The Whole World's An Easel: August 2015

Art is flowing through Appleton! Mile of Music was a weekend for the record books, filled with talented artists and musicians to spare.

Mile of Music is a handcrafted artisan festival held in the great city of Appleton, Wisconsin. This year, Mile 3, featured 200 original artist performing over 800 shows and was attended by over 50,000 people! I was one of them and these are the highlights from my weekend in one great place.

In my personal opinion the BEST part of Mile 3 was the Feather and Bone gallery "Houdini in Art". This was the second year that Feather and Bone put on a pop-up gallery just for The Mile. Thirty or so artists were chosen to display artwork inspired by native Appletonian Harry Houdini. I was honored to be one of these artists. It was one of the first times I've had my artwork displayed and I was honored to grace the walls with many a talented artist.

Photo by: Graham Washatka

Pardon my face

The gallery also was home to some talented gents. Henry from "Henry's Like New Buff & Shine" brought some old world charm to the space. He was there daily shining shoes and looking dapper. He's a former student of mine which made it extra special to see a talented young entrepreneur enjoying local art.

My husband getting a quick shine

Setting up a photo studio in the upstairs part of the gallery was the ever talented Dave Jackson of "Jackson&Co". All Mile long, Dave and his ever so handsome producer (my husband) Adam offered professional portraits for all the musicians performing at Mile of Music. I had the pleasure of observing Dave and Adam as they created stunning photographs. Plus I got to meet musicians!

In the studio with Swear & Shake

In the studio with Hello Death

In the studio with Chris Gold and The New Old Things

(yes that is my husband. He's the drummer!)

Extra special pop-up performance from Suitcase Junket

I also had the honor to help set up both the gallery and Dave's photo space. I guess our mile was a little longer :)

Photo by: Graham Washatka

One 10 ft. carnival barker in the entry space: CHECK

One "Come One, Come All" window in the entry space: CHECK

One sandwich board for street advertising: CHECK

As you can see my weekend (and longer) was FILLED with art of all fashions, which for an art teacher is basically a dream. But what about the music? It was Mile of Music after all. There was definitely plenty of that! College Ave (where the Mile took place) was packed everyday, even in the rain. As you navigated through the crowd you could feel the excitement and hear the music. There were many great performers but here are a few that I got to see and enjoy;

The Crane Wives a personal favorite of mine! The Crane Wives are from Grand Rapids, Michigan and they kill the crowds with indie-folk-rock.

North by North from Chicago, Illinois filled the space with intricately written songs. They tore the roof off the place!

Chris Gold and The New Old Things from Appleton, Wisconsin. With a lead singer that was known as "the marathon man" during the festival for playing a whopping 18 shows during Mile 3, this band was on everyones must see list! With my husband being the drummer I've seen this band many a time, but I just can't get enough. They play some darn good tunes my friends.

Porky's Groove Machine from Appleton, Wisconsin. I dare you not to move to their big band, funky style.

Hello Death from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This quartet will fill your soul with haunting melodies and you'll love it.

Corey Chisel and the Wandering Sons from Appleton, Wisconsin. A local legend, Cory was crucial in handcrafting the passed three Mile of Music festivals. He filled every venue he played and everyone left feeling a little better about life. Thanks to Cory for all the hard work you put in to making Mile 3 so successful.

Other amazing artists (not pictured) that I had the pleasure of seeing included;

-Swear and Shake from Nashville, Tennessee. These guys (and lady) have played with some big names and it's no wonder why. Their songs make everyone stop and listen

-Suitcase Junket from Amherst, Massachusetts. My dear god this man knows how to play a tune. He just a man with a microphone, a junk-set and whole load of talent. His songs gave me chills they were so good.

So all and all, Mile of Music was well....AMAZING!!! We all had so much fun and can't wait till next year's "Mile 4". If you are feeling a little jealous and would like to join next year, mark your calendars!