In 2021, ArtFul Visual Arts Initiative was a new non-profit in town with a mission to help artists go to school, create collections
and finally, to coordinate public art events.
The first event in 2021was the successful BowWOW Art Dog project, where full-size fiberglass painted dogs could be found in over 20 places around town. This event raised $90,000 and was able to not only fund ArtFul, but also help ROAR and The Ridgefield Guild of Artist as co-beneficiaries.
This spring, ArtFul Visual Arts Initiative is proud to present the “KICKS Public Art Event” (KPAE) brought to you by Ridgefield Running Company which will place large fiberglass sneakers – ranging in size from 1.5 feet to a whopping 6 feet tall throughout town.
Ridgefield Running Company, owned and operated by Megan Searfoss, has stepped up to be the title sponsor for the KPAE. “This event celebrates Ridgefield’s love for the arts and movement,” says Searfoss.
Local businesses will have the opportunity to sponsor at various levels and then interested artists will personalize the blank shoes with their own creative interpretation. So far, the response to the KICKS campaign has been overwhelmingly positive.
Decorated KICKS sneaker sculptures will be on display through mid-September. The sneakers will be auctioned off at the end of the campaign with the net proceeds to benefit ArtFul Visual Arts Initiative, as well as KICKS for Kids, a non-profit that provides running shoes and athletic wear to student athletes in underserved school districts.
The first few sculptures are scheduled to start appearing around town this May, coinciding with RRC’s annual Run Like A Mother Event on May 12th. In keeping with the theme of unity the community, 068 Magazine, as one of the top-level sponsors of the KICKS Public Art Event, will have their “Art Makes the Heart Soar” sneaker in Ballard Park and invites the public to add their own creative mark.
RRC employee Tharini Pande has volunteered her talent to paint a sneaker. “As a runner myself, participating in the KICKS Public Art Event was instinctual because RRC’s core values very much align with my own,” says Tharini.
The youngest local artist so far is Alexander Shattan, who creates customized (real-sized) sneakers with his street-style inspired doodle art says this is by far the biggest shoe he’s worked on. “When I was a kid, I had a teacher who believed in me as an artist, so I feel like I am contributing my talent to a cause that’s helping upcoming artists in the same way,” says Alex.
There are still opportunities for businesses and individuals to become sponsors and for artists to get involved. For more information, please visit www.artfulgives.org. •
