Join us this fall for the Third Annual Public Arts Festival at ODU, featuring works from the thought-provoking Fantastic Planet series by internationally-renowned Australian artist Amanda Parer.
Over three nights, the campus will be transformed by the presence of otherworldly figures, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and our responsibility to preserve it for future generations. Inspired by the film of the same name, this playful and immersive series of artworks carries an underlying message of stewardship, environmentalism, and our role on this fantastic planet.
Fantastic Planet is generously sponsored by Old Dominion University, the ODU Educational Foundation and the Brock Foundation, presenting artworks by Amanda Parer.
Discover pop-up performances in the street featuring Rouge VA, ODU Marching Band, Govenor’s School for the Arts Dance, the Rhythm Project, ODU’s own student band Moonsmoke, ODU Dance, the Diehn Chorale, ODU Theatre, ODU Writers in Community, and local DJs including DJ Wizard and Charles Rasputin, Gabe Niles, Karacell, and Sunnyside Collective.
With over 30 partners from across Old Dominion University and around the region, the festival will offer a comprehensive lineup of live performances and activities which includes three distinct zones: the Environmental Corridor, Planet Steam, and Fantastic Festivities. Each of these zones provides a different focus on the overall theme of environmental stewardship:
The Environmental Corridor, occupying the outdoor exhibit area on W. 43rd Street between Hampton Blvd. and Monarch Way includes earth-focused organizations that examine conservation, the environmental impact of commerce and ways in which we can adapt or adjust day-to-day cultural and industrial activities to be more earth-friendly. Topics such as native plant gardening, recycling, star gazing, and environmental health and safety are examined with groups such as Back Bay Amateur Astronomers, HR Green, Institute For Coastal Adaptation and Resilience, Norfolk Academy, Norfolk Botanical Garden, ODU Biology, ODU Fashion Merchandising, ODU’s Society of Physics Students, and Student Environmental Health Association.
Planet STE[A]M, inside the Barry Art Museum, will engage the audience with a variety of tabled displays providing hands-on activities with a focus on science, technology, engineering – all emphasizing art. Groups featured include Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monarch Physical Therapy, Monarch Teach, ODU Health Science, ODU Libraries, ODU Video Game Design, Slover Library, and STEM Amplified Youth. Free posters will be provided by NASA Langley. These groups engage through displays and activities such as virtual reality games and robots which are designed to explore the mysteries of the earth, sea, and space.
Fantastic Festivities happen on W. 43rd Street and they engage participants with entertainment and merchandise from various participants, including: the Barry Art Museum’s merch booth with one-of-a-kind artist’s proofs, the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio with live glassblowing, ODU Costume Design with face painting, ODU Graphic Design Showcase, ODU Student Art League sale, live T-shirt screen-printing with ODU Printmaking, Selden Market Vendors, and balloon twisting by Sprinklez. In addition, food will be provided by some of the area’s best food trucks such as Capt’n Crabby’s, Fat Belly Brothers, Locoto’s, and Revery Eats. Handcrafted, local ice cream sold by Sundae Scoop, and Cub Scout’s Pack 700 will have popcorn for sale. Festive libations by Monarch catering featuring the fest-themed “Dark & Stormy” as well as the official beer of the festival, a custom made “Pack It Out Pilsner” by CoVa Brewing– brewed with sustainably sourced local hops.
ODU Fantastic Planet Partners:
ODU College of Health Sciences
ODU’s Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience
ODU Student National Environmental Health Association
ODU World Languages and Cultures
Community Fantastic Planet Partners:
Moonsmoke
