Consider it felt. Last weekend we packed up an assortment of tees and tools and trekked over to print on location at Zeeland’s first ever Global-Local Waterfest. It was spearheaded by our good friend Dennis (sporting the mohawk below) in an effort to raise awareness of an astonishing fact: if every man woman and child in America donated $30 we’d raise the funds necessary to provide clean water infrastructure to the developing world. Yup…just $30 per person. It seems pretty measly compared to the $3,800 you’ve contributed to the war in Iraq and even more ridiculous when you compare it to your share of the national debt ($38,550.12).
The weather was immaculate, and considering it’s September in Michigan I’d say that makes the day a success. The main stage schedule was filled with alternating bands and speakers throughout the day which made it go by pretty quickly. We were lucky enough to need power thus placing us near stage.
Band highlights: Big Dudee Roo and the Raptors (whistling drummer meets folksy Bright Eyes-esque vocals) and Paucity (instrumental melodious god-sends). If you haven’t seen these guys in person you need to get to one of their shows quickly.
Other highlights: Printing tees and raising coin ($5 per shirt) for clean water initiatives. Five bucks could maybe (and I stress maybe) rent you a DVD from Blockbuster. Or, it could go towards clean water and multiply in the process. A 2005 World Health Organization cost-benefit analysis showed that every $1 invested in improved drinking water and sanitation can yield economic benefits of $4 to $34, depending on the region. Not even Bernie Madoff gets that kind of return.
Here’s a shot of Fredy getting ready to print while Sebastian gets wrapped up in Paucity. Fredy (with one “d”) is made of gold. He graduated last year and is now a freshmen learning the ropes at Kendall. Next time you see him ask him about monkeys.
Here’s Amy and Jenna folding some propaganda. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re also kind, wise and creative. I’m lucky enough to be married to one of them (Jenna), whom deserves ceaseless thanks for her support, insight and uncanny ability to plan.
Lastly, Josh, whom holds up our little screen-printing world in his hands. Occasionally we’d run out of power and he’d hook up his recumbent bike to a generator in order to trade some sweat for t-shirt curing heat. Not really, but he did rig an ingenious light to at least let us know when the oven wasn’t working.
Photo Creds: Slim Shady & Katie Joy
Art. Food. Live music. Killer weather.
