"Psychotically stressed out from another Seattle winter?" Lorrie Snyder asked. "Come on down!" Lorrie, Oleana Perry and Jessica Randall want to invite everyone to step inside the Fremont Arts Council (FAC) playhouse, otherwise known as the Powerhouse, at 3940 Fremont Ave. N. At noon on June 21, the FAC will launch the 20th Solstice Parade, but before that can happen they need people to come play and build art with them.PEOPLE-POWEREDAs FAC president, Jessica said without intentional humor, "We decided to do something different this year." The Solstice Parade is always different, but this year Jessica wants "lots and lots of art - and less bureaucracy. We've put most of our budget toward the art, or as much as we can."Encouraging art starts with Lorrie, who, as workshop coordinator, will help direct volunteers. Leading up to the parade she has scheduled classes in areas such as wing making, batik, costume construction and circus arts. Lorrie also coordinates materials and tools for those building floats or outfitting an ensemble.Oleana observed, "It's really amazing - the community building that happens." It will be her job, as volunteer/outreach coordinator, to welcome people into the community. "I've made friends for life out of this," she said.The final promenade of floats and ensembles draw praise, but it is the people who bring the Solstice Parade to Fremont's streets, and anyone can be a part of it.The parade is entirely people-powered. Floats - built on an assortment of wheeled platforms - are pushed by volunteers. Lorrie promised to refurbish every float body the FAC has so that for anyone interested, "there will be floats available." Applicants "have to have a cool idea," to build a float, according to Lorrie, "but it is most important that they walk in the door."If it sounds too simple, it is. Even the parade rules are simple: No firearms, no animals, no motorized vehicles and no written words (or corporate logos). The FAC deliberately keeps it simple to free up artistic expression and to avoid falling back into empty parade conventions.EVERYONE WELCOMEParade building has attracted many families as a positive, bonding experience. However, it has always been a great place for those unattached. The fun, upbeat environment, a little outside the norm, provides opportunities to meet and interact outside of work - and without alcohol. Oleana also wants those with special needs to feel invited and to help bring together "a giant parade for the sun!" she said.Unconventionality defines the Solstice Parade, but Oleana will welcome any traditional drill teams, marching bands and hip-hop dance squads. "We are looking for groups that are drawing a crowd," she explained. "A lot of invitations are going out." Jessica admitted past outreach coordinators have appealed to these groups, but heard concerns over parking and coordination: "It's been hard to get them to commit." She would like to attract more youth groups, especially those who have a message looking for an audience.NOT A SPECTATOR SPORTOleana has already gathered a squad of volunteers to help find volunteers. They will operate a booth at the Fremont Sunday Market and organize a float-building project at the Northwest Folklife Festival. Also, artists will teach costume building at B.F. Day Elementary School, landlord to the FAC. The kids may be invited to join two different ensembles with costumes they've built themselves.Lorrie encourages carpenters and "little, old ladies that know how to sew or weld" to bring in their skills. Anyone who has painted a room can learn to be a scenic painter in an afternoon, she promised.Jessica also promised jobs for those who want to help but need tasks to do quietly and alone, a step outside the dramatic chaos others thrive upon.Volunteers need not have art or crafts skills to get involved, Oleana stressed; all they need to give is a little bit of time. After all, Fremont is not a spectator sport. We all need to make time to play, Lorrie pointed out, while Jessica admitted she has a difficult time convincing people they have the time.The FAC will need donations of materials, as well as time. They'll take spare scissors, paintbrushes, sewing materials and staple guns. This year, they also need old bamboo blinds, snacks for the volunteers. And, as always, money is welcome, too.To help build a parade, contact Oleana, Lorrie or Jessica at 547-7440. The FAC website at www.fremontartscouncil.org has information, or contact Oleana by e-mail at volunteer@fremontartscouncil.org. Of course, the best way to find out what is going on is to stop by the FAC playhouse at 3940 Fremont Ave. N., to either check out the community bulletin board or simply lend a hand.Kirby Lindsay welcomes your comments at fremont@oz.net.[[In-content Ad]]
