We Are the Champions: 20's & 30's Library Advocacy

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Sacramento library inspires Bad Artists

by Ian Moore, published on December 17, 2010 at 11:24 AM

Artists beware: Somebody wants you to dream up the worst art you could possibly make. That is what Wednesday nights’ Bad Art Night event at the Central library was all about. Taking that dream and turning it into a reality.
Bad Art Night was put on by the ALT Library, a program organized by the Sacramento Public Library system.
Bad Art Night was meant to be the creation of art by the creation-less. They wanted nothing good, just the makers to make whatever they could. And at the end, every piece was to be judged, with the winner taking home a prize.
ALT Library was designed for Sacramento readers in their 20s and 30s. They feature events ranging from punk rock pilates to a book club and, coming soon, speed dating for book lovers.
“Typically, There’s a lack of programming or events for that age group,” Said Jessica Zaker, one of the program designers. “We’ve had some events work, and some just flop.”
But they’re trying. Alt Library program is on a trial-and-error basis. Seeing what works and what doesn’t. Bad Art seemed to work, but the turnout was not necessarily what was expected.
Interestingly, the upwards of 15 participants weren’t necessarily in the 20s and 30s age bracket that was expected. It was an all-ages event starting with the youngest artist (with an excess of yarn and a full bottle of glue) being his worst at just 9 years old.
Art materials ranged from ink stamps, acrylics, old wallpaper, glue sticks, markers and anything else that could be cut or glued. There were even canvases available, which were meant to be unique for those who have never before used such materials.
“We like multimedia use here. Those are especially bad,” said Lori Easterwood, another designer of the ALT Library program.
Easterwood, who has been working with the Sacramento Library District for three years, also jokingly noted that “so many people are scarred by bad art teachers in life. This is a way to come to terms with that.”
Though it was only a small event, it was light and transparent for those participating. An hour into its start, just before the final “judgment,” one participant was hesitating at his finished project. There were scissors and art supplies spread around him, and a comment from nowhere came his way, “Yours is too good.”
Someone replied back, “Well, he’s trying to make it worse.”
For information on upcoming ALT Library events, ask your local library branch for a flier or check it out HERE.