Last weekend, ARTSPLOSURE exposed its spectators to a wide arrange of art forms, ranging from ceramics, fiber glass, glass, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, and wood. On top of the visual arts, the festival featured several live performances by some of the best of blues and jazz artists from around the area. Bands such as Lonnie Walker, Mel Melton & the Wicked Mojos and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy were featured at the festival.
Brian Sappie, a sophomore in natural resources, said ARTSPLOSURE allowed for “a diverse representation of what Raleigh has to offer in terms of art.”
On Sunday the festival started at was suppose to last until 6pm, but due to rain many of the artists had to pack up their work early to keep it from getting damaged from the rain. Artists like Dan Nelson, a former guest professor at the College of Design and brickyard artist who painted fantasy and castle paintings on vinyl back in the spring of 1998, was one of the many artists that had to pack up his exhibition to keep it from getting water damaged.
“I’m having a great time out here, the bands are unforgettable and the best part is that it’s free,” Nelson said. ” However, it’s unfortunate that it had to rain.”
Fortunately, the rain did not completely disrupt Sunday’s festivities according to Jackie Smith, the Marketing and Promotions Manager for ARTSPLOSURE.
“The rain obviously lessened the crowds on Sunday, but many people still came out to see the great music and walk through the art market,” Smith said. “We were very happy that our headliner, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, was able to perform, and for a good-sized audience.”
Since ARTSPLOSURE began in 1980, it has grown immensely. The festival has attracted local, regional and national artists and has been one of the most effective ways for emerging local artists to promote their work.
The most important task that ARTSPLOSURE had to accomplish was to allow the art of local artists to be recognized by the public. Not only did the festival accomplish this task, but it also allowed many from the N.C. State community to display some of their art for the public as well.
Steven Heiner, Teaching Asst. Professor in Philosophy and Religion at State, had a booth at the festival where he sold and exhibited his art.
“He turnout had been nice,” Heiner said. “This is one of my favorite festivals. It is organized well and the people are very hospitable.”
The bands played either on the Main Stage or on the North Carolina, which was sponsored by our very own NC State radio station, WKNC 88.1FM. WKNC was present at the concert in an effort to support local music while DJs Caid and Kligz from KNC emceed between the band performances. The festival also featured several other shows and displays such as the ARTSPLOSURE Student Art Exhibition, the KIDS ROCK ARTSPLOSURE @ Marbles Kids Museum, Aerial Angels, and Cardboard Constructionist Living Sculpture Conglomeration. The festival also had many delectable goodies to offer its patrons.
Teng Cai, a freshman in biological sciences, offered one potential drawback to the festival.
“I love the art, but everything food-wise is too expensive,” Cai said.
