As we transition to our new Director Furusho von Puttkammer, we have asked our alums if they have any advice, memories, or thoughts they would like to share with AiOP. Tasha Douge, who was a Curatorial Assistant of 2016:RACE, and artist in 2021:NORMAL and friend of AiOP Founder Ed Woodham, wanted to share this:
1) What’s a strong Art in Odd Places memory that you recall?
I have a ton of memories and a few full circle moments. I first learned about AiOP by accident in 2014. I stumbled across festival info by way of the skint website. I remember getting compliments from a gumball machine, talking to a computer and tracking Nicky Enright down to have a “Globo Exchange.” I was hooked on AiOP after that. I applied to be a curator for 2018’s theme of RACE. I didn’t get selected. However, weeks later I met with Ed for a nice lunch conversation and left accepting an opportunity to be a Curatorial Assistant. That was my first time working on a festival of this caliber. I learned ample from being in that role. Ed also encouraged me to take advantage of our speakerbox/soapbox activation. That is when I debuted my remixed version of the Pledge of Allegiance. I have made some awesome friends over the years. Yet the best memory to date is of me performing in last year’s festival for the theme NORMAL. I look forward to making more memories with the AiOP family.
2) What would you like to say to Ed as he leaves?
Ed may be transitioning out of his previous role, but his spirit and energy aint going nowhere. Ed is a visionary and has created an amazing legacy. I have told Ed time and time again that the way he shows up has been affirming, encouraging and uplifting. Ed has been a consistent supporter and just an overwhelmingly awesome person to know.
3)What should Furusho know about Art in Odd Places?
AiOP has left an everlasting impression on me. For me, Art in Odd Places is a festival that reflects the essence of NYC. Stick to the mission of reclaiming public space and the legacy will continue onward.
4)Any advice for Furusho?
Welcome Furusho! As you step into this new role, I say stay curious and keep your ears to the voices of artists.
New Normal 2020
Speaker Box in 2018:BODY
As we transition to our new Director Furusho von Puttkammer, we have asked our alums if they have any advice, memories, or thoughts they would like to share with AiOP. GOODW.Y.N, who is both an artist alumni of AiOP2018: BODY, and friend of both AiOP Founder Ed Woodham and our new Executive Director Furusho von Puttkammer, wanted to share this:
- What’s a strong Art in Odd Places memory that you recall?
I think its a tie between having the cops called on me on 7th Avenue and having cold, chunky soup spilled on me on Union Square during two separate occasions.
- What would you like to say to Ed as he leaves?
I’m going to miss you Ed. My performance career wouldn’t have been the same had I not met you. I will always dedicate time to “challenging myself.”
- What should Furusho know about Art in Odd Places?
AiOP is the spirit of New York’s art scene.
- Any advice for Furusho?
Never forget that the people are the mission at AiOP.
These are from 2017:SENSE from GOODW.Y.N.’s “Ain’t I A Woman”
As we transition to our new Director Furusho von Puttkammer, we have asked our alums if they have any advice, memories, or thoughts they would like to share with AiOP. Lucia Warck-Meister, who is a team member alumni as a Festival Producer, Art in Odd Places 2011: RITUAL, and friend of both AiOP Founder Ed Woodham and our new Executive Director Furusho von Puttkammer, wanted to share this:
1 . What’s a strong Art in Odd Places memory that you recall?
A very present memory is that all the work -and there was a lot to do!-was always so much fun. Ed was always a leader with great conviction of what he was proposing and doing and strongly believed in the importance of holding a festival in the public space, breaking with the notions of hierarchy and validation of the art that is within the four walls of an institution. The horizontal format of working was part of the success of the Art in Odd Places team.
Another memory, which I think of as our grain of sand (but no less important) was the choice in Art in Odd Places Ritual 2011 of the two curators Kalia Brooks and Trinidad Fombella who came from Black and Latinx communities. Which in these ten years have been positioning themselves with great force on the map of the arts.
- What would you like to say to Ed as he leaves?
Ed! Organizations like the one you founded are so necessary for artists that want to create and show their work in spaces and formats that allow them to spread their wings. I am proud to have worked and learned from you on the Ritual chapter. As Art in Odd Places continues to grow, I’m sure you have more plans and I look forward to seeing them!
- What should Furusho know about Art in Odd Places?
I think Furusho knows how to do things. That Ed has chosen her to continue directing the Festival is proof that 2022: Story is going to be a success.
- Any advice for Furusho? Keep doing what you’re doing! I’ll be in NYC to enjoy the Festival!
As we transition to our new Director Furusho von Puttkammer, we have asked our alums if they have any advice, memories, or thoughts they would like to share with AiOP. Claire Demere, who is an artist and team member alumni as a Curatorial Assistant: 2012: MODEL, 2013: NUMBER; Curatorial Manager: 2014: FREE: Art in Odd Places; The Artifacts (Governors Island, 2014, Curator; Curatorial Manager & Assistant Director, 2015: RECALL; , and friend of both AiOP Founder Ed Woodham and our new Executive Director Furusho von Puttkammer, wanted to share this:
- What’s a strong Art in Odd Places memory that you recall?
My fondest memories of my four years with AiOP all involve my deeply collaborative relationship with Ed. Our weekly meetings at Good Stuff Diner (RIP!) fed my soul while also teaching me about problem-solving, communication, and compassionate leadership.
- What would you like to say to Ed as he leaves?
You are a true gem who created something extraordinarily special! A total class act through and through, passing the baton with grace and care.
- What should Furusho know about Art in Odd Places?
It all comes down to the communal spirit of dedicated labor and cooperation. From volunteers to curators to artists, this entire festival only happens because every person involved WANTS it to. Fostering that environment of inclusivity and shared passion is crucial.
- Any advice for Furusho?
Always push this festival to continue evolving and staying true to its innovative spirit.
Anything else you’d like to say? (about Art in Odd Places, you, your upcoming work or project) The skills I picked up at AiOP have formed the backbone of my entire professional career. Forever grateful!
Photo from 2015:RECALL
Photo from 2015:RECALL
Photo from 2015:RECALL
From 2015:RECALL, with Ed and that year’s Curatorial Assistant Ikechukwu Onyewuenyi
Ed and Claire
