Hasta La Ideas

Installing the work created during the inaugural “Electric Windows” event in 2008

With our penchant for minimalist sculpture and born-again Nabisco factories, we already have plenty of reasons to visit the the historic river city of Beacon, New York. But should you require an extra nudge, there is “Electric Windows,” a public art event and outdoor exhibition that kicks off at noon this Saturday, July 31. Local art and design purveyors Open Space and Burlock Home have invited 30 street artists to create original, large-scale works that will be permanently installed on the exteriors of vacant 19th-century buildings, including the former electric blanket factory that is the event’s namesake. Among the artists who will fill the giant industrial window frames are Ron English (whose tangy illustrations punched up the flavors in Morgan Spurlock‘s Super Size Me), Logan Hicks, Big Foot, Chor Boogie, and Paper Monster. The organizers expect approximately 5,000 people to come for the art and stay for the live music, dancing, screen printing (courtesy of Buxtonia’s Alison and Garrison Buxton), and after-party at Open Space, where you can admire more works by the participating artists in a companion exhibition called “Electric Walls.” Can’t make it to Beacon on Saturday? Not to worry. Electric Windows will remain on view year-round as a permanent public art destination—consider making it a maximalist pit stop after you’ve had your fill of the the local Lewitts.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.