Originally conceived as an after party to IN WNY, Hallwalls’ Artists & Models is now in its 24th year and still delivering some of the best, most scandalous exhibits Western New York has seen. In years past, this single night benefit event has been attended by more than three thousand people (eighteen and older), and is currently calling to creative types as far as Toronto and Milwaukee.
Since its inception in 1984, this megaparty has focused on culturally relevant themes set in a carnival like atmosphere. The intelligently titled 2010 theme, Stimulus, is related of course, to the government stimulus package, but also the ability to stimulate the patrons and the artists. Over a hundred artists submitted proposals in the six week time frame after a call was put out. The most unique of the bunch were hand-selected by Hallwalls’ Visual Arts Curator, John Massier, Media Curator, Carolyn Tennant and Development Director, Polly Little. After years of hosting Artists & Models, these three know almost immediately which ideas will come to fruition as well as peak the interest of attendees.
Rock Harbor Commons will be housing Stimulus, a new Buffalo venue that seems to relate well to the overall theme. “This building lies in a part of town that ‘could be’–if it had more financial backing,” says Hallwalls Development Director Polly Little. “Ed Hogle offered us use of this building and he owns Steel Crazy, EB Iron Works and Atlas Steel as well, but he said this is the one you want to use. His goal is to eventually turn that building into a veterans village where everything would be highly accessible for women and men coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq. He has twenty-five acres there to work with. We’re hoping people will take a new look at this side of town. So this rehab/veterans project would be a stimulating project, if it happens.”
Artists & Models 2010: STIMULUS from hallwalls on Vimeo.
As usual, beer, wine and non-alchoholic refreshments will be available, but new in these parts, Johnny’s Hot Dogs to feed the masses. The infamous hot dog car seen cruising the streets of Buffalo will be parked to serve up bun-loads of franks for hungry party goers. Also a new feature, parking at Buffalo State College and a free shuttle to and from Rock Harbor Commons. Planning to drink and drive? Pull out the bicycle and travel the Scajaquada trail from the East or West; places to park your steed will be available.
We’ll be leaking special sneak previews of a few exhibits over the next two weeks, so stay tuned!
Artists & Models: Stimulus
May 1, 2010, 9PM- 2AM
Rock Harbor Commons
57 Tonawanda Street
Buffalo, NY 14207
Top Image: The Stripteasers, who are performing at the event
Bottom Image: Domestic Landscape, an installation
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Laura Duquette is a former ballerina who now dances with
words and
punctuation.
She has a knack for asking questions faster than the
speed of sound, and her interviews are often off the cuff and personal.
She is Co-Owner of 12 Grain
Studio, a Buffalo based creative firm that
gives typical web design a kick in the ass.