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April 17-18, 2004 Back The
Flight of the Beastie How
exactly does a Beastie take flight? Well, if you ask Karen Rossi, she would probably
tell you that it requires no more than a few tubes of paint, a handful of helpers,
and a fair share of creativity. This was the recipe that she used this past weekend
as she prepared for Milwaukee's Beastie Beat 2004. The popular public art exhibit,
the largest in Wisconsin, is now returning after a successful display in 2002.
And Karen, along with 60 to 70 other artists, was chosen once again, to be a part
of this exciting exhibit. This year, each artist was asked to interpret the theme,
"Set Your Life To Music," using one of Dennis Pearson's trademark fiberglass
Beasties as his or her canvas. Karen chose to continue with the "Fiddler
on the Roof" theme, which began with her 2002 Beastie called "To Life."
This year, "If I Were a Rich Man" served as her musical inspiration.
The lyrics of the song proved to be the perfect text on which to base her whimsical
illustrations. Scenes and imagery depicting "the good life" cover the
Beastie, which is appropriately titled "If I Were a Rich Man….Or Woman…Or
Beastie." 
Now the
Beastie awaits its grand debut, when it will grace the Grand Avenue Shops with
its presence. From June until September, the Beasties will be on display. Then,
they will be auctioned off to benefit the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra League
and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra education programs.
See
Karen's 2002 Beastie!
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The
transformation began on Friday night, April 16th, 2004, when Karen and her crew
of helpers (Karen's fiance Greg, Rossi Studios Illustrator Heather, and her boyfriend
Adam) flew into Milwaukee to begin their work. The Beastie was waiting for them
in the front window of the DeLind Gallery of Fine Art so that passersby could
see the artwork as it was being created. The opening night of the gallery added
lots of life and excitement, as guests flocked around the art piece, eager to
see how the project was taking shape. And, it wasn't long before the creature
was covered with doodles and sketches, well on its way to being transformed in
true Rossi style. On Saturday, the Beastie was transported outside where it drew
the attention of all those who walked by. Volunteers helped by painting solid
colors within the outlines that Karen had drawn. What began as a cute, yet rather
plain, creature was brought to life over the course of the weekend. Each day,
Karen added more of her whimsical touch by covering the Beastie with her trademark
flying people, as well as bright, vibrant illustrations, and sparkling gems and
glitter. 
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