On Feb 13, 2nd Saturday, I set up a little table and loaded in boxes of art at CultureClash gallery in preparation of his FREE art event.
Geraldine Alexander, the owner, played cool music on the sound system. As soon as the doors were unlocked folks came in to see what the event was about, or knowingly got to be first in line for a piece of FREE art. I explained the event, the philosophy behind it, the connections of my history in New Orleans and Katrina and the comparisons to Haiti’s plight and their connection to New Orleans. Also about the efforts of Doctors Without Borders and the Chaffee County People’s Clinic.
Most folks took it at face value that the art was for good and REALLY for free, but some were skeptical like it was trick of some kind. The only trick was that it had social responsibility attached to the art. Give it to someone else, give something else away, or do something anonymously for someone.
By 6 pm I had given away 50 pieces of art!
It was mostly local folks who got the art but some went to a couple in CO. Springs, and one to a nice lady from Orange County, Ca. Everone took business cards away with them as there was no mandatory sign up sheet. There was a no obligation tip jar out and we collected a total of $270 to be split 50/50 between Doctors Without Borders for their Haitian relief medical efforts, and the Chaffee County People’s Clinic. One local, one global.
From trying to promote this to all area businesses and artists and residents, I heard that Susan Mayfield was giving free painting lessons at Art Matters Gallery and Carol Cartwright was raffing off a free painting at the Maverick Potter. Also, there were reports of FREE clothes at Free the Monkey, and free stuff spotted on curbs and lawns around town. Even though there was some rainy weather at the end, the downtown was packed with people going out to eat and the bars and catching the last glimpses of art.
This was a great freeing experience for this artist and look forward to doing it again, and dispelling the idea of DEAD months in town and events. Let’s make it all ALIVE in this New Year and decade to come.
Thanks to all, and look for more creative ideas and events to come, from this artist and others.
Jimmy Descant, Rocketman
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