Feature: Block Party supports and unites local artists
Published Sept. 26, 2006
Women dressed like Esmeralda from the Disney classic "The Hunch Back of Notre Dame" danced in whimsical motions and circles. Caucasian males with microphones and wild hair stood in a hidden backyard spitting out raps that call the president a killer. A group of older women sat in a yard with spinning wheels at their feet making hats, scarves and blankets in psychedelic colors and designs. The Village Art Walk Block Party brought these and many more artists together on Saturday in the area of downtown known as 'The Village.'
"We're trying to encourage writers, musicians and other artists to live and work in this area," said Don Choate, a member of the art team that originated the concept of the Art Walk.
Artists staked spots in empty parking lots and along out-of-the way streets to showcase their best works. They set up tables piled high with artwork such as paintings, sculptures, jewelry and cutlery.
"It was just a good opportunity to show my stuff," photographer Martin Spilker said.
Most of the items were for sale, but the artists did not really expect a huge demand for their work.
"I came to give business cards and give pamphlets for the classes that I teach," painter Ambiaka Maupin said.
The main idea that brought the artists together was the need to feel connected to the other local artists in Columbia, Maupin said. They did not come expecting to mingle with potential fans but with fellow members of the art community.
"Artists don't work together like doctors do, so they don't really know each other," Maupin said. "So it's good to meet other artists. I also am putting names with faces."
Dennis Ternamian, a local stencil artist, said more people should support the local art community.
"Columbia has a strong art community, and we need to support it," Ternamian said. "We need to look to home [for our art] more than abroad."
Ternamian was not only showing his art, but he was also creating it. His exhibit was on his front porch.
"The first stencil done by man was a handprint in a cave," Ternamian said. "My art is based off of that — modern cave art musicalized. But instead of holding my hand against the wall, I hold a guitar."
The painting that he was working on portrayed the Stratocaster that John Lennon used.
He placed it in various positions on his canvas and sprayed it neon colors.
Stephanie Foley had an exhibit showing her sound sculpture.
"This event is not only good for the public, but it's also a good way to connect with local artists," Foley said.
The art did not only include sculptures and paintings, but also dancing, music and singing entertained the crowds.
Asha Diana Denman, the belly-dancing instructor for her studio, Deva Dancers, brought seven of her fellow dancers to the event. The dancers took over a large street corner, turned on their music and broke into rhythmic dances. They often broke formation and encouraged the pedestrians to join them. They dressed in brightly colored free-flowing outfits that were covered in sequins.
"We came to celebrate the beginning of fall with our most ancient form of dance," Denman said.
The "Voices from The Corner" tried to recruit members to join the group, which aims to create a place in town where the elderly and young alike can hold events for the community. The group enlisted the help of children at Eugene Field Elementary School to paint a mural. The group was at the fair to try and recruit people interested in the project.
A band called Angry Bear played from the porch of the lead guitarist Brian Glasgow's house.
"We're trying to raise consciousness with art and music," drummer Mike Roberts said.
A rapper who calls himself Cap'n D was there to encourage people to try a new form of art they had previously never given a chance.
"People should support new art," he said. "Buy a CD you haven't heard or read a book you haven't read."
