Tacoma Urbanist

May. 17, 2008 at 12:02am

Monlux Chalks But Stowe, T-mama Together Prevail

Stowe Wins With Tacomamama Portrait in Episode VI

Friday was a great day. jcbetty writes in Girlfriend in Tacoma:

But downtown: Beauty. Community. things expressed in chalk and blog-love much better than my mere words can articulate.

Izenmania got some great pictures as well as Elle, and RR Anderson and Kevin.
(photosets at each link)

Yesterday, Frost Park was graced with the presence of Mark Monlux who made a nearly winning submission and gathered with many fans:

According to Stowe:

He is veteran freelance illustrator with ties to Cartoonists Northwest and the Graphic Artists Guild. Check him out here. I can't wait to talk to him some more. I bet he has some stories to tell.

Yet, Stowe's combined effort with Tacomamama would eventually win the day.

A little background

In Episode V, Lupin handily defeated Stowe with her monster Frog:

(Lupin's foot on Stowe's severed monkey hand)

Shifting tactics, Stowe prevailed in Episode VI, once again taking the title of "Best Illustrator in the Universe of Tacoma" by taking a number of steps:

First, he promised any winning proceeds from Episode VI would go to Tacomamama as he explains:

All that being said... a vote for me is a vote to send someone that is an unparalleled local parental resource on a nice one night vacation.

...

I came to her, explained what I was going to do and made sure she would be done with it.

Second, he employed a strong Tacoma theme of Tacomamama herself to draw making a support for his submission strongly correlated with Tacomamama.

Third, he and Tacomamama made an open plea for votes through their social networks, Tacomamama through Feed Tacoma and Stowe through his blog Art by Stowe.

It was a good tactic for both for both of them. Tacomamama received the prize while Stowe accumulated a Frost Park Chalk Off win.

Current Standing

Thus, Stowe and Andrea are now both tied in the Frost Park Chalk Off Challenges with two wins a piece.

Commentary

Was Episode VI "fair"? Does open source voting open the system to unfair manipulation?

Should a juried art scoring system be implemented with or without leaving a category of "people's choice." Yet, having individuals register and vote online seems to increase the various measures of success at Frost Park including:

1) Increased number of people coming to Frost Park

2) More people registering for Feed Tacoma

3) Greater visibility for artists and sponsors

4) True to the original goal to "Take Back Frost Park"

Perhaps the harder question is: are votes by bloggers logging on and often getting their friends to vote simply creating a popularity contest? Can the "commoners" identify the best art? Are the best art pieces winning?

Overall, I would put the Tacoma citizen juried blogger system against any "professional" juried art group. Art experts have their own set of biases.

I remember when some of them didn't want the Museum of Glass to really carry much glass much to the dismay of visitors who walked away dismayed. The organic nature of Frost Park Chalk Off system would not have allowed that to happen.

Plus, the dynamics of Frost Park Chalk Offs tend to be self correcting.

comments [9]

May. 16, 2008 at 12:12am

Frost Park Today: Chalkies Clash Over Largest Prize Yet

banner by Andrea Trenbeath Lowen

Today : Week 6 : Episode VI

Today is Frost Park Friday Chalk Off to be held at noon in Downtown Tacoma at 9th and Pacific Avenue.

Late last night, I received the below message today from RR Anderson via the City of Tacoma invaluable list serve. Oh my. So much "creativity" packed in a single email.

Frost Park International Chalk District:

after threatening to move our CHALK CHALLENGE NO. 6 to FEDERAL WAY (or worse Tollefson Plaza), the CITY OF TACOMA has "OFFERED" us lucrative,
"INCENTIVES" to STAY THE COURSE at complete expense to YOU the TAX PAYER!

WOOT!!!!!!!

FREE 1-2HR PARKING FOR VISITORS/ARTISTS
TAX HOLIDAY ON ALL CHALK ART CREATED WITHIN 'CHALK DISTRICT'
MATCHING FUNDS ON COLORED CHALK EXPENSES
IMPROVED SIDEWALK SURFACING AND STORM DRAINAGE
INSTALLATION OF ETERNAL FLAME CHALK CHAMPION PUBLIC ART MONUMENT IN FROST PARK
PROLIFIC BACK MASSAGES ADMINISTERED TO ALL CHALK ARTISTS BY CITY COUNCIL/ARTS COMMISSION
AGGRESSIVE BIA SIDEWALK POWER-WASHING BEFORE EVERY CHALK EVENT

Before the dawn of Tacoma's REBIRTH a call-to-action was issued challenging SELF DESCRIBED "artists" to arise in the sucking, open-heart chest wound of Downtown's own LARRY FROST MEMORIAL PARK to compete for the most coveted prize in the world... The title of BEST ILLUSTRATOR IN THE UNIVERSE. For the audacious OF HEART, this is your chance to literally draw upon the publicly funded resources of the City--Literally the City of Tacoma itself is your canvas. WIN A PRIZE(S), COMPLETE DOCUMENTARY PHOTO SATURATION, FAME, GLORY, SUPERFICIAL BUSINESS NETWORKING! AMUSEMENT FOR THE UNINSPIRED CIVILIAN!

So much TEMPORARY PUBLIC FOLK ART not even a NEWSPAPER ARTS COLUMNIST could deny it!

Friday, 12 Noon - 1PM
Larry Frost Memorial Park
9th & Commerce

* * *
PREVIOUS SIDEWALK CHALK CHAMPIONS (by week)

Andrea "LupinGoddess" Trenbeath Lowen
RR Anderson (sponsored by Erik Bjornson Attorney at Law: Military Divorce Specialist)
Life of Elle (sponsored by Puget Sound Pizza)
James Stowe (sponsored by EMBELLISH SALON)
Andrea "LupinGoddess" Trenbeath Lowen (sponsored by THE RED HOT) ALL NEW WINNER
your name here ??

Honorable Mention

Lance "Loves the MM Bridge So Much Why Doesn't He Marry It?" Kagey of Beautiful Angle
Dave L
Laura Hanan

* * *

Corporate Sponsorship

Chalk Challenge No. 6 FREE ONE NIGHT STAY IN LUXURIOUS DOWNTOWN TACOMA CONDO COUPON is made possible through charitable donation by MS. LAURA HANAN & THE BRICK + MORTAR GALLERY.

Your chance to live the life of a VISITING BUSINESS EXECUTIVE and develop some sense of EMPATHY to that UNFORTUNATE LIFESTYLE CHOICE!

SPECIAL BONUS: WINNER will also get tour of MYSTERIOUS 100 YEAR OLD CATACOMBS located deep below DOWNTOWN'S OWN ROWLAND BUILDING. What are the mysterious origins of these tunnels? Contemplate the ancient marble staircase which leads NOWHERE BUT DARKNESS!

Official Rules (for entertainment purposes only)

To get pumped please visit FeedTacoma.com's TACOMA URBANIST.

--

R. Ryan Anderson,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Webmaster @
http://www.holisticforgeworks.com | Detective Agency: (253) 238-6718
++ conscientious objector + media liberator + humorist for hire ++

Lupin's New Battle Art Released:

Art by Andrea Trenbeath Lowen at Unstable Art

Depicted here is Lupin's victory in Episode V with the use of her infamous monster frog, slaying Stowe's android monkey. Very detailed. Amazing really.

Check out the reflections from the light from the jewel embedded in the sword (from Episode IV). Looks like Stowe has some repair work to do.

Gadsby by Andrea Trenbeath Lowen at Unstable Art. An art piece sure to have lots of fans given the subject.

See other Frost Park battle art.

Andrea's illustrations certainly takes the level of Frost Park Battle Art up a few levels, adds continuity to the episodes, and strengthens the Frost Park Chalk Off tradition.

In addition to being great stand alone pieces, they also reference a slew of different artwork, history and themes of Frost Park Chalk Off events. Thanks Andrea!

Battle Art sponsor plug:

Andrea's paintings, sketches and custom jewelry can be found at Feed Tacoma Shops and at her site Unstable Art. Some of her jewelry might look familiar as she wears different pieces on different Chalk Off Episodes. Notably, she wore her bullet necklace in Episode I.

Other Activities at Frost Park

Lunch, conversation, networking, job offers, bubbles, press, politicians, high end urban design discussions led by David Boe and kids activities.

Expected Weather

Currently clear at 12:23 a.m. There is a 0 percent chance of rain. Expected temperature will range from 76 degrees at noon to 82 degrees at 1:00 p.m. and 88 degrees at 2:00 p.m. Water is available at Hal of a Sub directly across from Frost Park on Pacific Avenue.

This Week's Prize - A Night of Luxury and Mystery

(All of this for one hour effort)

And:

The victory of Episode VI will also receive an original signed art "certificate" for the event:

In addition to being the winning coupon, this original art piece is professionally double matted and could be framed. The artistic craft and effort that will be needed to prevail today given the increasingly honed skill of Frost Park Challengers will make the event worth remembering.

Rules for Chalk Art Contest

We are making them up as we go. However, the contest starts at 12:00 noon and ends at 1:00 p.m. There are other rules in the official chalk off rulebook.

Feel free to post any pictures of the chalk art work below in this post or link to pictures or picture sets.

Voting For Chalk Art Submissions

Please vote for your favorite chalk art entry in the comment section below. Explaining why you voted for a particular entry will add considerable context and meaning.

Each person/avatar gets one vote. Votes will be accepted until midnight on Friday after which the winner will be declared. Votes will be accepted starting at 1:00 p.m.

For more information see:

Prize Post

Frost Park Chalk Off Scoreboard (Synopsis of Episodes I - V)

Frost Park Chalk Off Rule Book

Overview of today's event :Frost Park Chalk: Can Lupin Defend Her Title This Time?

See everyone at Frost Park. This is going to be interesting.

comments [105]

May. 15, 2008 at 12:05am

Frost Park Chalk: Can Lupin Defend Her Title This Time?

(This Friday 5/16/2006 is Frost Park Chalk Off at noon at 9th and Pacific Avenue. All are welcome)

Frost Park Flashback: Episode I

In Episode I, the very first chalk off, Andrea, known then only as the Unknown Artist defeated RR Anderson much to his dismay. In a rare insight from RR, he explained:

my friends, i'm not going to spin this one. I had my ass handed to me on a plate this time.

A crushing day for our city of Tacoma cartoonist. Defeated at his own event.

Andrea displaying the now common "chalk gesture" with her winning submission "Horse of a Different Color."

Failing to defend her title of Best Illustrator in the Universe of Tacoma in Episode II, the title was scooped up by RR Anderson.

Having forfeited her initial title of "Best Illustrator in the Universe of Tacoma" after Episode I, Andrea struggled but was unable to prevail again for a month.

The question arose as to whether Lupin, the one time star of Frost Park, had sufficient "game" to ever take the title again.

Indisputably, Andrea has considerable artist skills demonstrated in other mediums. However, could she acclimate to the brutish conditions of Frost Park which contestants like Stowe seemed to thrive?

Andrea's Chalk Tactics at Frost Park: Re-loaded

In addition to employing considerable craft, here's how she appeared to prevail in Episode V:

First, she changed her chalking style. Abandoning her wispy ethereal approach, Andrea employed black chalk (charcoal?) for the first time and solid colors which make for a more striking presentation.

Second, she based her chalk art entry on a strong Tacoma theme, pretty much a necessity for Frost Park entries, and a quality some of her earlier pieces lacked In this case, she took a 72 hour film festival entry and melded it with her artistic strengths making a monster frog of sorts.

Here was Andrea's winning entry in the last Frost Park Challenge:

So stunning was her piece, renowned Tacoma artist Lancy Kagey from Beautiful Angle, and a Chalk Off Contestant was overwhelmed and quickly conceded defeat:

Andrea Trenbeath, The frog. or is that an iguana? gila monster? You are very talented and I graciously bow to your skill. Beautiful.

In all four, challengers ended up voting for her piece in Episode V.

Thus, with Andrea leading the Frost Chalk Challengers, the only participant to have accumulated two wins, and having acclimated to the often brutish chalking conditions, one must ask: Is there any artist in the city of Tacoma with sufficient skill, confidence and valor to defeat her?

We will see.

This Friday:

Episode VI : Week 6: 5/16/2008

Andrea "Lupin Goddess" Trenbeath Lowen

(photograph and art by Andrea Trenbeth Lowen. Website at Unstable Arts)

Versus

Frost Park Challengers. From left to right: Joe Izenmania, Elle, RR Anderson, Andrea “LupinGoddess” Trenbeath Lowen, Dawn, Lance Kagey and Stowe.

AND

Anyone, of any skill level, who would like to try putting chalk to pavement.

There are usually quite a number of chalk pieces lying around. I expect a couple of new people to show up this week and give their shot at the prize. No registration necessary.

There is no faster method to publicly establish one's artistic skill in Tacoma that I know of than to prevail in a chalk off episode.

Sponsor

Laura Hanan from Brick and Mortar Gallery, formally known as the unknown artist in Episode IV. Another first for Frost Park: a contestant becomes a sponsor.

The Prize - A Night of Luxury and Mystery

(All of this for one hour effort)

See everyone at Frost Park this Friday. Bring a friend.

For more information see:

Prize Post

Frost Park Chalk Off Scoreboard (Synopsis of Episodes I - V)

Frost Park Chalk Off Rule Book

comments [14]

May. 15, 2008 at 12:01am

Media Buy Starts Via Volcano For Frost Park Chalk Off

Today, the open source Frost Park Chalk Off event continues to expand.

Today, the first non virtual media buy was made for the event:

The Weekly Volcano

The first media ad buy for Frost Park Chalk Off.

Presumed Ad Sponsor : RR Anderson

Please consider supporting this week's ad sponsor by purchasing one of the products RR Anderson has listed on Feed Tacoma Shops such as

98 Shark-mouth Tracer

Description Green Exterior. 4 door. 4 cyl. Fuel Injection. Automatic Transmission. Frequent oil changes. Clean Interior. Air Bags. Non Sticky. Cold Blooded. Runs True. 100K miles Own a piece of Tacoma history!

Just an ordinary car? Think again. This car, selling for a mere $2,906.66 was driven by our very own Ms. Darcy while she and RR were touring the country:

(The ultra mysterious Ms. Darcy with the car now available)

Commentary: Kudos to RR Anderson for making the first non-virtual ad buy in Tacoma. Although Frost Park Chalk Off has been extensively covered by an uncountable number of blogs and short films, there are many people who still rely heavily on the printed media.

I am going to have to pick up and read the Weekly Volcano more often. They have some good content in their stories as well.

comments [5]

May. 14, 2008 at 12:20am

This Week's Frost Park Prize: Overnight Luxury & Mystery

This Friday is Frost Park Chalk Off Episode VI, the victor of which will receive the highest valued prize to date by a large margin.

Far too often, artists are asked to work for free, on "spec" or discount their work in some manner far more than any other profession. Not this time. Not for the victor of this week's chalk off anyway.

"Our Lady of ChalkaLupe" by Laura Hanan

Sponsor

Laura Hanan from Brick and Mortar Gallery, formally known as the unknown artist in Episode IV. Another first for Frost Park: a contestant becomes a sponsor.

The Prize

The victor of Frost Park Chalk Off Episode VI will enjoy one overnight stay in one of the full furnished luxury condominiums in the Rowland Building 813 Pacific Avenue (adjacent to Paddy Coynes). The condo is used by various corporate executives who visit Tacoma and was listed at one time for nearly $500,000. The property can be leased on VRBO.com.

For the night, the victor will take their rightful place lording over downtown Tacoma a mere block away from Frost Park, the place of their victory. The suite is unparalleled in downtown Tacoma and can be summed up as high tech, hand crafted, spacious luxury.

Pictures Of Frost Park Chalk Off Victor's Suite

Adventure and Mystery Package:

The victor will also enjoy a personalized labyrinth tour of the rarely seen historically restored Rowland Building in the heart of downtown.

The tour will include

- Tour of Brick and Mortar Gallery

- View of portions of the Tacoma Underground, marble staircases leading to nowhere, and remnants of speakeasies (Chinese tunnels?) to the envy of Tacoma historians.

- Tour of the rarely seen underground grand and expansive artist studio.

- View of Illuminati art

Frost Park Trophy

The victory of Episode VI will also receive an original signed art "certificate" for the event:

In addition to being the winning coupon, this original art piece is professionally double matted and could be framed. The artistic craft and effort that will be needed to prevail in Episode VI given the increasingly honed skill of Frost Park Challengers will make the event worth remembering.