Organizers say the launch party for Feed the Artist Magazine Issue No. 2 was "a huge success!"
Friday the Feed The Artist collective launched the second issue of the local arts and culture magazine, Feed The Artist - Progress. The artwork and writing included all touches on the theme of "progress," provoking readers to explore the question of what progress is and how a vision for the future affects the present.
About 70 people attended the launch event at Crandleberry's, a local eatery, Internet cafe and book store on 101st Street in North Battleford.
"I am so excited by the atmosphere that was created tonight," said Kjelti Anderson, one of the volunteers involved in the production of the magazine. "It was really a sense of community and celebration of the richness and value of art."
Mingling amongst the work of local artists, patrons engaged in a community art installation called Postcards from the Future and played with puppets designed by Sherron Burns. They also enjoyed other art displays by Dean Bauche, Crystal Cunningham and Chantal Chvala.
Live music was provided by Edmonton-based folk duo Sally in the Valley.
Local writer Cliff Burns shared a thought-provoking commentary on the place of art in our society.
During an impromptu open mic, 15 performers took the stage with music, dance, spoken word and poetry: Scott Dfulton, Nathan Anderson, Cliff Burns, Chantal Cunningham, Safira Lachapelle, Luke Bonsan, Laird Brittin, Colton Hutchinson, True Rain Swindler, Annika Lessing, Sarah Knutson, Ainsley Millie, Birgit Lessing, Kurtis Kopp and Kjelti Anderson.
"This is what feeds the artist in each of us, everyone here is smiling and inspired, jumping up on stage to be a part of it, helping out, and talking about the magazine," said Anderson.
Both issues of Feed The Artist are now available at Classic Trading and Music Supply, Battleford Boutique, Freedom Skate and Snowboard, Crandleberry's and the Allen Sapp Gallery.
Anderson said to watch for upcoming Feed The Artist events, and offered thanks to artists, performers and sponsors, especially Crandleberry's, for supporting Feed The Artist.
