Celebrating 30 Years of ArtSplash in Siouxland
HAPPY LABOR DAY WITH ARTSPLASH!
It was a splash of color at ArtSplash. It’s an annual event over Labor Day weekend in Sioux City. It celebrates creativity in all its forms. The biggest form was a new exhibit hanging at the art center. Yes, hanging, draping on the outside of the center. This fabric over the art center is Razzle Dazzle. Patches of fabric were sewn together by the community with sewing machines made into these big drapes that covered the center from top to bottom. I wish I had seen what it looked like from the inside since there are giant glass windows. I’m sure to create a unique look at the artwork. Next time. Good thing it’s hanging up until the end of September!
A PIECE OF ART.
We always walk away from the festival with something to bring into our home. This event has a variety of art exhibitions, live music, performances, and interactive activities. The interactive activities for kiddos were free this year! Artists from different disciplines come together to showcase their work, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry. The festival is family-friendly, with plenty of activities for kids, including art projects and entertainment. It's a great way to experience the local arts scene, enjoy some live performances, and maybe even pick up a unique piece of art!
LEGOS.
We got caught up talking to a photographer from Blair, Nebraska, and his pictures of legos in nature. Chris Cosmos has a unique approach to Legos using them as a medium for his photography. My husband was drawn to a photo of a military scene of the Lego men in uniform in a swamp-like area. It turns out, he shoots almost all of the Lego scenes in his backyard! He creates intricate and imaginative Lego sculptures and installations, often incorporating them into his exhibitions. This sparked the conversation of Chris trying to do what every other scenic photographer did but found a niche with Legos. This past Spring he committed to getting animals from his backyard in his photos. He spent 2 months taking 2,000 photos. He said 8 were worthy of printing. Animals other than squirrels are afraid of the setup. He said birds especially don’t trust a Lego, but we loved the result of what he could capture of the little creatures with the little figurines. You never know who you’ll meet at art festivals and exhibitions. I am so glad to have met Chris and see his creativity!
If you are interested in making a visit, mark your calendars for Labor Day next year!
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