About Flowstate Art Collective:
Flowstate Art Show
How We Started
Flowstate's origins trace back to 2021, with a solo exhibit in a local business, a large live painting, a musician, a poet, a DJ, an open mic, and a bunch of plants.
Having just been in the beginning of her art career, the idea of adding performance art and expanding the community of people Alexandra worked with seemed like only a daydream amongst friends.
Fast Forward to January 2024
The First Flowstate Art Show
Encouraged by a friend and fellow artist to create their own event, the first Flowstate art show was created with fellow artist, George Nickels, and three musicians at a different local business. Featuring a collection of work from both artists, and a fun improvisational performance from Caleb Kulhanek and two other musicians, the show aimed to brighten up the winter months and encourage connection within the community.
Alexandra experimented with sculpture and aesthetic lighting to create a more immersive show, but it became clear that a bigger and more varied team of creators was needed to accomplish her vision.
Flowstate 2: For the Animals
July 2024 - Wicked Willow Cafe
Building an Experience for the Communithy
Flowstate 2: For the Animals tripled in size. Artists across genres took a chance on a new project and collaborated, combined resources, and shared their skills to create a community building experience at Wicked Willow Cafe. Creators told a story about their relationship with animals and nature with themes of life, death, and rebirth. The event featured live music, live painting, art on display, and interactive activities that brought together the community in Central Wisconsin.
Interactive Installations
Interactive Mural by Barnplotter
Using coding and projection mapping, Flowstate artist Barnplotter created an interactive mural installation. When motion was detected, the leaves of the tree would flutter. Swiping your hand across the wall would trigger the death and rebirth of the tree.
Creative Collaboration
Collaborative Art
Collaboration can be intimidating and sometimes discouraging. Many artists of Flowstate 2: For the Animals had never collaborated before. Artists contributed to small collaborative art pieces including an origami door hanging and a multi-panel art piece on paper. Both pieces were auctioned in a silent auction for the Portage County Humane Society. Collaborative projects allowed us to learn how to work together and explore new art genres by learning from one another.
First Time Performances
Our Favorite DJ, R3N3
Some artists were performing solo for the first time. DJ R3N3 lifted the mood into the evening hours by turning the late night vibes into a joyful experience full of dancing.
Community Based Art
Spray Paint Installation by Kiba Freeman Art
Local artist, Kiba Freeman, set up a spray paint station at Flowstate 2: For the Animals, allowing people of all ages in the community to make their mark and be creative. Kiba Freeman is known for his spray painted murals and art in the local Stevens Point community.
Flowstate III: Haunt & Hues
Introducing Performance Art
Flow arts by Cloud Nine Fire Show
Flowstate III: Haunt & Hues marked the beginning of our collective's inclusion of performance arts. Cloud Nine Fire Arts joined the team, and blew us all away. Dancing with LED props including hula hoops, sunwheels, staffs, and isis wings, Cloud Nine inspired us all with their performance.
Surreal Macabre Art by UneasyViewing
Artist Vendors
Flowstate III included returning artists from Flowstate 2, including UneasyViewing, who specializes in surrealist art. Artists were given more space to sell their work, learning from one another about how to create an effective and stunning display in the process.
Continued Collaboration
R3N3, Cloud Nine, and Barnplotter
Collaborations continued and intensified as the Flowstate Art Collective worked together. Friendships grew, and DJ R3N3, visual artist Barnplotter, and Cloud Nine Fire Show worked together to create an immersive experience. By teaming up, they created a single show that encompassed three different forms of art.
Collaboration between R3N3 and Barnplotter continued and allowed them to grow alongside each other and branch out to new opportunities across the state.