Kansas Statehood Speakers Bureau

Great news from the Kansas Humanities Council today: 

 

Dear Erika,

The Kansas Humanities Council is delighted to inform you that your topics, Big Ideas and A Look Inside Outsider and Folk Art have been chosen for the Kansas 150 Speakers Bureau (2010-2011 catalog).  

 

Yay!  The first topic addresses the inspiration behind the building of very large sculptures in the public realm, while the second does exactly what it says:  looks inside the world of Outsider (untrained) Art in Kansas. 

 

Glad to be a continuing part of telling the stories of Kansas!

 

Cool Kitsch

Odd attractions that dot our roadsides are true Americana
By RYAN E. SMITH
BLADE STAFF WRITER

The end of summer is upon us and with it the prime season for road-tripping. That doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to the best part of some roadside attractions: the kitsch.

Giant statues of French waiters have no problem standing tall as the fall colors appear, and if a 50-foot-long green dinosaur could survive extinction, it probably can weather an Ohio winter. No matter what time of year it is, these pieces of Americana are hard to miss.

 

Read the rest at the Toledo Blade: http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090913/ART16/909139989/-1/ART06

Wow!

Ever have one of those months (or two) where the projects are piled up, you put your head down, and just power through?  Stressful, eh?  Well, I just realized that's what July and August has been.  It became evident today when I stopped making a list of things that HAD to be done, and it transitioned to things I WANT to get done.  See the difference?  There's a new breath of inspiration and innovation afoot.  No, it won't be easy, but people have been showing their support for what we do, projects have been re-defining and resolving themselves, and new partnerships and opportunities are ripening.

 

What a beautiful world - almost as beautiful as the above-posted World of Bacon, an actual constructed and photographed environment from artist Carl for an ad for Negroni:

 

http://adsoftheworld.com/files/images/negroniWATERFALL.jpg

 

Thanks for your support, friends, fans, and WLT Members.  Big Little Big things are comin'!

Seeking the World’s Biggest Meatball? Try Mexico.

MEXICO CITY — If Guinness World Records ever creates a category for the country most obsessed with being in the Guinness book of world records, Mexico will surely be in the running.

 

Yes, Mexicans take their records seriously. Days after the "Thriller" event, mariachi musicians gathered in Guadalajara, where their traditional form of music first began, to beat the record for the most mariachi musicians ever gathered in one place. In all, 549 horn blowers, bassists and violinists turned out in suits and sombreros at the International Mariachi Festival, playing the classics "Cielito Lindo" and "Guadalajara."

 

Read the whole story here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/08/world/americas/08records.html?_r=2&hp

 

New Member Packets - going out today.

Wow! Whatta response! Sending out Member Packets to NY, Chicago, LA CA, Lucas and Salina and Overland Park KS, and Guthrie Center IA.

WLT Member at Balsa Man with the WSVoWLCoWSVoWLT

In a wonderful example of Big Ideas Writ Small (this year's theme for the Balsa Man event, held Sept. 5th in California), WLT Members and Fans spotted the World's Smallest Version of the World's Largest Collection of the Worlds Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things Traveling Roadside Attraction and Museum on the Balsa Man Playa.

See more happenings at the Balsa Man site and blog:

http://balsaman.org/blog/

Grant Writin' Time

The receipt of the Black Pebble Arts Foundation Mini Grant rekindled the fires under our collective grant-writing kiesters. Currently researching and prioritizing upcoming grant opportunities, both nationally and within Kansas. Please, forward anything you think may apply to future WLT Inc. Doin's.

Frustration and Longing for a Pre-Computer World

Interwebz taking a Labor Day Holiday? After a 24-hour non-connectivitiy period, finally got the first part of September columns to area newspapers. Oh, how things stack up... Apologies from the slackers at WLT Inc.

From the Scottish Sun: THE world's biggest bottle of whisky will be unveiled today - and turned miniature

Dru McPherson and Mike Drury made the monster malt to put the village of Tomintoul, Banffshire, on the map.

The giant 1½metre bottle holds 105.3 litres of 14-year-old Tomintoul single malt.

A German glassmaker created the 7mm thick pyrex bottle, and a massive cork was specially made to fit.

Dru will display it in his Clockhouse Restaurant, while whisky shop boss Mike will sell normal-size replicas.

Dru, 47, said: "They will look like miniatures by comparison." He added: "The hardest part was watching the giant cork hammered in - we were dreading the noise of smashing glass."

Local MP Angus Robertson will unveil the record-breaker in the village today.

From the Email Inbox: W.L. Elevated Tank, San Diego CA

An information request from a WLT Member:

 

I mentioned to you a water tower in my neighborhood of North Park - San Diego, CA and how I had seen a historic photo of it claiming to be the world largest elevated tank. You said you knew someone who might be able to confirm this. Can you help me out here?

I have attached that photo from 1924.  The sign in the photo reads:

"Bottom for largest elevated tank in the world

Diameter 54 feet

Height 128 feet

Capy. 1200000 gals

San Diego, Calif."

Some additional info:  Contractor was the Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steel Company, Tank is supported 50 feet above ground, Height of tank is 52 feet, Height from foundation to the overflow cap is 127.5 feet, When fully loaded the tank held approximately 5000 tons of water, Steel structural plates weighed 400 tons

Source: North Park: A San Diego Urban Village 1896-1946, Donald P. Covington, Hon Consulting Inc. 2007

I have also attached a photo of how it stands today, one of it in the context of the neighborhood and one of me dressed in my water tower costume in last year's Christmas parade.

Thanks again for creating such a wonderful collection!   V.

Big Fish Supper Club, Bena MN - Restoration in progress

 

And just in time, too - this monument was listed on the Society for Commercial Archeology's Top Ten Most Endangered Sites list, as well as a partner listing with the Minnesota State Historical Society.  We'll keep you posted on progress, as there may just be a WLT Inc. Advisor involved in the gussying up of the Big Fish Supper Club.

Giant Tucson Tiki unveiled in historic event August 29!

GIANT TUCSON ICON UNVEILED IN HISTORIC EVENT AUGUST 29!

Tucson, Arizona- The giant  three story TIKI head from the closed Magic Carpet Golf property in Tucson has been totally resurrected and a major unveiling celebration event is scheduled August 29, 2009 at its new home The Hut on 4^th Ave.   Engineering, planning, crane removal, trucking, new structural base creation and the artistic design and creation of a totally new base, has taken over 18 months to complete along with "Save The Tiki" fundraising to finance the complicated process.

The TIKI (Moai) STONE FACE is the creation of the late Lee Koplin of miniature golf fame and was fabricated by Mike Kautza who was an employee of Mr. Koplin at the time almost 40 years ago. The entirely new artistic part of the base of the three-story sculpture was designed and fabricated by Tom Prevatt, a local artist from Amado, AZ. It has been a combined effort of a number of local companies: Galileo Construction, Division 2 Construction, Broderick Engineers, Parson Steel Erectors, Marcos Crane, Caid Industries, Lanning Architects and of course The Hut to make this possible. 

The planned fundraising event for this Saturday August 29 will be historic and large numbers of Tucsonans are expected to attend as well as Tiki lovers from around the nation. One of the largest international Tiki conventions (http://www.tikioasis.com) was held recently in San Diego, CA and two of the conventions' bands headlining The Hut dedication, The Martini Kings and the Del Reys, will be bringing their fans with them. The web site: http://www.tikicentral with over 250,000 members from around the world has publicized the happening on their web site.

Flam Chen, an internationally known Tucson based pyrotechnic theater troupe, combine with Chaz Cadaver and the music group The Mission Creeps to create a unique presentation unlike any seen before. The music for the performance "Nightmare on Tiki Island" (fun spoof) will be heard as FIRE comes out the Giant Tiki Head with a large video backdrop as Flam Chen performs.  This will be the main event scheduled for nightfall (7:50 PM). >From 4:00 PM until 2:00 AM there will be a total of 18 bands performing on three stages throughout the evening.

The Magic Carpet miniature golf at 6125 E. Speedway was a Tucson icon for over 40 years until its closure in December of 2007. The giant Tiki ( STONE FACE) was the most popular of all the unique sculptures in the park and it is estimated that over 200,00 visitors enjoyed its presence. The statue was featured in Sven Kirsten's TIKI MODERN book in 2008. He is the author of THE BOOK OF TIKI considered the best reference material on the subject.

Community support and the efforts of The Hut operators Fini Finical and Scott Mencke and their fundraising events helped by Tucson's Valley of the Moon, have made it possible for future generations to enjoy this gentle giant. Now the tallest structure on 4^th Ave., it is sure to become a tourist magnet in the future.

The event will be held Saturday, August 29, at The Hut, 305 N. 4^th Ave., Tucson, AZ from 4:00 PM until 2:00 AM.  < huttucson.com > There is a cover charge of $15 and visitors must be over 21. This charge is to help recover the substantial expenses for the Tiki's relocation and resurrection of downtown Tucson's newest icon.

WLCoWSVoWLT Sideshow Banner unveiled TONIGHT

...at the Lincoln Art Center, Lincoln KS.  It's part of a canvas show, with gallery talk and reception 5-7 p.m. tonight.  C'mon by and see it!  Up through September 16th.

Balsa Man! Sept. 5th, SF CA

 

Just sent off the Worlds Smallest Version of the World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things Traveling Roadside Attraction and Museum to be a part of Balsa Man 2009 - Big Dreams Writ Small.  Find out all the facts and fun here:

 

http://balsaman.org/

 

From the Email Inbox: W.L. Soup Kettle, Laona WI

Community Soup?  COMMUNITY SOUP!  August 1st... Must investigate.  I see cackling being involved...

FINALLY - Summer "Big Idea" at the Post Office

... yes, it's been hectic, so we're catching up. BUT, WLT Members and fans, the Summer issue of Big Idea is now at the Post Office, ready to go out with tomorrows mail. Yay! And, thank you for your patience.

Mini Art Grant Awarded!

We are VERY happy to have received a mini-art grant from the Black Pebble Arts Foundation for participation sponsorship in Balsa Man 2009, coming up Sept. 5.

 

http://balsaman.org/2009/08/tiny-art-grant-the-world%E2%80%99s-smallest-version-of-the-world%E2%80%99s-largest-collection-of-the-world%E2%80%99s-smallest-versions-of-the-world%E2%80%99s-largest-things/

 

St. Jo MO Trails West! project

 

Whew!  Double-sided mural, done over the Trails West! Weekend festival in St. Joseph Missouri.  One side of the movable mural featured postcard scenes relating to St. Jo MO, while the other side featured a more free-form, flowing design which evolved from the area artists themselves.  We're uploading images to the WLT Photo Blog on Flickr:

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldslargestthings/

Dodge City Talk and Discovery

Yet another great time, talking about Outsider Art in Kansas through the Kansas Humanities Council.  This time, in Dodge City.

 

AND, while perusing the historic photos at the library, spotted a wonderful dual-sundial installation.  Mountain and Central Time used to split here, and the town erected a sundial for each, side-by-side.  The restored version is now located by the Depot, even though the split moved over to the state line...

Another great lecture day!

Wonderful talk with the Park City (KS) folks - it was a return visit, after they enjoyed the World's Largest Things lecture last year.  This one was "Inside Outsider Art", which crosses over nicely with World's Largest Things and Art Cars.

 

These are booked through the Kansas Humanities Council, and we're hoping to be included in the next season with some related topics...

http://www.worldslargestthings.com/scheduleavisit.htm

 

Thanks, Park City, for the second visit opportunity!

 

-EN

WLCoWSVoWLT Sideshow Banner

 

We've been working on a WLT Sideshow Banner for the first part of August, and delivered it today.  It'll be a part of the "Against the Grain" canvas show at the Lincoln (KS) Art Center, August 28 - October 16th.  Join us for the opening hoo-ha August 28th, 5-7 p.m., and take a gander at the banner with your very own eyes.  Or, check out the Flickr photo blog for a few detail shots:

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldslargestthings/sets/72157622021008578/

 

It's sparked a whole 'nother throught process, for a portable version of the WLCoWSVoWLT, Sideshow-style...

World's Largest Cupcake CHALLENGER!

New World's Largest Cupcake being planned - and you can follow it on Twitter!

 

 

See the whole story on the Baking Bites website:

 

http://bakingbites.com/2009/08/follow-the-quest-to-bake-the-worlds-largest-cupcake/

Tiny Arts Grants for Balsa Man 2009

Today, WLT Inc. sent off our donation to the Black Pebble Arts Foundation, as well as applying for a Tiny Art Grant in support of our contribution to the event, scheduled to happen September 5th on Baker Beach.  This is a call to all Art Car Artists to send in a replica (to Balsa Man, man!) of their Art Car, and be a part of the Art Car Camp.  You will have to register with the Division of Miniature Vehicles, but I'll keep you posted as to other requirements to be a part of this mini-mega event.

 

 

World's Largest Meatball, Cancun Mexico

As a promo for an upcoming film "Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs", Sony Pictures produced the World's Largest Meatball.  The Guinness-certified Meatball was created by Ritz Carlton hotel executive chef Rainer Zingrebe on August 4th, 2009.  It weighed in at 109 pounds.  The pool of the Ritz Carlton was decorated with replica giant meatballs and floating plates of spaghetti, along with a giant slice of pizza, large donut, and an ear of corn.

 

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a computer-animated parody film produced by Sony Pictures Animation and distributed by Columbia Pictures. It is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 18, 2009 (also in 3D) and is inspired by the children's book of the same name by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett. The film features the voices of Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Bruce Campbell, James Caan, Mr. T, Benjamin Bratt, Neil Patrick Harris, Al Roker, and many more known personalities.

 

Community invited to be part of World’s Largest Things “movable mural” celebrating Northwest Missouri’s culture and heritage

New art-on-site project at Trails West!® Festival, Aug. 21-23, Civic Center Park, St. Joseph, Mo.

ST. JOSEPH, MO. — You and your family are invited to be part of an enormous piece of art, way too big to hang on the fridge – and a lot more exciting.

Now celebrating its 17^th year, the Trails West! ^®  arts festival, Aug. 21-23, St. Joseph, Mo., will feature the creation of a very large movable mural. The mural will be facilitated by professional artist Erika Nelson, the national artist, author and roadside art expert who created The World's Largest Things, Inc., a traveling roadside art museum through the Kansas Arts Commission "Arts on Tour" program. (www.worldslargestthings.com)

The mural created at Trails West!® will feature images from the community's past and present. The "canvas" is a series of doors, hinged together accordion style. Guests at Trails West!® are invited to watch the art unfold, and be part of it by adding their own images.

"Being part of the World's Largest Things project means we will create a one-of-a-kind showcase of St. Joseph's unique cultural heritage," says Martha Greer, Fine Art Committee Chair, Trails West!® 2009. "It will be huge. It will be beautiful. And it helps tell all of our stories."

Volunteers interested in being part of the project are invited to meet at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, at the festival grounds at Civic Center Park, St. Joseph, Mo. Shifts are available throughout the weekend. Art supplies will be provided, but participants are also welcome to bring their own. For more information, contact Martha Greer, Fine Arts Coordinator, Trails West!®, by email at mgreer5@missouriwestern.edu or call 816-271-4121.

Now in its 17^th year, Trails West!® will offer main stage musical acts including a nationally-acclaimed blues/rock guitarist who regularly plays with legends (Clapton, anyone?); an Academy of Country Music's Top New Male Artist;  and a multi-platinum 80s rock band.  Throughout the weekend, enjoy outstanding Midwestern fine artists and crafters, non-stop family entertainment and tantalizing food, August 21-23rd, 2009, at Civic Center Park in historic downtown St. Joseph – for admission of about $2 a day.

         Trails West!® is an arts festival celebrating the unique cultural heritage of St. Joseph. A program of the Allied Arts Council, the festival is coordinated by a volunteer steering committee, and receives financial assistance from the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of St. Joseph, Buchanan County Commission, and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. For more information, visit http://www.stjoearts.org/trails_west.htm.

Erika Nelson is a visionary artist, educator and one of America's foremost experts and speakers on the World's Largest Things. She is a national researcher and speaker on Grassroots Art environments, Roadside Attractions and Architecture, and the World's Largest Things. Nelson is also the founder and curator of a unique and innovative traveling roadside attraction and museum called "The World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things."

Wallace Keller, Mt. Horeb Wisconsin, passed away August 4th 2009.

We found out through comments on an earlier post featuring this wonderful World's Largest Things creator:

http://worldslargestthings.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-love-my-job-morning-call-from.html

 

Wallace Keller, 79, was mowing when his tractor turned over and caught fire.  His brother rescued him, and Wally was air-lifted to a hospital, where he passed away.  His family and friends have been posting remembrances both online and on the WLT Director's FaceBook posting, and Wally and his creations will be sorely missed by the Roadside community.

 

-Erika Nelson, Director

World's Largest Things, Inc.

 

August WWLW to Papers

We're soooo happy to have a new set of sources for WWLW columns, with Canada and Australia documentation. And, more countries are jumping on the "Bigger is Better" bandwagon, so we're featuring a more global set of 'things' this year... And, as always, Members get WWLW in their Email Inboxes weekely (or, bi-weekly during the busy season - we need to get back on the ball between mega-projects!)

-EN

Summer "Big Idea" to the presses

...and being shipped to our Home Base in the next few days. Give us a chance to cull the address list (cutbacks abound...) and you should have your own issue, dear members, in a week or so. Here's to the next Big Idea!

Red Apple Restaurant St. Jo 1926