Archive for the ‘Special Events’ Category
Hip Hop Don’t Stop … and Neither Does Street Art
This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Hip Hop Don’t Stop will present another weekend of aerosol mural painting, hip hop music and dancing. For the full slate of activities, check out the event on our website or visit the Hip Hop Don’t Stop Facebook group.
Last year Hip Hop Don’t Stop, a collective of artists specializing in urban culture events (dj’s, hip hop concerts, b-boy dancing contests), created the jaw-dropping mural currently adorning the wall on the west side of the Museum parking lot. Here are a few photos from that weekend:
The obvious parallel to be drawn to this substantial artwork is the act of making graffiti and, in fact, it is graffiti. Graffiti is broadly defined as the images and text scratched, painted or drawn on property, although the term “graffiti” usually carries the connotation that the image created is considered vandalism. “Street art” may be a more applicable term for the Hip Hop Don’t Stop creation and the embrace of spray paint art in hip hop/underground culture.
No matter what it’s called or the reason for it, as long as we have lived in societies we have also lived with public art designed to fulfill goals as diverse as benign beautification, undermining authority, and outright revolt. Perhaps it’s the reaction to the commodification of space through the use of the sign, or maybe it’s simple acknowledgment of the power of shared space. Either way, these art-making methods embody a long, fascinating history and call into question a multitude of issues as old as humanity itself.
To get a bit of a grasp on the world of graffiti and street art, here are a few resources to check out. If you have a few of your own to suggest, please do so in the comments, and leave your opinions about the often-controversial role that graffiti plays in social life, too. Also, be sure to take an hour or two this weekend to stop by and see the goings-on at the Hip Hop Don’t Stop mural at 1101 1st Ave South in Fargo (near Duffy’s). You’ll see talented artists at work that would love to answer your questions about their craft.
- Graffiti and street art on Wikipedia.
- Art crimes, an online compendium of graffiti around the world.
- Worldwide Graffiti, another great graffiti resource.
- Photos of work by Banksy, a popular British graffiti artist, and his website.
- Guerrila marketing – the commercial version of graffiti?
Spring Gala Recap
As the theme for the evening suggested, our 14th Annual Spring Gala on May 1 was definitely “Ordinary to Extraordinary.”
Gala attendees were treated to an array of delights; a spectacular silent auction of art, hearty eats by Mosaic Foods (including candied bacon!), a gigantic wine tasting by Happy Harry’s, tunes by Julie Buck and Company, dance music courtesy Betty Does, spirits from the Sidestreet, coffees by Moxie Java, a knockout fashion show from MeJeanne Couture and … omigosh … incredible desserts by Nichole’s Fine Pastry. Ordinarily, these are experiences that, by themselves, would be notable. Put together in one place, it was extraordinary. We thank our vendors, sponsors, staff and donating artists for helping us make that happen.
The Museum, like its inhabitants for the night, was extraordinary as well. Many thanks to all of those who helped with planning and decoration, particularly to our volunteer committees. On her own she’s a gorgeous building, but with a little love, extra care, and sexy lighting she really comes alive.
Attendance? Well, how can we consider those who came to the Gala as nothing more than extraordinary? You really made it happen. Through ticket purchases and the silent auction, our Gala raised almost $35,000 for Museum educational programs. Thanks to you, we will be able to provide services like our Kid Quest events and tours for visiting student groups. We can’t stress enough how important this is to the Museum and to our community as a whole. In order to function properly as a full-service arts institution, we need the efforts of extraordinary people like those who came to the Gala. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Were you at the Gala? Share your experience in the comments.
(If you’d like to see more photos of the evening, you can visit the Milestones Photography blog here. You can also browse and purchase prints from the evening here.)
Spring Gala FAQs
Our 14th Annual Spring Gala is coming up quickly. On Saturday, May 1, at 7 p.m., Plains Art Museum will transform into a one-night celebration of our area’s arts – we’ll go from “Ordinary to Extraordinary”, as the theme of this year’s Gala suggests.
As with any social event, there are bound to be some questions about the evening ranging from the procedural to the downright curious. To answer these questions, we’ve compiled a quick FAQ section to help you out.
What do I wear to the Gala?
Although the tone of the word “Gala” conjures up images of ball gowns and white ties, the Spring Gala doesn’t demand anything stuffy or ornamental. Sure, you’ll see some finery, but you’ll also see costumes that tie in with the theme. The jeans and sport coat combo is perfectly fine and the vintage dress and scarf combo is fine, too. Ask yourself, “what would I wear for a night out with my friends?” That’s what you should wear to the Gala because, frankly, that’s what it is.
What do I do at the Gala?
First and foremost, you’ll want to peruse the silent auction (preview it online here) for your opportunity to bid on works of art by over 90 of the most talented artists in the area, including local luminaries like Modern Man, Walter Piehl Jr., and Star Wallowing Bull. Make a few bids. Maybe you go home with something that not only complements your home, but supports the artist and helps out the Museum with educational programming. Also, the art auction is a great way to start or build your very own art collection.
After that, be sure to listen to the vocal jazz/rock stylings of Julie Buck & Company and, later on, dance to Betty Does. There’s also a wine tasting by Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops, delicious food by Mosaic Foods (more on that below), cocktails by the Sidestreet Grille and Pub, coffee by Moxie Java and desserts by the incomparable Nichole’s Fine Pastry to please the palate. You’ll also be able to view a fashion show by local designers MeJeanne Couture.
And, of course, you can give your friends in attendance a big high five. It’s a party, after all.
What is there to eat?
Mosaic has promised a mouth-watering set of treats, including:
- Whole poached salmon with traditional garnishes and crackers
- Shrimp cocktail
- Candied bacon (yes, candied bacon)
- Chicken sate with spicy peanut sauce
- Chile molasses glazed pork loin carving station
- Veggie spring rolls
- World tour cheese platter
- Grilled vegetables
- Fresh fruit
and so much more. It’s a feast, folks. Plus, there will be a full compliment of desserts by Nichole’s.
What kind of people will I see at the Gala?
Everyone from community leaders to artists to art patrons to people who just love a good party. Young and old, they unite around having some fun while doing something worthwhile for the Museum and for the arts in general.
What if I can’t afford a ticket?
We understand. Eighty dollars (or $90 after the 16th) can be a big chunk of disposable income. But, think of it this way. You’re getting an expertly prepared meal with lots of variety (say, $30), wine tasting ($25), two bands ($10), dessert ($10) and coffee ($5), plus you get to peruse the silent auction and get access to the galleries (normally $5) and see a fashion show. In other words, you will be able to experience a really nice night on the town, all under one roof, while helping the Museum provide vital services to our community.
If you can’t afford to come but will still like to make a contribution, visit our donation page. Short on cash but still want to help out? Contact us about volunteering.
Well, then, how do I get a ticket?
Just visit the Spring Gala page on our website. You can make a payment using PayPal or a credit card. You can also call 701.232.3821 or drop by the Museum at 704 1st Ave N.
Any other questions?
Feel free to leave any questions about our Spring Gala in the comments, or email kkerzman@plainsart.org.
