A confluence of art and unity at Tioga Way in Marblehead
Wilson Lautner saw a need for those 20+ to connect with something bigger than them, but what he couldn’t find was a way, so he did.
Confluence: Unifying Communities Through Public Art is an exhibition that opens on Saturday November 20 and runs through December 4 with an opening reception on Saturday November 27.
“We want to put together something that’s really exciting for the community and raise awareness for this great thing 15 minutes later,” Lautner said.
Hosted by Lautner’s fledgling company, Eternal Events, the exhibit will showcase the work of Beyond Walls, the Lynn-based nonprofit behind the murals that adorn the city to the south. Lautner said he has framed a dozen prints of various murals, which will be displayed in a pop-up space at 10 Tioga Way. There will also be parts for sale, he said.
“I hope people are inspired to go to Lynn, see the murals and experience the food and music there,” he said.
The opening reception on November 27 will run from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. Ticket holders can expect to enjoy live painting, live music, an open bar and silent auction, as well as hearing from Beyond Walls founder Al Wilson and the artist Percy Fortini-Wright.
“The goal of this event is to give Beyond Walls the opportunity to engage a wider audience while providing members of the community with a unique artistic / musical experience while on vacation,” said Lautner. “We try to be as dynamic as possible… the bridge between street art and the gallery.
Secondary goal
The secondary goal was to connect a younger generation with something bigger than themselves, Lautner added. He said he believed Gen Zers wanted to participate and be part of a community, “but they don’t have money for fundraising $ 1,000 per plate.”
The hope is that they will have $ 50 for a ticket to Confluence. Between technology and the pandemic, Lautner said it seems like everything has become very individualized, isolated, and in a less human way. Bringing people together, in person, for a reception in the wake of a pandemic should be compelling, he said.
“It can be powerful and moving to be connected to something beyond ourselves,” Lautner said. “What will be really powerful is that Al will give a presentation on murals, past, present and future, which they are doing now.”
Lynn is so close and such a cultural mecca, Lautner hopes the event will inspire the younger generation to jump on the train or take a ride and visit.
Lautner has always been interested in art and a friend’s brother was involved in the graffiti scene in Lynn, which is how he bonded with Wilson. A fan of Wilson’s work, Lautner said he was happy to try and bring Beyond Walls to a new audience through a literal confluence of oneness.
“It’s human company, art and music,” Lautner said. “We just needed a simple event for people to come together. “
If you are going to
Bent Water Brewing and Lucille’s Wine & Tasting Shop will also participate in the reception. Tickets for the party cost $ 50 each and can be purchased online on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/confluence-unifying-communities-through-public-art-tickets-201806969077?fbclid = IwAR1pvvVnulA2ZOuiaGhOgoeD8Tzc36VgVb619HwwHc.
The exhibit will be open in the former rehearsal space of the Marblehead Children’s Theater, “perfect for a pop-up event”, at 10 Tioga Way, from November 20 to December 4, from 2 pm to 6 pm daily. There is no registration fee, but there is a suggested donation of $ 20 with all proceeds going to Beyond Walls.
