Down for the Long Count

Was it only ten years ago that Artica first sprang forth from the banks of the Mississippi? The people's art festival promulgated by Nita Turnage and Hap Phillips sometimes feels like it's always been lurking on the fringes of everyday St. Louis, choosing its own moment to emerge once again from the wild streets of the riverfront. And so it is that this weekend is the appointed moment. Artica 2012: Long Count Serenade takes place from noon to midnight Saturday and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday (October 13 and 14) at the intersection of Lewis and Dickson streets. A host of artists and celebrants opens the proceedings with the traditional Boat of Dreams Parade at 1 p.m. Saturday, at which all are welcome to make a biodegradable boat to bless with a secret dream and then send downriver. After that you wander in the free city of Artica and enjoy the installation art projects and performances. Of special note is the Iron Bird ritual of the Celestial Theatre, and the Incendiary Serenade, a massive spiral maze created by D. Lohr Barkley that is born only to die in flames at dusk. Admission to Artica is free; for more information, visit www.facebook.com/articafest.
Sat., Oct. 13; Sun., Oct. 14, 2012