Local artist and promoter Matt Freeman is known for his inventive, unusual events. And this time he’s using that creativity to inspire local artists to apply their talents to design a piece of artwork to pay homage to 80’s Pop artist Keith Haring. Throughout his career, Haring devoted much of his time to public works, which often carried social messages. He produced more than 50 public artworks between 1982 and 1
989, in dozens of cities around the world, many of which were created for charities, hospitals, children’s day care centers and orphanages. The now famous Crack is Wack mural of 1986 has become a landmark along New York’s FDR Drive.
By expressing universal concepts of birth, death, love, sex and war, using a primacy of line and directness of message, Haring was able to attract a wide audience and assure the accessibility and staying power of his imagery, which has become a universally recognized visual language of the 20th century. Haring was diagnosed with AIDS in 1988. Haring enlisted his imagery 
during the last years of his life to speak about his own illness and generate activism and awareness about AIDS. He died of AIDS related complications at the age of 31 on February 16, 1990.
When Freeman put the call out to local artists to encourage them to participate in Art Salvo, A 22 Day Silent Art Auction to Benefit ARC Ohio, he originally hoped to get at least 20 participants. Response was overwhelming, and the 30+ pieces of art on display at Clash Consignment Co, located at 521 E. Fifth St. in the Oregon District, show the creativity and talent of many local artists. The exhibit debuts on Fri, April 12th and will continue until Friday, May 3rd, when all of the art will be auctioned off to benefit our local AIDS service organization. Here are just a few highlights of what you’ll see:
Ben Riddlebarger:
DMM: Where did you find inspiration to complete your Keith Haring inspired piece?
Keith was well know because he would take popular iconic ideas or situations and create new ways of looking at them. Well,I have always been a huge comic book dork since before I was born. I remember when I was in gestation and I would combine different particles floating around and mash them together to form different superheroes and make up stories about them, so when the time came to do an inspirational piece inspired by Keith Haring it was only natural for me to do the x-men and their villains. My work usually is painstakingly detailed and it was nice to be able to just create something that was a simpler design and aesthetic, edit myself down to focus on basic shapes and to convey much more detail through just a couple lines and curves.
Kevin Pittman
DMM: How complicated was it to created a piece which combined your unique style with those of Keith Haring’s?
I wouldn’t say anything was complicated in a technical aspect of the work. Haring used a lot of repeated symbolism to express his messages. knowing that its really a matter of employing it… much like communication and how it first began… some people utter some sounds… the other understands it… then repeats it back… All im doin with this is trying to use his symbolism in a way to convey my own thoughts. My personal style doesnt seem work with this project so i abandoned it.
Tracy McElfresh
(Model Leslie Randall, photographed by Shana Ramsey)
DMM: Where did you find inspiration to complete your Keith Haring inspired piece?
Vintage Vogue and Keith Haring inspired fabric and color!
DMM: Do you personally know anyone who has ever been directly affected by HIV / AIDS?
Yes I had a cousin by marriage pass away in “92
How complicated was it to created a piece which combined your unique style with those of Keith Haring’s?
I really enjoyed this project and it came with ease, I’m fortunate.
DMM: How long have you considered yourself an artist?
I have been exploring the art of dress making for 12 years
Liz Dearth
DMM: Where did you find inspiration to complete your Keith Haring inspired piece?
I found a heart graphic he had done and make it and I thought it might be cool as a candle holding piece. The hearts and action lines of all the people let light pass through when a candle is lit within the wall sculpture.
DMM: How complicated was it to created a piece which combined your unique style with those of Keith Haring’s?
I may have failed that part! I make a lot of ceramic lanterns, this was my attempt to make an “interactive” haring piece of art, making “it” into a lantern.
Adam Redding
DMM: How complicated was it to created a piece which combined your unique style with those of Keith Haring’s?
It was somewhat complicated. In the end I felt that using some subtle cues and elements from his work translated well for my piece.
DMM: What Galleries / Venues have you been involved with, or displayed your art?
Rosewood Art Center, Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors.
RökenRõl
DMM: What made RökenRõl want to sponsor this exhibit?
Our mission is to provide the world with creative and authentic lifestyle street wear reflecting our influences, that made us who we are today.
At the heart of RökenRõl comes a recognition of the commonalities within us all, while celebrating our own unique individuality. This is what influenced us to create the RökenRõl brand and share it with those who have these same appreciations.
DMM: Whats next for RokenRol?
The future for RökenRõl looks bright. We are currently in the process of updating our web site and store. RökenRõl is producing limited edition skateboard decks from artists Jeff Richard and Mike Guidone and hand made belt buckles by artists Craig Tirey. We are sponsoring and cross-promoting with bands such as The Gas Light Anthem and Hawthorne Heights, and recently signed an agreement to create back to school products for international markets. Those involved in RökenRõl have a passion for the co-creative process. From conception to the finished product we enjoy seeing our visions take shape.
As you can see here, there are many people that have come together to bring Art Salvo to life. So head out to Clash and bring your wallet to support AIDS Resource Center Ohio. 40% of new HIV infections today are among young people ages 13 – 29. Funds raised will help them continue to offer FREE HIV/AIDS testing and work with our youth about safe sex and getting tested. Visit www.arcohio.org for testing times and locations and encourage a young person to get tested today!
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