Like a parody to Phoenix's monthly First Friday, ASU West has proudly held their Last Friday urban art festival the night of Feb. 26. The sight is hard to ignore once you walk onto campus. On the Fletcher Lawn stands a moon-bounce castle, surrounded by families and overcome by children. Further on, In the very heart of the school, towers a BMX half-pipe. Young men fly up and down the ramp, turning and flipping their bikes every which way. Tall spotlights illuminate the Delphi Courtyard, where a majority of the activities are taking place.
Underneath each of the arches that frame the courtyard stands a booth, decorated in art and hand-made jewelry. Students and families move in groups from stand to stand, each time greeted by the featured artist and their work. A live band takes stage in front of the Arizona State University sign, entertaining those who have decided to partake in the event with upbeat tunes. Bob Marley propaganda and polished stone necklaces catch your attention, bringing you close to converse with a friendly artist, willing and excited to talk about their work.
Summer Schaudt, a contributing Phoenician artist, stands behind her display of paintings. Her cartoon influence is obvious as you scan each of the painted characters, usually including a small saying that brings a particular humor to the individual piece. A warm smile displays her readiness to share and guide you through her art. Below her clever artwork sits a basket of free stickers, and buttons for only a buck, miniatures of her work that you can take everywhere. Feel free to take a peek at Schaudt's work.
Despite the diversity of the craftsmanship and talent present at this event, all the artists have come to the ASU campus for one reason; to support the Wheels in Motion Foundation, a charity devoted to helping unfortunate youth. Even the dollar Schaudt asks for a small button goes directly into this organization. In order to purchase from any of the artists, a receipt depicting what you are purchasing and for how much is filled out by the artisan. With receipt and money in hand, you are then directed to the Cashier booth, also decorated in Wheels in Motion brochures and contact information. A helpful young woman then marks the item and price. Quickly and with purpose, she then directs you back to the artist with a new receipt confirming your payment. With this voucher, you are then at liberty to take home your new unique work of art.
With students and families supporting the charity organization, volunteers have a food booth set up to honor these advocates. Running all throughout the event are students pushing small coolers, offering free sodas to those admiring the art.
By the end of the night, a large portion will have been donated to the Wheels in Motion organization.
For more information on this event or those coming up, visit the ASU event page.
Comments
Great article! I'm looking forward to reading more of yours!
Wow, you certainly made it sound like an interesting event. I'm not too much into "art" per se but i think it would've been a cool thing to check out. If not for the art then at least just to support the cause. But it's great to know that students have a place like that to display their art, get it out there, and invite people to purchase it. Did you have fun at the event? It's awesome that you took that pic yourself. I really need a digital camera . . . :) Great article overall btw. :)
Jennifer,
Thank you so much for attending the event and the kind words of support you offer. I am the Vice President of Wheels In Motion Foundation. We are extremely grateful to ASU for providing and supporting an environment of mutual respect and diversity. Thank you to all who join us in our commitment to inspire future generations to pursue their own unique goals. We are looking forward to our next Urban Art Fest "Last Friday's" event on
April 30, 2010 at ASU West campus from 5:30pm to 10:30 pm. Please feel free to post this invitation on your calendar of community events.
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