Stir Q&A: Eastside Culture Crawl's Esther Rausenberg on coffee, the crow mascot, and streets full of arts lovers
The Eastside Art Society’s artistic and executive director describes the moment the fest starts as “surreal and exhilarating”
Esther Rausenberg. Photo by Adam P.W. Smith
Esther Rausenberg, Impressionistic Cubism - Homage to Cezanne #8
Eastside Arts Society presents Eastside Culture Crawl from November 17 to 20 at various venues
AFTER THE WEIRDNESS that the pandemic imposed on arts events, Eastside Arts Society artistic and executive director Esther Rausenberg could not be happier that the 2022 Eastside Culture Crawl is back to its “classic” format: hundreds of artists opening up their studios for people to drop in over the course of four days. Here are some tips and insights from Rausenberg, a contemporary photo-based artist, on what to expect and look forward to this year.
So many artists to choose from! Where to start? Would you recommend plotting out a route in advance or winging it?
I always say start out with a route and be prepared to get distracted. There’s always something that catches the corner of your eye and before you know it you are down a rabbit hole, in a studio that wasn’t on your list. It’s all part of the experience of discovery.
Check out our website. It’s a fabulous resource for everyone. You can review artists by mediums and most artists have photos of current work.
Any common misperceptions about the Crawl you'd like to clear up?
Absolutely.
1. It doesn’t always rain, but sometimes it does snow. However, bring the umbrella and remember it’s only water.
2. 1000 Parker isn’t always crowded; try Thursday night.
3. It’s safe walking around the Eastside Arts District.
What does a day in the life of Esther Rausenberg during the fest look like?
Coordinating an event of this scale that is free and has no tickets and no RSVPs is a bit like closing your eyes and taking a plunge into water, hoping you will come up for air. It’s even more stressful after the last two years where we had COVID-19 restrictions.
Our team is usually at Parker Street [Studios] where we have a space to coordinate volunteers. We usually are waiting for the 5 pm opening on Thursday evening, when suddenly as if an apparition, hundreds of people start coming from every direction and before you know it the buildings and streets are full of art lovers. It’s a bit surreal and exhilarating at the same time.
Sometimes there are really early morning TV interviews. So not only do you have to be awake, but you need to look like you didn’t just roll out of bed. Some nights can go quite late… but it’s not work at that point.
Coffee, coffee, and more coffee seems to be the fuel that gets me going and keeps me going.
I spend much of the Crawl trying to get around to as many studios as I can. I’m dealing with the unmentionable “situations” that arise every year. You never know who will show up and want to do who knows what. The last two years we spent a great deal of time ensuring that both artists and the public were safe and we were concerned some attendees might not adhere to the public safety rules such as vaccine passports. Turned out not to be an issue for us. We have gracious guests.
Have any common themes emerged among this year's artworks?
From what I have experienced so far, I am seeing lots of new directions for artists. Seems like many artists have had time to reflect on their art practice and have experimented with new applications. Some exciting new directions.
It’s great to see so many artists participating, and so many excited about the possibilities of engaging with the public. It’s a vital part of creating art; getting feedback and responses. I love the energy and enthusiasm of the public as they discover the art.
Any kooky stories from past Crawls you care to share?
At some point when we were deliberating what a good mascot for the Crawl was we came up with a cockroach. Clearly the crow won out. Those were our rather wild and irreverent days. LOL.
Anything else you’d like people to know?
Get out to some of the smaller studios; it’s definitely worth the effort. There are many craft breweries and great restaurants in the area, so you don’t have to go far to enjoy art, refreshments, and food. Plan an evening and/or day of art.
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