“We got paintings! We got industrial lamps! We got Vodka!”

This slogan was chanted as dozens of people roamed the world’s largest art complex. Located just a few blocks away from Big Art Labs, the open studios here surround a worn-down Pabst Blue Ribbon beer brewery. This scene is the center landmark associated with the free, educational, public arts event that is held twice a year where food, art, and creativity gushes from every corner here.

The lofts that are there are a part of what has become a uniquely vibrant and creative community. With so many different ways to show off their work, each artist-in-residence has come up with their own approach to displaying their art. Here are just a few:

1) Teach the kids!

Children tend to latch on to bright colors, odd shapes, and intriguing sounds; all of which show themselves during the art creation phase. To get the kids interacting with the art, several artists developed games and fun little projects to keep them interested.

2) Be in the right place at the right time

Checking out the photography of the legendary Bruce Talamon led to the idea that it is critical to position yourself when trying to capture a moment. Looking at the pictures that he took of Rick James, Isaac Hayes, and many other well-known musicians shows that it takes a lot of organization in order to record an event as it is happening.

3) Work with metal and heavy machines

Technology is everywhere now. It is intertwingled in our very existence, starting with the metals that are used to structure the frames of our smart devices. Combining the bright colors of spattered paint with the mechanical nature of steel, zinc, and aluminum produces a beautiful clash of two worlds.

4) Observe the world from above

At the very top of the tallest building in the art complex is a space where clay makers sit and watch the world go by. You can see all the way out to the edge of the horizons where mountains, cities, and railroads align. It is peaceful and tranquil allowing the mind to relax, right before diving into the molding process.

5) Go psychedelic

My favorite approach is the method of altering the mind and environment in a way that challenges what you think you know. One good example of this is a Bad Ass 3D Mural Artist by the name of Debi Cable who creates the hottest black light art in the city. Her work is best seen wearing 3D glasses. The kids love her art, all while the parents reminisce of the times when everything seemed so new.

Links:

Brewery Art Walk Website: http://breweryartwalk.com/about

Two Bit Circus: http://twobitcircus.com/event/april-artwalk-2014/

Bruce Talamon: http://www.brucetalamon.com/

Debi Cable: http://www.debicable.com/