Artica Resurrected

What is Artica? Well, it's reborn, first and foremost. Dormant these past few years, the outdoor gathering of artists, musicians, performers and dreamers returns for Artica 2008: The New World, Come Hell or High Water. Explaining exactly what that means is difficult. Perhaps the closest one can come is the Situationists' idea of psychogeography: Artica exists in the mind only, occupying whatever space the people thinking about it are occupying. Artica is a city within the city, a little pocket universe that's attainable only by going where it is right now. From noon to midnight Saturday and noon to dusk Sunday (October 11 and 12), the citizens of Artica gather at the foot of the Gateway Arch on the St. Louis riverfront. Here they will build their temporary realm of art installations, murals, fire-performers and other surprises. At 5:55 p.m. on Saturday, the World's Biggest Belly Laugh occurs, and it is exactly what it sounds like it would be. At 2 p.m. Sunday, the Articans launch the Boat of Dreams Parade on the river, releasing into the world fancifully made vessels impregnated with the finest dreams. Costumes are welcome in Artica; a sense of wonder is required for all visitors. Admission is free, just like love and friendship. For more information visit articafest.ning.com.
Sat., Oct. 11; Sun., Oct. 12, 2008