Each year the Big Art Party, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art’s signature event is a blast. This year is going to be no exception! Hosted on Saturday, October 5th, there is plenty of excitement at Greensburg’s biggest party! Here’s 5 reasons why you need to attend that party of the year!
Go back to the 60s
Peace. Love. Art. This year the Big Art Party is traveling back in time to the 60s! In celebration of their current exhibition, Era of Cool: The Art of John Van Hamersveld, the party will be based around this beautiful exhibit.
Over the course of his 50-year career, multidisciplinary pop artist John Van Hamersveld has created influential and instantly recognizable graphic design. Early in his career, he created the legendary Endless Summer poster to advertise the 1966 film of the same name. Thus began a career in graphic design that found him immersed in the world of rock and roll as Art Director for Capitol Records Distribution Company. During the 1960s and 1970s he designed such iconic album covers as the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour, The Grateful Dead Skeletons in the Closet, the Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street, and concert posters for artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Bob Dylan and many others.
Era of Cool will include a selection of Van Hamersveld’s album covers, poster designs, drawings, mural designs, photography and paintings. (via The Westmoreland)
Eat all the food
THE FOOD! Every year the Big Art Party never disappoints with the delicious lite bites, signature cocktails, cash bar and specialty items they have available to party goers. This year will be no exception with selections from Sun Dawg Cafe, Elegant Catering, & French Express Food, most of the hors d’oeuvres will be 60’s themed with a modern flair like, beet dyed deviled eggs , Swedish meatballs and cocktail Frank’s. Not only that but they’ll have Brain Freeze Liquid Nitro Cocktail Bar and Spherical Meltdown Desserts by Bella Christie and Lil’ Z’s Sweet Boutique! If that doesn’t convince you that you need to snag a ticket, we don’t know what will!
Silent Disco
You might not have heard of a Silent Disco, but guess what, it is awesome and we’re so excited that it’s back at the Big Art Party! In short, a silent disco is an event where you put on a special pair of noise-canceling headphones and gather with others who have done the same. Then, as individuals, you can tune into one or multiple channels of sound, while simultaneously and indirectly combining energies with those around you. This results in a lot of singing and dancing like no one’s watching, and letting your freak flag fly. To further illustrate, picture two DJs spinning, but without the speaker setup. The floor is filled with people, all with headphones. Experience it this year in the McKenna Gallery in front of the Chihuly Chandelier and Aquarius Dance Floor !
Live Music
Another big reason to attend the Big Art Party is the live music. Every year The Westmoreland chooses amazing local and regional artists to keep the party going all night! This year jam to R&B-flavored funk rock from Them Vibes and dance the night away!
The Outfits
Each year, seeing the outfits guests wear to go along with the theme is always so much fun! This year will be over the top with ratted-up beehives, psychedelic threads, & bold ’60s inspired fashion. So hit up local thrift stores, your closet or your parent’s garage to find those bright colored pieces or throw on some fun cocktail attire!
Proceeds from the Big Art Party support The Westmoreland’s exhibition and education programs. They work tirelessly throughout the year to bring exhibitions, events, talks and community days to encourage people from all over to visit The Westmoreland and experience American art.
