this is a 'thank you' disguised as a rant
art conspiracy is something that some folks just don't 'get' and i'd be happy to clue confused people in! first off, the idea either speaks to you or it doesn't and my policy from the beginning has been i won't nag anyone to get involved. participating artists jump in on the fun because, um, it's fun. getting together with a jillion other creative people and cramming creativity into a single space is a magical event. manifesting your unique artistic process in the midst of 158 others doing the same is tangibly special stuff. it's skin-tingly. it's exciting. it's challenging.
then the show. some of the best bands in dallas rock the house. the art that was made the day before is auctioned off in rapid-fire with amazing pieces going to first time art buyers for totally affordable prices. it's exhilarating to see some young kid buy YOUR work and it was affordable and you were only out 3 hours of your time the day before. YOU changed someone's life and blessed them with your creativity. by the same token, it's breathtaking to see some no-name artist's work selling for obscene amounts of money... because it's THAT good.
the beneficiary. that's the real conspiracy. last year it was a children's health charity. this year it's an artist residency. maybe next year new band uniforms for a high school that currently looks like they're straight outta 1982. and the year after that, maybe an after school arts program. it's local artists and musicians doing something FUN and affecting change in our community that's not high brow or requiring you to wear special clothes. i'm totally in love with and encouraged by the beautiful souls who participated last year and those moving in for this year.
and you. i'm lookin' at you. even if you don't get, play nice and take care not to cast judgment too quickly. show up. hell, participate as an artist. you might actually have some fun.
