As we posted earlier today, here is the promised event report from PechaKucha Night in Champaign-Urbana Vol. 1, held in September of last year. It comes courtesy of co-organizer Chritstina Tapp, and includes a look at all of the participants.
Champaign-Urbana’s very first PechaKucha Night, held in September at the Canopy Club, boasted a vibrant crowd of well over 350 people (including 13 awesome presenters and 2 sparkling emcees). In 10 rapid-fire presentations, the community experienced an explosion of creativity, from art quilts and knit graffiti to confectionery art and brotherly love; from math graphics and architecture to high-quality antiques; and from back stories and everyday illustrations to a couple that wed at Taco Bell—yes, it’s true!
After rockin’ introductions by emcees and radio hosts William Gillespie and Cristy Scoggins, Deborah Fell kicked off C-U’s inaugural PK by showcasing her exquisite art quilts and describing her medium as a vehicle for social awareness.
Jason Berg discussed how illustration gets a bad rap due to the prevalence of generic clip art. He pointed out that elegant illustration can communicate knowledge quickly and effectively—and has probably saved your life!
The ladies of El Stitch y Bitch, Thelma T Uranga and Stephanie Manriquez, shared their passion for guerilla knitting, describing it as not only a way to send colorful messages, but way to establish a presence in communities.
Describing a daring career transition into sugar arts, Buffy Vance talked about her culinary studies in France, and showed us how cake decorating is truly an art form.
They’re brothers, set designers, competitors, and friends. David Warfel and Andy Warfel revealed their insights on the power of artistic thought and inspiration.
Miriam Martincic presented sculptures and drawings with funny, singular, and intimate origins, illustrating her points with warm stories of family life and conversation.
Erik M Hemingway explored the way smart architecture, art, and building innovation are entwined—and how they lead to a better quality of life.
Michael Trott, a designer of Wolfram’s Mathematica, blew our minds by showing us how mathematical algorithms can be used to generate a wide variety of interesting and pleasing shapes, forms, and patterns.
Taking us on a tour of unusual Americana, Heidi Kellner and Bob Zordani shared their adventures in running Z&K Antiques.
Paul Brooks wrapped up the show demonstrating how he and his wife, Caragh, got married at Taco Bell. You heard right—Taco Bell! He described the media frenzy that followed, as well as a few tips for engaged couples who don’t buy into the wedding industry machine.
Join us on January 30 2010 at the Canopy Club for the next Pecha Kucha Night C-U—it promises to be a funky good time!