Wave Pool merges art with community, hosts 2nd annual pool party fundraiser


August is just as good a time as any for a pool party, and if you’ve ever wanted to attend one that merges barbecue, beverages, a pool installation, swimwear, art, dancing and a dunking booth, then Wave Pool: A Contemporary Art Fulfillment Center’s second-annual fundraiser and art auction is for you.
 
“It’s by far our least serious and most welcoming event of the year,” says Cal Cullen, executive director of Wave Pool. “Even though it's our ‘fundraiser,’ it's really more of a block party than anything. Whether you love contemporary art or not, you'll have a good time at this party.”
 
Proceeds from the Aug. 13 event supports Wave Pool’s mission, which is to serve as “a dynamic place where art intersects with community,” and to function as a “catalyst for social engagement” while cultivating artistic development.
 
Some of the ways Wave Pool accomplishes its mission: Its Artists in Residence program; and Art Space is Your Space — a competitive program that allows socially engaged artists to reside at Wave Pool for about a month while they’re given the space and freedom to “conduct programs, experiences and experiments with community members in and around Camp Washington,” Cullen says.
 
The nonprofit also houses artist studios with a multitude of artist-generated programming — everything from film screenings to dark asana yoga — in addition to partnerships with other local organizations, such as Camp Washington Urban Farm and its mobile produce cart, and Heartfelt Tidbits through its work with refugees.
 
“In short, Wave Pool is a contemporary art space, but we really see the potential for what contemporary, experimental art can achieve in our neighborhood as truly limitless,” Cullen says. “We're all about being radically inclusive and engaging in both our process and our programs, and hope that Camp Washington (and beyond) continues to embrace and steer the evolution of what we do.”  

Do Good: 

•    Mark your calendars for 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, for the Wave Pool Pool Party. 

•    Interested in volunteering by helping to serve drinks Saturday? Contact Wave Pool. 

•    Interested in submitting a proposal for Art Space is Your Space? Keep your eyes peeled, as proposals for 2017 will open next month.
 
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Read more articles by Brittany York.

Brittany York is a college educator, freelance writer, and the event producer for Ohio Civics Essential. She loves travel and photography. Keep up with Brittany on Instagram @brittbrittbrittbrittany.