ARTSPIRE

The weather could have been less extreme as dark skies dissuaded many  (including us) from heading to the opening musical events of  La Crosse's ARTSPIRE this past weekend. The street dance wasn't the only event hampered  due to the humid uncomfortable 90 degree temps.  It was unfortunate after all the organization, set up and time of volunteers, artists, vendors and participants that attendance both days of the annual arts celebration was not what  it could have been. :( 

Those that waited out the downpour Friday night and delayed headliners Cloud Cult weren't disappointed as they also were treated to a rainbow and a gorgeous sunset of pink skies after the storm departed.   Cloud Cult's performance embodies the spirit of ARTSPIRE combining many of the performing arts including art work being inspired by they musical renditions.

We joined the community on Saturday early afternoon.

I found mi amiga Candia

Glass artist Laurel Grey at work

The highlight of any community event is running into folks you know and it was nice visiting with folks from both universities, our congregation, Jazzercise and artist acquaintances.

Jazzercise buddy Pat with her hubby
and granddaughter UW-L theatre senior

Those present sought shade and placed chairs under the few trees in the parking lot area. It was warm.

Chalk artists were few as it was tough being on the hot pavement. Even these chalk pigeons and their real feed didn't want to hang around too long.  The nearby dragon probably didn't cool things off either. 



We enjoyed Black Sheep  Poetry out of Winona with recitations ranging from nature, hairy legs and nepotism. 

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You could even create your own poetry and hang it from a Poetry tree under which we sat...

Kids could do a myriad of art projects but that sun was intense.

Interspersed between poetry recitations we saw the improv comedy of Hearts of La Crosse as they worked a piece off the suggestion of "Knitting." It wasn't easy to be too funny with an audience that was wilting.

UW-L 's summer theatre program shared some tunes from their musical " All Shook Up."

Midwesterners are really not used to hot weather in June and folks found refuge inside the air conditioned Pump House Cultural Arts Center  where not only were art exhibits but artist demos. We viewed a beginning of a portrait of Muhammed Ali being sketched, canvas work by local artist Ellen Roles, jewelry work by Deciduous Design Studios.

Marc Manske's wall exhibit was unique with both exceptional photography work  this piece of the antique seed planter superimposed with the corn kernels (L) looked dimensional and the sleeping bag made of seed packets was very creative.  
The Dark Comedy Radio Show was delayed a half hour due to a Trolley Tour. But folks enjoyed the cool dark theatre space before heading back for the day's final musical presentation at one of the outside stages with Bill Miller. 

Thanks to the efforts of many who brought the arts to our community and it's too bad not more folks could enjoy all your work due to our screwy weather.