In September we put out a flyer that admitted something out loud. It said: "This flyer was made by AI. And that's a problem for us. We need your help."
It was a call: Calling All Human Artists. We had $300 to commission three original, human-made works from local artists. Davis answered, fast. Today we get to show you all three.
How it started
This campaign was born when Kelsey Fortune joined our Zombie Festival Committee. Kelsey suggested we make a point of working with human artists. We loved it, and the call went out. Thank you, Kelsey!
Sam Lundholm
We are in love with Sam's style. Sam is a longtime Davisite, and his work is unlike anything we've seen. We've never seen another artist come close. It's so unique that we think he may be famous one day!
Our festival director, Aaron Wedra, has bought several of Sam's pieces over the years and has helped Sam sell his art around Davis. This piece is our favorite to date.
Sam has told us Jean-Michel Basquiat is an artist he respects.
Brendon Bush
We simply love Brendon's style, in this piece and in so many of the other works he showed us.
Brendon is a Davis artist and videographer. We see him making connections in the community and working with the City to create more opportunities for artists through his Strength Through Art initiative. We've heard his name come up again and again, and we expect him to keep going on his journey to support artists in Davis.
Gordon Caulkins
Gordon drew us a literal ZOMBIE BIKE. Chain dangling from its jaws, its own tire turning on it, and the Welcome to Davis sign right there in the background. Brains! Chains! Polyurethanes! Only in Davis.
Gordon (GJCaulkins / Mighty Wombat) is a Davis cartoonist and graphic artist. He has designed concert posters, stickers and T-shirts, and his work has been published internationally. He also co-directs the BoneBat Comedy of Horrors Film Festival. See more at mightywombat.com.
What we paid, and why it matters
We paid each artist $100. That is no claim on the value of their work. Their work is worth far more. We're a free community festival run by nonprofits, and that's what our budget allowed.
By saying yes, these artists supported us, and they supported our beneficiary, NorCal Trykers, which builds custom adaptive tricycles for children with disabilities. Thank you, Sam, Brendon and Gordon.
A surprise from The Paint Chip
We had Sam's and Brendon's paintings professionally framed at The Paint Chip in downtown Davis. A big thank you to The Paint Chip, and especially to Ariana, for the beautiful work. The artists had no idea we were going to cover professional framing too!
Where should they hang?
We plan to display these pieces in the community soon. Have an idea for a great spot? Let us know: smartzgraphics@yahoo.com.
The flyer that started it all.
Thank you, Davis, for answering the call for human artists. 💚
Zombie Bike Parade Festival · Saturday, October 31 · 11am–3pm · Community Park, Davis · FREE.
