Coming Together

For the moment, pretend that aliens exist. Imagine they are flying by Earth for the first time. What are they likely to see? They probably will not take into consideration the divisions separating humans, but rather see the human race as a whole.

Kenn Parks offers this analogy as a means of helping people understand his motive in creating and organizing Artography 2011, a two-day, art and music event scheduled for March 25 and 26 at the Creation Gardens, 725 E. Market St.

This awareness and fundraising event will launch the LOUcommUNITY Campaign, which aims to bring tolerance, understanding, cooperation, collaboration, and unity to those living in Louisville.

“In the end,” Parks said, “my hope is that this initiative opens eyes, hearts and souls to bring a better life for us all.”

Since music and art tend to bring people from different backgrounds together, Artography will revolve around the works of more than 100 local artists and photographers, as well as the performances of more than 40 local bands, DJs, musicians and street poets. The event will not only be a treat to your eyes and ears, but also to your taste buds and wallet, as craft beer, wine, bourbon and gourmet food will be available at reasonable prices.

In keeping with its humanitarian motives, Artography will raise awareness and funds for the Fairness Campaign, Down and Derby and the Wings Clinic, which are all local, nonprofit organizations. Artists and performers also will be donating a portion of proceeds to the cause.

Parks is certain that Artography’s success in Louisville could bring about similar events in other cities and unite even more people. Success depends on people’s willingness to abandon their prejudices and be open to all, he said.

Artography is a start to this ideal, and “Louisville can lead the way, as an example for the rest of the country and world to follow,” Parks said.

The festival runs 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday, March 25, and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, March 26. Tickets are $15 each night or $25 for both nights.

Artography 2011 Participants

Paul Paletti, Rachel Seed, Gary Quick, Carol McLeod, Andy Cook, Lisa Frye, Scott Slusher, Jeremy Dixon, Kenn Parks,  Karl Otto, Carol  McLeod, Evan Leibowitz, Will Seig, Nathan Fessel, Will Brandum, Lisa Oechsli, Jill Morgan, Dan Lubbers, Eddie Santiago, Emil Walton,  James Russell May, Linda Erzinger, Scott McCrory, Erin Fitzgerald, Justin Kamerer, Tim Valentino, Angela Howard, Ashley Brossart Art, Bethan Kannapell, Brittney McCormick, Christina Howard, Gregory T. Fugate,  Dana Marie  Rieber, Doug Lowry, Emilie Heim Pfeiffer, Jada Lynn Parks,  Jae C. Grady, James Wallace, Jamie Lynn Smith, Joe Autry, Joe Mays,  Kassi Earle Clifford, Keith  Linton, Lacie Turcott, Linda Akers, Linda Carmella, Louisville Arts Live, Mary  Malene Fox, Marc Goodlett, Megan  Mayhem, Mike Nusser, Pamela Parker, Panache Louisville, Phoenix Carlton, Tracey Ippolito, Tracy Graves Parker, Windy  Lauren Wonder,  Caleb Purvis, Curtis Anthony, David McIntosh, Donavon Shain, Erika Spidle Napier, John Seyal, Kayla Mattingly, William Bryan Ragland, Angela Ramsey Robinson, Rachel French, Raven J. Railey, Will Brandum, Amanda Johnson Parkhill, Brian Barber, Erin Vaughn, Laura Cummings, Mariah Kaye French, Roger Braden, Slade VeuCasovic, Tisha Nicole Felts … and many more.

Tags: Art, Artography, LOUcommUNITY Campaign, Louisville, Photography, music, slider

Category: Cover Stories