August 07, 2007
Artica Outing
Perhaps my West Coast roots show too much in my vast affection for Artica, which pulls its inspiration, somewhat, from the Burning Man festival that takes place each year in an alkalai lake bed in Nevada (but is populated by a goodly number of East Bay folk). The nice thing about having a Burn-type event in the Midwest is that St. Louis pragmatism prevents some of the sillier and more self-indulgent stuff (pink furry cowboy hats, glo-sticks, a psychedelic lack of irony) that seems to manifest when there's a critical mass of Californians about. If you haven't been to Artica, or aren't familiar with Burning Man, Artica's organizers describe the event as "an outdoor multi-media art festival, parade and workshops series developed to provide the people of the St. Louis metropolitan area with the opportunity to come together as a community through creative self-expression." It takes place down the road a piece from the Riverboat casinos, near the old power station, in "an area that has been polluted, neglected and abandoned for far too long. Although our audience is primarily all of the citizens of the St. Louis metropolitan area, the whole world is invited to attend and expected to participate as creators during the festival. Artica's development will be as fluid as the river it celebrates, and its scope will depend greatly upon the emotional involvement of the community."
I remember walking around down near the Riverfront a few years ago during Artica, and noting that it was infused with the same sparkly, magical atmosphere found in the best corners of Burning Man (and I swear I'm not clenching a glo-stick in my teeth as I write this). So it's with great happiness that I note that the organizers are working on breathing new life into their "urban wilderness festival." This Saturday they're inviting interested parties to come down to the Artica site to brainstorm about future events:
"Over the years, the Artica project and festival has manifested in different ways, large and small events throughout the years and seasons. It is time for grassroots resurgence. Come down to the site on Saturday, August 11th, observe the changes the space has experienced, and see how it inspires your creativity. We will be there to BBQ, play and make art. Come join us, plan to be self-sufficient, creative and ready to brainstorm about future events. Enjoy the heat of the day, and come as early as 2pm on Saturday August 11th. If you cannot make it, but are still interested in participating in future activities then e-mail us at artica2005@aol.com. Also, the web site will be undergoing an update and facelift, so perk up your ears and Internet browser with Artica in mind..."
Artica Outing
Saturday August 11th, 2-8pm
Near the Cotton Building
Dixon and Lewis streets
http://www.artica.org