Cemeterror 2012
Meet the Director and Creator of Cemeterror 2012
Donald Spera and his Mom, Carol
My Introduction to a yard-haunt…
I was recently introduced to Valerie via the Sarasota Chalk Festival and she asked if I would consider photographing an event. She told me this particular attraction is set up and manned by a group of volunteers and some of the proceeds go to the JDRF. It has been many years since I have participated in anything Halloween… other than remembering to turn off any lights that might welcome a stray trick-or-treater to my door, so I thought it might be something different and possibly fun. My main reason for agreeing is I’m a push-over for a cause and it’s my small way of giving back to the community.
A few days before my appointment, armed with little information about Cemeterror (other than an address) I Google mapped it. A house popped up on the screen. I did the 360 degree spin to see if there was more. Nope. A house. No warehouse, no dark scary barn. Visions of neighborhood kids draped in bed sheets who popped out from behind the bushes and trees yelling boo started to fill my mind.
It was still daylight when I arrived and a handful of people were milling about. I approached a man seated outside the front door. He was quietly rocking back and forth, puffing on a cigarette. I introduced myself to Donald Spera, homeowner and ringmaster of Cemeterror. Donald impressed me as not one for small talk so I decided to explore.
Backstage…
Inside the house, my eyes adjusted to find a room full of actors in various stages of make up and costuming. The place was buzzing with activity. I spotted Valerie at the make-up table where she and Priscilla were applying scabs, scars and any other sort of prosthesis to make one horrid. The table they worked from held all kinds of goo, glue, paints, and brush imaginable. The walls behind them were a patchwork of still images representing the completed characters. As I watched Carla spray painting an actors face, my opinion of a neighborhood yard haunt started to change. I’m in no way an expert on theatrical make-up but as I watched this capable crew dab and paste and as I scanned the actors who had already made their visit to the make up chair, I could have easily watched them work their magic all night.
I pried myself away and entered a room with racks full of wonderful costumes. I imagined being a kid again and what fun it would be to have access to such a room. Who shall I be today? The appeal of Halloween I had lost as an adult was beginning to return.
I began my search for a willing subject to photograph. I spotted “Sharon Needles” who was in full costume and asked if she would go with me for some pictures. Sharon had a look that would make Nurse Ratched look like one of those sweet little volunteers running around in candy stripes . We headed into the haunted pathways of Cemeterror with all its props and special effects Ted and the team had set up. It didn’t take long before many others from the cast joined in, ready to pose.
After an all too short photo session I went outside to find the sun had retired, giving way to an oh so perfect evening for a yard haunt. The night air was cool with a light breeze making the assorted stage lighting dance and twinkle. The moon was just about as abundant as the excitement and anticipation on the faces of those that were starting to fill the yard. I watched as more and more eerie silhouettes were making their way down the darkened street towards Cemeterror 2012 bringing with them a sense of community that seems to me, all too often forgotten.
Waiting for entry to the attraction was an experience in itself. Madame Zelda’s sideshow included the troupe from the South Florida Belly dancers . Bethsheba, Fina, Nizana and Karen were shimmying and shaking while Misha and Firefly (Spiral Enterprises) energized the crowd with their fire dance. Dolly Dearest, Ghoul Ghoul Girl, Medusa, Demental , and all rounded out the side-show.
Yes, my preconceived idea of this yard haunt was totally wrong. As I was taking pictures, I heard squeals from those that were inside and I watched as the line at the entrance fill with people of every age and description, I was transported back to my childhood. To the place that loves mystery and the unknown. Wondering what is waiting around the next darkened corner ready to throw a playful scare into you.
If you missed 2012, make a point to mark you calendar for 2013. You wont be disappointed. You may even decide to become a part of Cemeterror.
Thank you Don and to the cast and crew of volunteers. You were a pleasure to meet and a pleasure to photograph.
Your Guides…
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Mort U Ary… Mark
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Morgue N… Toby
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Wood E Coffin… Victor
The Cast:
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Zelda… Dragonfly
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Chucky… Devon
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M Balma… Richard
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Sharon Needles… Mary
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Nocturnibus… Terry
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Rig a Mortis… Ralph
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Jenna Side… Mya
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Bloodonna… Avril
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Die Anne… Trista
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Hellda… Avery
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Gore Jess… Marc
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Seymore Dead Peoples… Steve
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Killery… Carol
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Graven… Dom
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Scarecrow… Rob
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Ima Dead One… Vanessa
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Fool of Fortune… Gary
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Dolly Dearest… Hillary
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Elsa… Robin
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Sinister Sister… Susan
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Bea Dead… Courtney
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Morticia… Carolyn
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Medusa… Amelia
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Demental… Olivia
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Ghoul Ghoul Girl… Meaghan
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Lady Gruesome… Kayla
Read more on Cemeterror…
“Going Vertical”
It’s been around forever
but is it acceptable in Sarasota???
If Denise Kowal gets her way (some say, she ALWAYS does) she’ll have artists climbing the walls around town and leaving behind… Art?
Last years festival gave us a taste of “Going Vertical”
Not that recording history or communicating by drawing on a wall is new… it’s just hasn’t been established as an artform in SRQ.
Controversy surrounded almost every aspect of going vertical which was introduced via the Sarasota Chalk Festival in 2011. From MTO’s Fast Life mural to the Palm Avenue (lipstick on a pig) parking garage. Some were thrilled with the fare and some turned up their noses.
As this years festival is about to begin, did last years controversy scare Kowal into conforming to the way we do art here? Or will she continue in her vision where art will be out there for everyone to see? No entrance fees, no gallery.
“Round two” & going vertical
In a recent Ticket Sarasota article, Denise promotes this years “Going Vertical” launch party while giving her opinion on the Sarasota art scene…
“Sarasota is not used to being challenged much, and we’re a little white-bred when it comes to art,” Kowal says. “We’re never going to grow as a community if we don’t allow other processes to happen. That’s how children grow. They need to be challenged with things that make them think. Stereotypes brew when you’re not given the opportunity to look at different perspectives.”
I find her white-bred reference priceless (but I have thick skin) and it could be the final blow suffered by those who want to dictate what art is worthy of a place in our community.
From the clowns in 2005 up to present day “Surrender”, our history proves there are those who judge what is and isn’t art and would only allow art that is proper and safe. No grey matter needed. When John Henry curated this years Season of Sculpture he stated that fewer artists are making personal statements. “We’re seeing fewer pieces that make any statement — period”. I agree.
The 2012 launch “party
This years festival, Circus City, USA (let the controversy begin) is about to get under way and Sarasota Architectural Salvage was the perfect venue for the “Going Vertical” launch party.
The rain was no deterrent and Dr Robin was keeping watch outside as guests arrived. Greeted by a human statue high atop a specially crafted pedestal. Four statues (Denise Kowal, Jill Kelly, Elisa Graber, Alexis Clarke) in all, each one dressed in attire compliments of Cash Delight and Tortoise & Pearl. A donation dropped into a pedestal was all it took to get any movement from the lovely ladies.
Chalk boards were set up and local artists Lori Loveberry George and Truman Adams were chalking away. They weren’t the only ones allowed to play. More boards were set for those in attendance who would wish to leave their mark during this festive evening.
Music and conversation filled the air as people nibbled their way through the rooms. Support for the festival was clear by those in attendance as more walls were donated for murals and more artists being sponsored. A success!
Congratulation to the Sarasota Chalk Festival. It appears Denise will continue to pave the way towards tolerance, acceptance and in her endeavor to make art available to all.
Sarasota Chalk Festival
Excitement and inspiration mingled with the unexpected
A potent blend that fills the air around Burn’s Court each year during the Sarasota Chalk Festival. If you get a real good dose while viewing the amazing art, you may end up volunteering (which is what happened to me). At this point you have purchased a ticket on board the crazy train so be ready for anything. As a volunteer be ready to…
Get your hands dirty
I was a bit apprehensive as I showed up on our first “Get your hands dirty” Sunday. Yes, I want to help but I’m a photographer, not an artist. As I watched Beverly wrapping packing tape around the willowy Emer, I waited for my assignment. Visions of the Jet Puff marshmallow filled my mind as I thought of my over 50 body being wrapped in packing tape. Oh PLEASE, don’t ask me to get wrapped!
Somewhat relieved, I found myself agreeing to do a circus poster. As Denise showed me how to graph out the 6′ x 9′ canvas, I was secretly imagining how bad it was going to turn out. Never painting anything on canvas I kept thinking about how these posters will be in full view at the festival. I wasn’t sure my pride could handle seeing someone snicker as they viewed my amature art. I fought the urge to run as I took a few laps around the canvas trying to decide just where to begin. Five little words became my mantra… “you can’t mess it up”. That’s what Denise told me as she walked away. I believed her.
And so it is. She just has a way about her. She smiles her smile and makes you believe that pulling the moon out of the sky is possible. That’s what leaders do.
Get Involved
The festival is put together by an energetic group of volunteers and there is so much to do to bring the vision to life. I guarantee there is a job for you to do and you will be made to feel welcome and appreciated.
2012 Sarasota Chalk Festival
Kowal and company are gearing up for the 5th annual Sarasota Chalk Festival and this year’s event will be true to form in keeping with the tradition of excellence we’ve come to expect.
“How can this be” you say? My reply, “you must not know Denise”! She sees it in her mind, then rallies her talented band of cohorts into making it happen. Her unstoppable, can do attitude is contagious and inspiring.
Which bring’s me to my next point.
What’s your talent?
Visit the Sarasota Chalk Festival website and fill out an application to volunteer.
More on the Sarasota Chalk Festival:
Thunder by the Bay
January in Sarasota. That time of year when a ton of motorcycles converge on our little city for Thunder by the Bay.
It’s all for the kids…
If it wasn’t for raising money for Suncoast Charities and for the local economic impact, this annual get together would probably be on a relocation program!!! 362 days a year, downtown caters to the condo dwellers and those with the bucks to shop at Whole foods and the various specialty shops. To get a sense of Sarasota, I was chatting with a friend who attended the pre festival meetings with the commission and shop owners. She told me about a retailer whose main complaint was the smell of onions from food vendors drifting in her shop (oh my). The downtown shop owners along with the condo dwellers hold a lot of power but not enough to squelch this party. I myself love the smell of sautéed onions… mingle that with stale beer … Mmmm. Almost heaven!
Come to think of it… we were re-located this year (was it the onions?) ! Previous years had the vendors and bands set up closer to the middle of town, except for the year they crammed us all into Payne Park. Not being one who likes crowds or change, found this years set up pleasing. The bike show was moved from 5 points park and set up along Palm Avenue. Palm Ave has some benches and you get a nice view of the parking garage. The shot above was taken Sunday morning. That is the Jagermeister stage down the way. It promised to be a beautiful day and barely anyone was stirring as I made my way around town…
except this guy. Bob Poneleit of Hap’s Cycle Sales. Like I said, Palm Ave still has some benches and Big Al (Bob) was taking advantage of one, sucking down some coffee before the bikes started rolling in for the show. Hap’s is a Sarasota tradition. A family owned and operated business full of true motorcycle enthusiasts. They are extremely active in the community raising funds and awareness for a bunch of different charities. They were voted “best place to buy a motorcycle in 2011 and if I didn’t ride a Harley and have a fix it guy all my own, I would give Hap’s my business.
Later on Sunday afternoon, Come Back Alice took the Jagermeister stage and rocked the house. This is the beautiful and talented Dani Jaye.
On to the bike show. Thanks to Manatee River Harley Davidson who did the work and alot of elbow grease, Bob took first place in the sport custom cruiser class.
Before closing I want to call attention to the little red and black bobber in the slideshow. Earlier I said I had a fix-it guy all my own, he’s also one hell of a bike builder. Congratulations to Tim and all the others who put their time and talent into building some pretty machines.
Check out some of the pics. If ya happen to know the names of any of the people, take a sec and contact me. I like to add names to faces. Prints are also available.
A Sarasota New Year
Little did we know…
2010 would be Pineapples last hurrah.
2012 will arrive, even without Pineapple.
But isn’t it a little like setting cookies out for Santa but leaving him with no milk?
The reason behind canceling the street party? Business owners, downtown associations, and the city all have an agenda. Always confusing and never really clear on what the agenda of the moment may be, but this year it doesn’t include closing down streets or dropping a pineapple.
Mayor Atwells comment about the event being so crowded last year makes me wonder if “THEY” really want to draw people downtown! “It was impossible” Atwell said. It was SO CRAZY! Sarasota Jacks is taking up all the law enforcement anyway.
The pineapple drop is a tradition. I find it sad that some traditions are worth fighting for (baseball) and some are easily put aside.
So, “Pineapple” is left out of this years celebration.
BUT WAIT…
Not one to be shunned and replaced with a few measly fireworks, “Pineapple” has Occupied a spot on our Bayfront. It would seem the sculpture formerly known as “Mercury, Mars, Venue” is now “Mercury, Mars, Pineapple”.
There have been other theory’s concerning Pineapples whereabouts but it all comes down to this. Don’t mess with “Pineapple”.
Sarasota Chalk Festival ~2011~
This is the fourth year Burn’s Square has been transformed
from a quaint local neighborhood
into an international, open air, art gallery.
Thanks to Denise Kowal’s vision, the Sarasota Chalk Festival has grown from a handful of artists into an international event.
“Pavement Art Through the Ages” honors the Grazie di Curtatone and highlights street paintings roots from the 16th century up to todays contemporary movements.
Street painting may be new to Sarasota but it has a rich history in Europe. The Italian Madonnari were traveling artists who made a living by reproducing religious images on the streets. After WW II the artists and the art had all but disappeared. In an effort to keep the tradition alive, the last known artists (the oldest being in his 90′s) were invited to take part in The Grazie di Curtatone, in Mantua, Italy in 1973.
Back here in Sarasota, after blessing the chalk, the Italian Madonnari Competition will start on Friday at 6PM. Artists will paint for 24 hours and complete their work by Saturday 6PM. Along with the Italian Madonnari competition, there will be artists paining the walls of local businesses. Will “going vertical” be a new trend in SRQ? Opera. cellograff, 3-D, little chalkers, students, streets full of local and international artists performing their craft for you.
The Sarasota Chalk Festival is organized by Avenuda de Colores. A 501C3 organization. The event is free to participate, free to attend. The festival is an effort by dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors. It is an event that will leave you wanting more.
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