On July 3rd, a plethora of artists gathered at the Satori Group’s loft in downtown Seattle for a new collaborative event called whizARTbang! What is it? whizARTbang is a new collective of artists and supporters. It hopes to connect, collaborate, and support art in any way it can.

Each month, members host an intimate gathering featuring culinary art, visual art, live performances, and libations. The Melon was on hand for July’s gathering which featured a sampling of work from: Culinary arts, Painting, Stand-up, Dance, Video Art, Experimental Theater, and Sketch Comedy. Here’s our footage from the event which featured The Melon’s own Electric Elliot:

Artists included:

-Zoe Scofield
-Derek Shankland and Mike Klotz
-Stephen Ross
-Emmett Montgomery
-Jason Miller
-Juniper Shuey
-Boom! Theater
-Kevin Kantner (not to be confused with Kevin kantor)
-Counsel Langley
-Harlequin Hipsters
-Elliot Trotter

On Saturday, April 28th, in celebration of National Poetry Month, the Washington State History Museum hosted Mouths & Mics: Poetry in the 253, a collaborative event featuring 7 talented Tacoma poets and an abundance of local artists and musicians. Hosted by Antonio Edwards, Poetry in the 253 took art form to new heights, as Tacoma poets enhanced their timeless pieces using visual imagery, theater, dance, lighting and music.

Featuring performances by: Kiah lee, Emilie Rommel Shimkus, Elliot Trotter, Josh Rizeberg, Ariel Zimmer, Korama Williams, Zeek Green, Antonio Edwards, Colin Cronin, Mark Monlux, Lee Sledd, Tammy Robacker and more, Poetry in the 253, kicked ass. Everyone brought something fantastic to the equation and all of collaborations were out of sight. Anyone who missed out on seeing this live really missed out.

The evening was capped with the passing of the poetic torch to the 2010 Urban Grace Soul of the City Tacoma Poet Laureate Tammy Robacker.

The Melon was on site to film and document this awesome occasion. Thanks to Antonio Edwards for his work making this happen and Adam the Alien for his photography work.

Pecha Kucha Night, devised and shared by Klein Dytham architecture, was conceived in 2003 as a place for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public.

Each presenter is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each – giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up. This keeps presentations concise, the interest level up, and gives more people the chance to show.

Adam the Alien treats the world with a glimpse of the secret Cartoonists League of Absurd Washingtonians End of Year Ceremony.

Pecha Kucha Night, devised and shared by Klein Dytham architecture, was conceived in 2003 as a place for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public.

Each presenter is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each – giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up. This keeps presentations concise, the interest level up, and gives more people the chance to show.

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Rollie, Travis and Taylor discover a magic lamp and are granted one wish to change the face of humanity.

Listen, after seeing Jim Merritt’s youtube campaign video, I just couldn’t help myself. No offense, Jim, you’re part of remix culture now.

Thanks to the work of Joe La Sac and Glynnis Kirchmeier, The Melon is pleased to present the fascinating results of Pecha Kucha Night last Wednesday. Featuring local Tacomas, Pecha Kucha Night presenters discussed identity using 20 slides each. Enjoy:

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