittin’ Image will be eligible to compete for the Ron Stokes People’s Choice and Artist’s Choice Awards. Did we say awards? Yes! $250 could be yours if your artwork is selected for either The Ron Stokes People’s Choice Award or the Artists Choice Award. (Who couldn’t use some extra cash?) The Ron Stokes People’s Choice Award is determined by the general public, and the Artists’ Choice Award will be decided by the participating artists. Cast your vote at the Opening Reception on Friday, September 17th.
Lukas Bagemehl poses with his artwork. Photo provided.
If you’re looking to see some live art in action, local graffiti artist Lukas Bagemehl will be on the ground under the big tent from noon-5PM. Lukas has been creating bold, playful and colorful artworks for over ten years. Over time, he has learned that there are no limits. His knowledge and skills are forever growing and evolving and that keeps him motivated to create new art. As long as you are in the area, keep an eye out for Mary Hamachek’s living statue. Mary is participating in Art Slam this year as a way to promote art and self-expression while bringing some creative whimsy to the community. She will be delighting young and old from noon-3:00PM. Drop by and make her day by snapping a selfie with her.
You can paint a planet at the Cosmic Kids Creation Station. Photo provided.
The Cosmic Kids Creation Station will also be located under the big tent, providing hands-on fun for all ages. Lakeshore Artists Guild members have been busy creating shapes for your family to paint. Paint a clay planet, star, rocket ship, or asteroid to take home and hang in your room. Use your imagination to build a rocket or other creation with recycled materials. You can also tie-dye a nebula or galaxy on a T-Shirt or bandana. (There is a minimum fee of $5.00 for T-shirts and $3.00 for bandanas.) A big thank you goes out to the generous folks at Clipper City Co-op. Their donation has made it possible to offer all other materials and supplies at no charge. The Cosmic Kids Creation Station will be open from noon-3PM.
Sputnikfest/Art Slam promises to be an odyssey of fun, so mark your calendars for Saturday, September 11, 2021. While the Lakeshore Artists Guild will be sponsoring art activities, the folks at the Rahr-West Art Museum have tons of fun events in the line-up. Visitwww.manitowoc.org/suptnikfest for a full schedule. Keep up to date on all art activities by checking the Art Slam Facebook page: Art Slam Manitowoc.
