Game Show hit the road last month to participate in Open Engagement, an international conference hosted by Portland State University’s School of Art and Social Practice. The conference focuses on art practices that engage local communities and break down barriers between creators and audience. Since it’s the audience and community partners who really makes Game Show come alive, the conference was a terrific venue for this project of CMA’s Center for Creativity.

Game Show performed in two untraditional venues. The first was near the Fifth Avenue Food Carts in downtown Portland, where we attracted an enthusiastic lunchtime crowd. The second was at Mummy’s, Portland’s only Egyptian theme restaurant. Check out some highlights from Game Show’s performance in Portland.

Just look at these creative contestants.

In addition to the performances, we participated in a panel discussion called “Representation of a Non-Object based Practice,” about documenting socially-engaged artworks.

We were excited to see the terrific work being done by other creative museums and artists to engage audiences with art in innovative ways. Some of the projects we learned about are linked below.

Blind Field Shuttle Artist Carmen Papalia led a group of us with our eyes closed through the Portland State University campus to the Portland Museum of Art where we were provided the opportunity to take non-visual tours of the museum. Papalia offered similar tours at Columbus Museum of Art in January of 2012.

Landfill, described by project founder Elyse Mallouk as “an online archive, quarterly subscription service, and print journal that studies socially engaged artworks by way of the surplus materials they produce.”  Mallouk participated with Game Show representatives in a panel discussion about documentation.|

Oakland Standard, a program of experimental contemporary art exhibitions at the Oakland Museum of California, are doing really innovative things to connect their communities to art.

Allison Agsten is engaging audiences at UCLA’s Hammer Museum with contemporary art projects in ways that are fun, open, and accessible.

The overall feel of the conference was welcoming, handmade, energetic, and open to new ideas. It was an inspiring weekend for the Center for Creativity staff who attended.

Game Show 101; Jeff Sims (A.K.A Stu Cartier) and Susie Underwood (A.K.A. Susie Starliner) talk about Game Show’s mission at the Open Engagement Conference in Portland. Photo by Kristin Lantz.

Art Speaks. Join the Conversation.

Friday, October 19
8:00-10:00 PM

You could be selected to play on stage!

The evening includes a reception before each taping, during which you’ll have a chance to mingle with other hopeful contestants, do creative projects, and enjoy snacks and a cash bar.

$10 General Admission
$5 for CMA members

Click here to purchase tickets in advance
Get to know hostess Susie Starliner

This Friday is the return of Game Show 2 at CMA. To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s our interview with our fabulous host Susie Starliner.

How would you describe Game Show?
It’s really just a classic game show, but with a creative twist and an extra sexy host (me)!

What should we expect from the next CMA Game Show?
Expect more exceptionally witty banter from myself and co-host/hunk Tod Tabler with hot new games, cash bar, prizes and some super secret, super sexy special guest appearances!

Tell us about Wonderland and Fake Bacon’s involvement.
Well, I heard that there were a lot of really smart people in those groups, plus who could ignore all of the creativity coming out of Wonderland Columbus and the hilarity of the Fake Bacon crew?  I’m a woman that appreciates the talent that the Columbus community has to offer. Sexy!

What kinds of fabulous prizes can people win?
Anything from video games to spa treatments. All of the prizes are being sponsored by Small Business Beanstalk and come from local, independent businesses.

Do people have to participate or can they just watch and be entertained?
There will be plenty to keep people entertained, however, we encourage participation. It’s a chance to display your creativity, and Columbus has some VERY creative people. And, of course, if you press your luck, there’s a distinct possibility of a fondue pot in your future.

Can you tell us anything more about the grand finale game that Wonderland is creating?
Well let’s just say it will be the sequel of all sequels.

In the spirit of James Lipton…
What is your favorite word?
Sensuous.  It rolls off of my tongue like hot butter.

What is your least favorite word?
Impossible.

What turns you on?
Creativity, bocce ball and ’70s soul music.

What turns you off?
Doubters, and when Tod doesn’t wash his toupee!

What sound or noise do you love?
Squeals of excitement.

What sound or noise do you hate?
Whistle tips and that wah-wah-wah sound.

What is your favorite curse word?
I love you.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Professional Sherpa.

What profession would you not like to do?
Survey says: Air Traffic Controller.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Whoopee!

Game Show 2 returns to the Columbus Museum of Art this Friday July 22, 2011 from 8 – 10 pm. Purchase advance Game Show tickets or some tickets may be available at the door. You can also RSVP on Facebook.

Art Speaks. Join the Conversation.

Jennifer Poleon, Digital Communications Manager