Thursday, June 9, 2016
This week there is a palpable energy in the air here at the Pump House Regional Arts Center. Staff and volunteers are gearing up for the third annual Artspire, which promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever! This free, inclusive event is open to all members of the public. Artspire features an exciting combination of visual and performing arts that all ages can enjoy. Last year’s Artspire brought in over 5, 000 participants and this year is likely to top that!
This event showcases the best of what the La Crosse and surrounding community has to offer. Art lovers of all ages will definitely have something to look forward to! For starters, Artspire’s Art Fair and Sale will feature the exhibits of over 50 visual artists and local non-profit organizations. Visitors will able to purchase one-of-a-kind art pieces and artisan handy-works that support local artists and small businesses in our community. A complete list of the participating vendors for the Art Fair and Sale can be found at artspire.thepumphouse.org.
In addition, four stages (The Artspire South Stage, Brickl Bros. Stage, Pump House Stage, and Weber Center Stage) will provide non-stop entertainment, including music, dance, storytelling, poetry reading, and other stellar performance arts from some of the La Crosse area’s most talented individuals. Featured art projects and art demonstrations will showcase the creativity and ingenuity of artists of all ages. Interactive arts will provide community members a chance to let their inner artist shine and to create a truly memorable representation of the wealth of backgrounds and experiences of the community of La Crosse.
But, the fun won’t stop there! Artspire attendees will also be able to score some great eats as eight food trucks, featuring some of La Crosse’s most delectable food offerings, will be participating in this year’s event. Furthermore, many of La Crosse’s downtown area businesses will also be participating in the Artspire festivities with live music events, featured demonstrations and exhibits, and interactive activities. Be sure to check out artspire.thepumphouse.org for a complete list of all the participating businesses and venues.
So now that you know a little more about this event, we hope you will consider joining us on June 10th and 11th for the third annual Artspire. Becoming bigger and better with each passing year, this “arts celebration” has truly grown to be something that the entire La Crosse community can participate in. What makes Artspire truly unique is that it celebrates the power of art to bring people together and to provoke conversation. This event has garnered a special place in the heart of the La Crosse Arts District because it offers community members the chance to build greater connections and understanding of one another through the experience of art.
With every passing year, the collaborative efforts of the Pump House and members of the La Crosse community have produced greater engagement and buzz surrounding this event. Our hope is to grow Artspire into a regionally recognized event that inspires the community and is looked upon as a model for positive partnerships.
Artspire would not be possible without the help of so many dedicated volunteers. Therefore, as a final note, the Pump House would like to thank all the sponsors, volunteers, members of the Artspire core team, and staff members who have helped make the dream of a community-wide arts celebration in La Crosse a reality! We look forward to having you join us for this truly enriching event!
Blog post written by Amanda Pelley
Amanda holds an Engagement and Administration internship with the Pump House for Summer 2016