Sat 8/23 @ noon-5PM

Sun 8/24 @ 1-4PM

Early last year, a group of area artists came together for a series of monthly meeting, spurred by the cancellation of the FRONT and CAN Triennials. Conveners Liz Maugans and David King invited anyone interested to participate to toss around ideas for possible events that could replace them under the banner of “Quest for the Fest.” Ideas came and went, and many promising ideas stalled or were put on the back burner.

After floundering for much of 2024, things started to come together with a presentation at last year’s Ingenuity Festival. But they really hit their stride when two area arts supporters, Stormy Sweitzer and Darl Schaaff, proposed a one-night event called Wonderquest that took place in January at the Brownhoist, where people from various artistic disciplines came together to meet, talk and engage in projects organized by different members of the group. It was a hit and created a lot of energy.

Now that energy has surged with an upcoming event called the “I Stand For _____ Fest,” which came about when the new leadership of SPACES in Ohio City’s Hingetown neighborhood was looking for new events to activate its somewhat moribund gallery and approached the Questers. That’s resulted in a two-day event at SPACES, described as “a Community Celebration of Creativity and Care,” led by a team of Questers including Linda Wood, Juan Quirarte, Tom Berger, Gina Washington, Stephen Calhoun, Stormy Sweitzer and “Liz Maugans, the queen of all fests,” says Wood, who shared with us some of the activities that will happen over the weekend.

‘This started because of so much we were protesting personally against in this challenging climate, as we individually created hand-painted signs or letters or different forms of protest,” says Wood. “Liz decided that maybe we should focus on what we stand FOR and do something constructive. Not that that protesting wasn’t productive, but we needed to shift our focus, bringing our energy together and build something positive.”

 “This festival invites us to ask: What do we stand for? What values do we hold dear? And, how can we support each other through creativity and connection?” Maugans explains.

The event features elements created by participating artists and non-artists. For instance, there was an open call for anyone who wanted to decorate an image of canning-type jar with things they felt were of value that they wanted to preserve. Tech wizard Ross Bochnek created  a projected digital installation of submitted photos and videos that will screen throughout the event. There will be storytelling, poetry, music, talks and other performances.

“Liz created the canning jar, used to preserve fruits and vegetables,” explains Wood. “The First segment was what do you want to see preserved in this culture. People put their names on them and send them in and we’re going to hang them in a big grid.  The second element is a big 3D jars, we’re going to put under the grid. It’s about preserving our culture.

But just as important, “I Stand For” will foreground creation taking place AT the event, with activities such as local artists creating instant portraits of festival visitors to create a mosaic of local faces, the chance to create a poster or decorate a T-shirt or sticker. Wood and Washington are bringing actual jars and upcycled materials and inviting people to build little dioramas inside the jars which they can keep or add to the exhibit. There’ll b plenty to see and do for people of all ages and interests.

Once the two-day event at SPACES is over, the organizers are planning to bring it to the Brownhoist in September, followed by reinstalling it at the Ingenuity Festival September 26-28, an ideal place to engage people with interactive art.

“It’s all about standing for what you believe in, says Wood. “If you just fight against what is happening, it won’t necessarily feed your soul. I painted protest signs and I was exhausted. I spent the last two months painting jars for what I want preserved. We hope this will feed your soul and energize you.”

The event is free, family-friendly and open to all. Get more information here.