Regional Program: Ready Go --- Artist Designed Mobile Tools for Sparking Interaction
Ready Go is a mobile art show featuring four different programs: 1) One Another --- a portrait drawing station, 2) Mobile Sign Shop --- guidance and materials for making one's own name sign, 3) SPARKIT --- a pop-up trailer filled with games and crafts, 4) Streetcorner Letterpress --- antique letterpresses that print postcards customized to events. In addition to traditional art materials, Ready Go includes the media of conversation and participation.
1022 participated
Participants will 1) connect with art projects that pique curiosity and facilitate communication; 2) participate in the creation process through dialogue with artists and others who are present, 3) share family stories, life experiences, special memories, etc., 4) create art in a fun, family-friendly setting that encourages interaction between all participants, 5) gain access to art opportunities by reducing or eliminating distance barriers.
Participants: 1) learned about the history of letterpresses and had an opportunity to operate a letterpress to create their own postcard. It was an interesting insight into old technology and how the printing process has evolved to the computer era, 2) interacted by sharing ideas and life experiences with artists and fellow participants during the creation process, whether the product was a handmade sign, puppet, or portrait, 3) relaxed and enjoyed an opportunity to create art in a family friendly and supportive atmosphere, 4) expressed gratitude for fun and creative art programs brought to outstate Minnesota at no charge. Participants were delighted to bring home a tangible product. Participant response: The event was family oriented and the staff very patient, friendly and helpful. This was so creative and relaxed --- everyone was interacting with each other. The unique nature of the program made it possible for anyone to gain access to art.
City of Bird Island, City of Dassel, Dassel Red Rooster Day Committee; Swift Co. Fair Board; Chippewa Co. Fair Board; City of Kerkhoven, City of Ortonville, Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce, local media news outlets