Engaging the Community through the Artosphere Partner Grant

Although it seems like 2013 Artosphere just happened, here at Walton Arts Center we’re already getting excited for the 2014 Artosphere: Arkansas’ Arts & Nature Festival!

One of the most unique aspects of Artsophere is the way projects inspire and engage the community. The annual Artosphere Partner Grant helps fund artist projects that support the mission and theme of Artosphere (to celebrate artists, influenced by nature, who inspire us to live more sustainable lives).

This year, a total of $20,000 will be awarded among 1-5 2014 Artosphere Partner Grant winners.

 

In the last two years, the grant has funded several projects, including 2013 Artosphere’s The Herd and The Swarm by Tasha Lewis and Sun Boxes by Craig Colorusso.

Tasha Lewis’s installation of The Herd was placed in Walton Arts Center’s Cynthia H. Coughlin Gallery Lobby. More than 17 sculptures of antelopes, impalas and gazelles were sculpted from printed fabrics and featured emerging and disappearing into walls. More than 1,400 students and teachers were able to experience these majestic animals while visiting Walton Arts Center last Spring. 

 

For The Swarm, more than 1,000 butterflies were printed in various sizes with cyanotype on fabric and constructed with the help of community volunteers. Small but powerful magnets placed on their bellies allowed the installation to move around throughout 2013 Artosphere, appearing at multiple sites throughout Artosphere without leaving a trace. At each location, viewers were able to move the butterflies around the site, allowing them to both experience the project and help it evolve. In a final send-off of the installation, community members were invited to help the butterflies “migrate” by taking one or two of these beautiful butterflies home with them. We are certain they all found good homes.

The installation of Sun Boxes was created by Rogers-based artist Craig Colorusso. Each sun box is a solar powered speaker, operating independently and programed with a guitar note that plays on a loop. Together, the notes form a Bb chord, slowly changing and evolving over time because of the different lengths for each note’s loop. Listen here!  In a community yoga event held by Soul Yoga Lounge at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, local yogis joined together to celebrate nature and practice yoga to the sunrise and the ethereal sounds of Sun Boxes.

The 2012 Artosphere Partner Grant also led to the Artist’s Laboratory Theatre’s production of “Alley 38,” a theatrical walking expedition through the uncharted places of downtown Fayetteville, and the installation “Karst” by Massey Burke, which still stands on West Avenue today!

 “Supporting artists that give the community new ways to think about art and nature is important for the vision of Artosphere. For the past two years, the Partner Grant Program has been successful in generating thoughtful and collaborative work and we look forward to reviewing new proposals that are challenging and exciting.” - Laura Goodwin, VP of Learning and Engagement at Walton Arts Center

If you are interested in applying for a grant, submissions are due November 1, 2013 at 11:59pm, and the award announcement will be made on December 1, 2013. To submit a proposal or learn more about the application criteria, click here. 

Program Evaluation Criteria:

• Relationship to and support of the Artosphere Festival
• Artistic quality
• Degree of community involvement
• Visibility – the estimated number of people who will experience your project
• Projects must occur in Northwest Arkansas and be presented within May 1 - June 7, 2014 

Project ideas include but are not limited to:

• Theme specific theatrical performances, musical performances, visual arts installations (indoor, outdoor, etc.)
• Public improvisation activities, concerts or artistic expression
• Community collaborations
• “Festival within a festival”
• Artosphere event enhancements (pre or post-show activities, events or experiences in support of Artosphere programming)

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Creativity and diversity are highly encouraged in support of the Artosphere Festival. 

Artosphere Festival Orchestra {sneak preview}

We had the honor of getting a sneak preview of the Artosphere Festival Orchestra performances while sitting on stage as they rehearsed this morning!  Under direction of Conductor Corrado Rovaris, the orchestra prepared Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92 for Friday night’s Evening of Beethoven concert at the Walton Arts Center.

AFO Rehearsal

With a “buon giorno” and a raise of his arms, Rovaris gained the full attention of the orchestra and the rehearsal began.  They played through the entire piece once, and then went back to perfect sections in order to express the emotion that Beethoven wanted to convey to the audience.  Rovaris described what was wanted by the musicians through a series of arm movements, humming sequences, facial expressions and a few words.  The musicians would listen intently to his instruction then play the notes even more beautifully than the first time.

Sitting on the left of the bassoonists and clarinetist, in front of the trumpets and timpani and behind an array of strings was an amazing experience.  The musicians that created the full, put-together orchestra sound were heard individually on stage.  It goes without saying, that the individual sounds were just as wonderful standing alone as with the entire group.  

AFO Musicians

It was interesting to hear the conversation that emerged between the woodwinds, brass, percussion and strings.  Call/answer sections were frequently featured that included a group of woodwinds and a group of strings.  The woodwinds would let their reed vibrations ring through the hall, answered by the sharpness of the bow against the strings. 

From our vantage point, we also saw the visual aspects that go into a performance.  Rovaris acted as a type of choreographer for the bows and fingers that controlled the instruments’ sounds.  The musicians also mimicked Rovaris’ facial expressions to add to the meaning behind the music.     

Music Director, Corrado Rovaris

After the musicians had perfected the emotions that they are to perform for the audience tomorrow night, Rovaris concluded the rehearsal with a flick of his wrist and baton.

This series of Artosphere Festival Orchestra performances is a must-see!  For more information about the concert series and to reserve tickets for the festival events visit our website, or call the box office at 479.443.5600. 

Artosphere Festival Orchestra stuns audiences of all ages!

On Sunday, the Artosphere Festival Orchestra was in Siloam Springs to kick off the first of their three performances as a part of the Artosphere Festival. Monday, the orchestra performed for an audience in Fayetteville as a part of the 10x10 series and mixed and mingled with those in attendance as part of a post-show party. 

Artosphere Festival Orchestra. Photo by Ironside Photography

Under the direction of Maestro Corrado Rovaris, the orchestra wowed audiences with performances they won’t soon be able to forget.  Don’t take our word for it, see below what the audiences had to say about the performances:

“I feel so lucky to live in such a lively arts community. The Artosphere Orchestra was just fabulous!”

“My ears went to heaven!!”

“I want to thank the underwriters from the bottom of my heart, for making it possible for my family to experience a performance of this magnitude. It was breathtaking! We would not ordinarily be so privileged to hear such talented musicians. God has blessed you all with incredible talent, and you have blessed us this evening.”

“Running through the forest. Romantic. Like I’m being chased. One accord, one instrument. Tip toeing. Falling into a pit. Renewed happiness.”

“I loved how shiny the tuba was! Great job!”

“Amazing! Definitely want to learn to play more instruments and continue my musical career.”

“Some of the best orchestral music I have experienced, and I am 80 years old, play cello, and my mother was a concert pianist. Roberto Diaz- excellent violist. Cannot say enough for him. Wish I could hear more. The last piece by Elgar was so beautiful with Rovaris, conductor, bringing out the best in the musicians. Thanks!”

“To Band: Good music! I like the drum. I like the music! Even the lights! The tuba rocks! Love, Lily Pierce! P.S. I am a kid!”

If you missed out on the first two performances, there’s still one more opportunity left to see the Artosphere Festival Orchestra during the Artosphere Festival Finale right here in Fayetteville this Friday, June 22 at 7pm when they help close out Artosphere 2012 with a bang!

Artosphere Festival Orchestra rehearsal reported by an untrained ear

Hey everyone, Amanda Smith here! I just had the pleasure of sitting on stage while the Artosphere Festival Orchestra rehearsed, and all I can say is WHOA. I was in band (played the clarinet), and even played some concerts on the Walton Arts Center stage, but this was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

Artosphere Festival Orchestra rehearsal. It's hard to be sneaky on stage!

First off, I love all the unspoken cues. As soon as Maestro Rovaris walks on stage, the musicians immediately sit up straight and give their undivided focus to him. I would have waited for him to say something like “Everyone, it’s time to begin” or, “Quit practicing and look at me!”, but that’s not the way it works when you’re a professional. And with the nod of a head, or the flick of a wrist, the orchestra knows exactly what Maestro Rovaris wants.

Maestro Rovaris during rehearsal

For me, sitting in with the orchestra while they practice was almost like going to a wine tasting. If you like to drink wine occasionally, like I do, you may not be able to pick up the different flavors and notes that distinguish a cabernet sauvignon from a pinot noir or a merlot. However; when you taste them all side by side, you can tell.

I’ve attended a few symphony performances over the years, and to be honest I couldn’t tell a great difference between them aside from the fact that they played different pieces. But sitting amongst the musicians as they rehearse, and seeing the tweaks that Maestro Rovaris gives them as they play the same piece over and over, I could actually pick up on the variances between the oboe and the violin playing the same notes, but not playing them the same, ending a note too soon, or a section not being “on the same page.”

While I know not everyone can come and sit on the stage while the orchestra practices, I suggest taking in more than one of the Artosphere Festival Orchestra performances over the next week and a half. You may surprise yourself by noticing something you never did before.

You can find the schedule, and purchase tickets, for the Artosphere Festival Orchestra here.

Artosphere Photo-a-Week - Weekly winner #4

We have reached the end of our first ever Artosphere Photo-a-Week Challenge, and we have to admit we're a little sad. It has been such a fun time seeing all of the submissions, and we are really looking forward to doing this again next year!

Our final winner is Pat Cortez! Her beautiful "Music" photo really captured our attention. Thank you Pat for sharing this!

Photo by Pat Cortez             We'll be announcing our Grand Prize winner soon, so stay tuned! 

Alley 38 - An interactive theatre experience

Have you heard about Alley 38 yet? It's described as "a theatrical walking expedition through uncharted places," but we didn't fully grasp the idea until we actually went on the walk. Whoa, you guys. This is such a fun performance!

Conceived and produced by Artist's Laboratory Theatre (ALT), Alley 38 is part of the Artosphere Festival. ALT received an Artosphere Partner Grant to help bring the idea to life.

Patrons meet at the corner of Block and Spring street in Fayetteville (free parking at the meters after 5pm), and without giving too much away, are divided into two groups. There is a guide in each group, and you remain with them throughout the evening. Winding through the alleys of downtown Fayetteville, a story develops along the way and you find yourself anxious to find out "What is happening next??"

Here's a map of the area covered in Alley 38. While there is a lot of walking, there is plenty of stopping to rest along the way (sometimes you even get a chair!). There is also a brief (about 10min.) intercession where free drinks and snacks are offered.

Alley 38 runs through Sunday, May 27, and all performances begin at 7:30pm. At only $12/person, this is a perfect way to spend a spring evening discovering art, theatre and Fayetteville!

Alley 38 starting point

Artosphere Photo-a-Week - Weekly winner #3

The first ever Artosphere Photo-a-Week Challenge is almost over. We are down to our final week, and the theme for this week is "Music." We are really enjoying all the photos you all have been submitting!

This week's winner, Kelly Leong, submitted this beautiful photo of her interpretation of last week's theme "Sticks."

photo by Kelly Leong

Congratulations Kelly! Once again, it was difficult to pick just one. They were all beautiful!

Get your "Music" photos in this week, it's your last chance to enter the Artosphere Photo-a-Week Challenge!

Sticks, stones, sweat and heART

We are right in the middle of our Artosphere Festival, and while we do have Polyglot Theatre's We Built This City happening in our hall this Saturday, May 19, there is also a lot going on outside our theater!

As part of Artosphere's visual arts component this year, we commissioned two artists to build site-specific installations; Karst artist Massey Burke, and Stickworks artist Patrick Dougherty. Both artists began their residency last week, and what progress they've made these past few days! Of course, they have had help from local volunteers that have dedicated their time (and sweat) to helping both of these artists complete their pieces.

Dougherty and volunteers

Patrick Dougherty installation on Walton Arts Center's Tyson PlazaLocal apprentices learning sustainable building techniques while assisting BurkeWalton Arts Center will host an End-of-Construction Celebration for Massey Burke and her Karst project on Saturday, May 19 from 3pm-5pm at the installation on the Nadine Baum Studios lawn. Patrick Dougherty's piece will be finished by the following week, May 28.

If you're interested in learning about artists who work with nature, join us this Saturday, May 19 from 2pm-3pm at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for a lecture with Patrick Dougherty and Robert Tannen. While the event is free, reservations are required due to limited seating, and can be made by clicking here.

BIG thank you to all the volunteers who are helping bring both of these projects to life on the Walton Arts Center campus. We truly appreciate your help, and could not have done this without your support. Northwest Arkansas truly is a wonderful community!