News
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
October Second Saturday / Open Jam / Zombie Prom
Click on the photo for more pics of the event!
Wait a minute, was that Elvis I just saw? I had just walked into the Alcott Arts center and had to do a double take! It was Elvis, the king himself. Awake from the grave to grace the Zombie Prom with his presence. With a guitar over his arm, a full head of black hair, and blood running from his mouth, he was sure a sight to see! But he wasn’t the only living dead to make an appearance at the Alcott Arts Center first Zombie Prom on October 9th. No, they had many guests from the annual Zombie Walk that had taken place earlier on the plaza. Dressed to impress of course, these Prom attendees looked as though they worked up an appetite climbing out from the grave and had decided to munch on a couple of pedestrians along the way!
I walked past a live band playing rock music, entertaining dozens with their tunes. As I made my way up the stairs, I came to a door lined with orange and black balloons, an entry way to the dance floor. I stepped inside to see balloons all across the ceiling, and artwork covering the walls in line with the theme. There were photographs, drawings, paintings and a big display on the stage of a tortured mannequin. The zombies were everywhere, in suits and dresses, talking and dancing. One man had a living snake around his throat, another carrying the skeletal remains of his bride, and the recently passed Ms. Argentina all were on the floor.
As I exited the room I saw a flash across the hall. I went to investigate,, to see a graveyard display where Prom photos could be taken. What a great idea! And who was taking the photo? Lucy Ball! Her skin was as green as the grass with hair as red as fresh tomatoes, behind her on the table was a serving tray with a half eaten leg. That was two celebrities in one night!
After looking through the galleries, getting some Prom photos taken, and mingling with the dead, Betsy Barratt stole everyone’s attention by directing us to the dance floor to crown the Prom King and Queen! As names were called, multiple zombies made their way to the stage. With pale faces and torn clothes stained with blood the zombies stood staring back eagerly at the crowd. When all had taken their place, Betsy wandered through them, holding her hand over their heads as the crowd cheered for their favorites. At the end of line, Betsy pulled the top picks, signaling for the crowd to choose their favorite. Lucy Ball was crowned Queen and Kaleb Bruce crowned King!
With over a hundred and fifty Prom-goers that night, 11 artists displaying their works, a Zombie Prom King and Queen crowned, and around ten horror movies from local artists shown later in the night, I’d say the Zombie Prom was quite a hit! Arthur Sandoval, whose work was on display, said, “I thought it was a huge success! I am excited for next year’s!” He went on to say he had some good ideas for the next one. Chuck and Chris also said that they are excited too, with Chris commenting that all art work will be in the Halloween theme next year. They hope to align the Zombie Prom with the annual Kansas City Zombie Walk next year so that all of the undead roaming the streets make their way to the dance!
Article by Jessica Waers
Look at all of the Artists Bios below and check out all of the Pictures from the night by clicking the poster above.
If you were here thanks for making it a great night. We also wanted to thank everyone who exhibited or helped in any way to make the event a success. If you missed it, look at the pictures and maybe, just maybe we will entice you to join in next time. We had all types of entertainment from Music at our Open Jam to Art in the Harrison and East Galleries where we had three Artist Exhibiting on the Main level and then eleven more Artists in the Alcott Theater. That’s where the Zombie Prom was held. What a great success that was.
We were also treated to films from local filmmakers right after the costume contest.
Let’s talk about Art Exhibits throughout the Arts Center, that’s right fourteen Artists displaying in different ways, visual, dance, vocals, video, photography, pin-up artist, oils, jewelry, pottery, drawing and more.
The Alcott Arts Center is not ADA Accessible, yet.
Anna Jennings has been doing lampwork beads and jewelry making since fall 2000. She learned her craft from Malgar Thorvik of Thorvik Crafts at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. She shares her knowledge with anyone who wants to learn. This is her second art show and hopes to be part of many more!
In her "spare" time Anna is a Preschool teacher. She also does cross-stitch, Indian Bead Weaving, and sewing. She is also involved in community theater, most recently as the Stage Manager for the Alcott's most recent Shakespeare production, Comedy of Errors. She lives in Kansas City, Mo, with her sister Amy and their two cats, Kaid and Morgana.
Rich Sutton
"Richard Sutton studied art at Park University, as well as theatre and communication arts. Richard feels his art is a fusion of old and new, taking from the traditions of sumei and watercolors, taking an abstract look at everyday items. No one person looks at the same thing the same way, but looking at the everyday in an old way brings more questions that can only be answered through his art. " He lives north of the river with his wife and two cats, and looks forward to many happy returns to the Alcott Arts Center as director, actor, and artist.
http://suttongallery.shutterfly.com His e-mail is sirrichts@yahoo.com
Kimmie Wiesen
The top Floor of the Alcott will be all about the Artistic side of the Dead!
ART SHOW!
LOCAL HORROR INDIE FILM SCREENING!
FEATURED ARTISTS:
KRYSZTOF NEMETH...PIN-UP ARTIST
NIKKI MORENO...PIN-UP PHOTOGRAPHY
BOB WOMACK...PHOTOGRAPHY
MICAH WILLIAMS...SPECIAL FILM EFFECTS!...GORE INSTALLATION!!!
ARTHUR SANDOVAL...DRAWINGS
RICHARD SCARY...COLLAGE
AND
BETSY BARRATT...BIG ASS PAINTINGS!...;)
AND
LATE NIGHT INDIE FILM SCREENING FEATURING FILMS BY NONE OTHER THAN:
JOHN BARNES
JEFF CHETTY
CURTIS SMITH
RICHARD SCARY
GREG ARENDAL
AND MORE...
WHERE A COSTUME AND YOU COULD WIN A PRIZE!...LIKE SOME KICK ASS ART!...NOW WHO WOULDN'T WANT THAT?....(TSK TSK...BETTER DRESS UP!)
KICK OFF THE HALLOWEEN SEASON RIGHT...
TIME TO BRING OUT YOUR DEAD...OR YOUR GONNA WISH YOU WERE DEAD...;)
Richard Scary
Since Richard was born he's had a fascination with Halloween and all things horror related. His work is an expression of his fondness for days past and the old ways of halloween tradition. His work evokes a feeling of nostalgia and days of old. A self described "Lovecraftian Nerd" Richard pays homage to some of his favorite subjects through his art- universal monsters, serial killers, vintage halloween, slack and HP Lovecraft. Richard also creates customized figures from GI Joes and other miscellaneous toys. In the GI Joe world Richard has made a name for himself and has earned an acclaimed reputation with Ratfink Customs.
Statement:
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn
Betsey Barratt aka Madame Meprise
Betsy Barratt is art… She’s a graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, where she studied under the late Lester Goldman, and attributes the majority of her influence in painting and desire for theatrical flare. Her formal dance training has been in Modern and Belly Dance, studying under such artists as Yasimina founder of Kismet Oriental Dance Company in Salt Lake City, Utah and workshops with Fat Chance Belly Dance from San Francisco, California.
Her objective is to create: ....drawings...paintings...costuming...performance...dance...agitation...
Pulling you into the darker recesses of the mind through dynamic use of vibrant color and glitter. Like a roadside carnival side show banner...playing on our voyeuristic need to witness the bizarre and sick and twisted in a theatrical display of grandeur and wonder...
Statement:
I’m not here to make you comfortable.
I’m not going to make you comfortable.
My work is about creating questions...stirring your psychological pot...
Contact:
http://www.myspace.com/betsybarratt
Krysztof Nemeth
After ten years of making a name for himself as a notable Low-Brow Pin-up Artist in Seattle, Krysztof Nemeth has relocated his base of operations to Lawrence, Kansas. Taking cues from the historic masters of pin-up art, underground fetish illustrators, and cheesecake photography, Krysztof has developed a style that is sharp and clean, sensual and fun. Working primarily in black-and-white Pen and Ink, the work Krysztof creates is strongly graphical in nature, composing in a near calligraphic manner, drawings that are wildly voluptuous and rich in depth. His girlie art is fun and sexy, depicting an inherent sense of humor and playfulness in its ribald sensuality.
Statement:
Krysztof Nemeth's low-brow pen-and-ink pin-up girls are a celebration of modern femme-fatales and contemporary cuties. His drawings depict the visual language of flirtation and fascination inherent in these strong and sexy ladies in all their underground-influenced glory.
Contact info:
Nikki Moreno
Up and coming Kansas City photographer and painter Nikki Moreno, owner of Vixen Pin Up Photography, is renowned for her photographs of pin up models and burlesque performers. Her career began as a hobby of shooting her friends in everyday and pin up poses, as well as styling hair, make up, wardrobe and sets for her shoots. As her client base grew she was approached by people from all walks of life; from your married mother of two, to the most established well known burlesque performers to be styled and photographed in vintage pin up style. Her work evokes a feeling of vintage flair with a modern twist, often in vivid colors and casting a sensuality that always draws the viewer into the subject's inner beauty. Nikki pays homage through her work to the great pin up artists and burlesque performers that have inspired her passion for photography.
Statement:
Every woman is beautiful and so few realize it. I think of my self as a therapist. I love reminding women they are beautiful and giving them photos to cherish. There is no greater feeling for me then the look on a woman's face when she see’s her photos and finally realize how beautiful she is. I am in awe of the female form in all its splendor and I pay tribute to that beauty through my work.
Contact:
www.myspace.com/photographybynikkimoreno
www.nikki@vixenpinupphotography.com
Greg James Arendall
A native of St Louis, Greg James Arendall moved to Columbia, MO where he raised his family and earned his BSBA from Columbia College. It was at Columbia that Greg began to take an interest in photography concentrating primarily on landscapes. Three years ago he moved to Kansas City to explore opportunities of expanding his passion for photography. Currently he resides in Hyde Park where he has his studio. Greg has sold numerous commissioned projects to private collectors, created the artwork for the Nova Lunacy CD cover, and in 2007 was the stage photographer for Patti Labelle. Publication of Greg's first publication 'Captured Fancy' is currently pending.
Statement:
Taking my inspiration from photographers such as Orval Hixon and Diane Arbus, I primarily shoot black and white film. When I work with a model or do a commissioned portrait, I try to capture the personality and mood of the subject. I enjoy composing images that present the viewer with a touch of irony. The goal of my art is not to tell a story, but to inspire the viewer to create their own.
Contact:
816.216.7154
Bob Womack
I am a freelance photographer here in Kansas City MO. I shoot "abandonment", "delineation" and "TOADS"-type photos. I also shoot photos for a stock agency. I am a voracious urban explorer, and even more enthusiastic photographer. I carry my camera with me pretty much at all times, and I'm surprised at those that don't. I've been shooting with a vengeance for a little over a year and a half, and cannot wait to get more experience. I use a Canon Powershot Pro1 8 mgpx camera.
Statement:
These images are what the camera witnessed; nothing more, nothing less. I am often amazed at what the camera captures, that I, myself, may not have noticed while taking the photo. I explore angles, space, reflections and light; preferring to never use flash so as to not disturb what nature does so well!
Curtis Smith
Curtis has been involved in the theatrical arts since 1998. Starting with the Northland Actors Ensemble, he continued to perform in productions at many of the community theaters in the Kansas City Metro Area, including playing Dracula in the Alcott Center's 2004 production. Eventually he became aware of the Kansas City Independent Film Coalition, a group that works to help local filmmakers by providing the resources they need to make the best possible films. After learning some basics, he began creating promotional videos for the Kansas City Horror Club, a web-based social club dedicated to bringing local horror fans together to enjoy the many facets of the genre. Curtis currently serves as the club's "Severed Right Hand" (Vice President). He would like to thank the Alcott Center for allowing his films to be displayed as a body of work, Club President Mia Porterfield for giving him the opportunity to serve this club for so long, Richard Scary for allowing me to use so many of his ideas, and Nikki Moreno for inviting him to this event. He hopes that you enjoy his work so far, and that you keep your eyes open for more in the future.
John Barnes
Director/writer: My Life With The UVW, Lacklusters, Silence is Golden, Still, Sunday Afternoon, Numb
Director of Photography: Fantasy, My Life with the UVW, Lacklusters, Pirates of the Coffee Belt
Actor: Monster Box, The Initiation, My Life with the UVW, Lacklusters, Sunday Afternoon, words to Remember
Producer: My Life with the UVW, Lacklusters, Still, Sunday Afternoon, Numb
Open Jam
The gang will be here jamming as usual and will be joined by the band MoJoLotus.
Come and bring your instrument and jam with the others.
Remember, Alcott provides the perfect environment for Artists of all types.
This months Second Saturday Art Exhibits and Open Jam was incredible!