TOP 5 | Living Walls Conference 2012

By Nathan Bolster via vandalog.com

Just two short years ago, Living Walls began as a non-profit aiming to spark a dialog between street artists and those who view and interact with their public canvases (abandoned buildings, the sides of local small businesses and the like).

This year, they’re gearing up for the third Living Walls conference with one radical twist: a focus on all-female street artists, making it the first conference of its kind in the world (the WORLD, y’all). In events past, only two female artists have participated, and neither had their work go up on a wall.

This conference is a game-changer for the art scene locally and globally, and it’s happening right here in our beautiful, dirty city. Here’s how you can join in the celebration:

Block Party: Pop on over to Old Fourth Ward between 8PM and 2AM tonight, Aug. 16, for a bevy of art-centric happenings, like an artist meet-and-greet in Vesuvius Pizzeria’s Speakeasy (aren’t those supposed to be secret?), a dance party at Noni’s, a drag show at Church and karaoke at Edgewood Corner Tavern. Get the full run-down on their event
page (plus, be on the lookout for some free goodies dropped by Catlanta and Evereman).

Gallery Exhibits: An abandoned art house in Reynoldstown (170 Chester St. SE to be exact) will also be open to the public tonight, Aug. 16, from 5–8PM. The main event and gallery exhibit happens at Venue Gallery (1254 Murphy Ave.) on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 5–8PM, featuring a DJ, live bands, a few lectures and works from this year’s artist participants.

Artis Sarah Emerson by Terry Kearns via Flickr

Opening Party: Raise a glass to the artists during the official Living Walls opening party at the W Midtown on Friday, Aug. 17 from 9PM–2AM. There will be interactive projections by Pablo Gnecco, and gloATL will be on hand with a “physical installation” (which means they’ll probably be wearing strange costumes and performing bad ass interpretive dances, per usual).

Lecture Series: The first half of the lecture series will take place at MODA this Friday, Aug. 17 from 5–9PM. Hear the panel speakers discuss topics like gender and identity as well as “artistic community intervention” (I’m not sure what exactly that means, but it sounds fascinating). The second half will focus on urbanism and public art in Atlanta, taking place at Poncey-Highland’s Plaza Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 18, from noon–4PM.

Bike Tour: Save a little gas money and get some fresh air on Sunday, Aug. 19, by pedaling around the city to take in the newest works during the Living Walls bike tour from 3–5PM.

Check back on the Living Walls conference website for updates, a full list of participating artists and the map of the 2012 murals.