2022
FESTO FEST was a festival of manifestos. Public and personal ‘festos from 52 artists and others were displayed on the walls of Northern-Southern gallery, January 7–8, 2022.
Festo Fest was organized by Suzanne Wyss, Ann Armstrong, and Phillip Niemeyer.
Parcipants:
Adreon Henry
Alex Keller
Alicia Philley
Alyssa Taylor Wendt Ann Armstrong Annette D Carlozzi Audrey Molloy Barbara Purcell Barry Stone
Bryan Metzdorf
Chad Rea
Charles Heppner Christina Moser Christopher Lee Kennedy Christos Pathiakis
Darcie Book
Del Wieding
Emma C Schmidt
Emma Hadzi Antich
Eric Brehm
Given McClure de Sanchez Goodluckhavefun
Hallie Rae Ward
Hannah Cole
Henry Smith
Igor Siddiqui
Jerome Pelitera Josh Rosen Jules Buck Jones Juliet Whitsett Liz Rodda
Lydia Garcia Madeline Irvine Marcie Walker Meredith Miller Michael Hambouz Naomi Schlinke Nicole Sara Simpkins Oliva Iris
Owòlabi Aboyade & Bridget Frances Quinn Patrick Wyss
Phillip Niemeyer
Preetal Shah
Seth Daulton
Sono Osato
Sonya Gonzales Spencer Cook Stella Alesi Suzanne Wyss
Ted Carey
Vanessa Gelvin Wayne Alan Brenner
On ‘Festos:
The word “manifesto” formally came into the English language in the early 1600’s, via Italy, with its roots in the Latin word “manifestus,” meaning: clearly visible, public, conspicuous. Artist manifestos weren’t formally documented until the mid 1800’s. Festo Fest had its beginnings more recently. It grew out of a chance conversation between Phillip Niemeyer, Suzanne Wyss, and Ann Armstrong at a Co-Lab opening this past fall. The dialogue began around the topic of a land ethic and then veered into how intention setting often leads to manifestation.
Manifestos can reflect who you are and what you believe historically, and/or foreshadow what you want to become/embody/see in the world. Writing one is a way to get into your head and clarify your own musings. And then—it’s also nice to get out of your head and read other’s manifestations.
We like to think the further you put your manifesto out there (i.e. on a wall at Festo Fest) the more likely you are to embody, act on, or realize your festo.
Many thanks to all those who shared theirs!
— Ann Armstrong