The Unexpected 2016 kicks off with opening of Maser’s “Argon” at Wingate Fine Arts Building

The Unexpected, curated by JustKids, held its kick- off celebration Thursday, September 1 at 6:00pm at UAFS Windgate Art and Design building with an immersive installation by the Irish artist Maser.

Entitled Argon, Maser transformed the gallery space through the use of neon light, sound and ribbon, amplifying the synthetic and abnormal encouraging the spectator to escape the ordinary. It was a packed house at the opening and many people took multiple trips through the installation.  Argon is sponsored by UAFS Foundation and in cooperation with the Chancellor’s Coalition for the Visual Arts. The installation will be open September 1 – October 1.

The Unexpected organizer, Claire Kolberg says they are thrilled to be able to once again partner with University of Arkansas Fort Smith. “Partnering with the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith provides a unique opportunity for The Unexpected to engage with students and faculty,” she said.

According to Dr. Paul Hankins, dean of the College of Communication, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences, this collaboration also provides a wonderful opportunity for UAFS students and faculty. “Our partnership with The Unexpected represents a shared purpose in promoting the arts and arts education in Fort Smith. Hosting an artist installation on campus affords our faculty and students the opportunity to work and engage with an internationally known artist. This is the kind of value-added experience that we want to be able to provide for our students.”

The Unexpected artist line-up includes Alexis Diaz, Okuda San Miguel, Guido Van Helten, Jaz, Pastel, Faith 47, Bordalo II, Cyrcle and returning artists D*Face and Maser.

Alexis Diaz opened The Unexpected beginning his mural in Fayetteville last weekend at the old Mountain Inn building on Center Street and College Avenue.

This year’s event was made possible by generous contributions from ArcBest, Arvest, BHC Insurance, Breeden Dodge, Cooper Clinic, First National Bank, Fort Smith A&P, Ghan and Cooper Commercial Properties, Hanna Oil and Gas, Melanie Radcliff, CPA Inc., Mercy, OG&E, OK Foods, Penny Packard, Propak Corp, The Pruitt Family, Rheem, Slim Chickens, Sparks, UAFS Foundation in cooperation with the UAFS Chancellor’s Coalition for the Visual Arts, and Zero Mountain.

For more information including artist information and building locations visit www.unexpectedfs.com.

JUSTKIDS is a dynamic interface that conceives, produces and promotes comprehensive art projects on an international scale with some of the world’s most engaging artists, curators and strategic consultants. Founded in 2014 JUSTKIDS supports a diverse team of inspirational pros and upcoming talents to meet the demands of a constantly evolving audience, delivering public Art, gallery shows, Artist tour and branding, offering new consumer experiences with top tier visual artists. JUSTKIDS is the creator and producer of some of most innovative large-scale art events and the consultant for some of the leading Art institution and lifestyle brand.

Stay connected on @justkidsofficial on Instagram and Facebook and visit justkidsofficial.com for more information.

64.6 Downtown is a Fort Smith non-profit committed to creating vibrant spaces in Arkansas. For more information visit www.646downtown.com.