Heap Collective Celebrates Local Artists
photo: Joie Estrella
Inspired by the 1960s fashion, musical and cultural Youthquake (movement), Tucson’s Heap Collective is creating a stage for Tucson artists, musicians, and taste makers to share their talents with the community with monthly pop-up shows. Heap Collective are Tucson locals and artists Joie Estrella, Matthew Banquet, and Claire Mirocha.
The name Heap Collective stems from its dictionary definition; to load, supply, or fill abundantly: to heap a plate with food. In this case it would be art, which many agree, is food for the soul. “Heap is about the masses… combining all people in celebration of the creative minds our desert oasis embodies,” says Estrella.
The first Heap Collective event opened on January 12, 2013 on a Second Saturday. It was held at an empty Peach Property space behind the Rialto Theatre. Each show has a theme. This one was titled Happy Hour. An estimated four to five hundred patrons attended that fun and lively evening.
Displayed in the space were the works of twenty local artists, including photographs, drawings, paintings, and installations. Local artist Pat Foley and his Carne and Queso winter collection of tee shirts, sweatshirts, skateboards, and candles were admired for their happy go lucky apocalyptic theme. Desert Vintage presented an Americana inspired clothing installation. Outfits were suspended from wire in front of an old American flag and over sized white balloons. Other standout work included a drawing of a nude skull-faced witch flying on her broom by artist Sharon Moon and also the dreamy photography of Krysta Jabczenski.
Local bands set the scene at the event including an epic ten-person “tribal punk” drum jam. The music finale was a performance by Cy Dune of the Akron Family while Altrice composed the sounds in between bands. Seis Curbside served food from their truck and Dish for Dosha served warm Ayurvedic drinks.
The Heap Collective’s future plans are to create an online database for local artists and in the future create Heap’s own music festival. Be in the know by browsing the Heap Collective on Facebook and look around town for their rad poster art. You don’t want to miss the next Heap Collective event downtown in February. These events are a great way to help celebrate the innovative and artistic happenings in Tucson.
Contact: heapcollective@gmail.com
Category: DOWNTOWN / UNIVERSITY / 4TH AVE, FASHION
