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Your Manitowoc datebook

Rahr-West Art Museum Exhibits
The Rahr-West is hosting several art exhibits throughout the summer that draw from a number of styles capturing historical realism, abstract expressionism and the Manitowoc community. May’s exhibit, which will be shown until September 15, showcases the naval art of Thomas Hart Benton, a prolific WWII-era painter whose works paid homage to American troops. “Pure Energy,” which runs until August 11, is a collection of abstract pieces from Wisconsin artists Charles Dix and Doris white, both adept at crafting sublime, uncanny landscapes. Coming up August 25 through September 15 is a collection of pieces from Manitowoc community artists. Last year’s viewer’s choice awards included a 3D Abraham Lincoln portrait and a painted depiction of an eagle poised to take flight. The exhibits are free and open to the public. Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm. The Rahr-West Art Museum, Manitowoc. 686-3090.

Sputnikfest
September 7

On September 6, 1962 a 20-pound piece of Russian Sputnik IV landed in Manitowoc on the corner of N. 8th and Park. Sputnikfest celebrates this momentous event with food, music, raffles and contests for all ages. Named one of the Top Five Funkiest Festivals in the country by Readers Digest, this wacky tacky festival has become a community and regional favorite. Purchase a Sputnikfest t-shirt or poster at the merchandise tent, have your picture taken with a member of the 501st Legion (Star Wars characters), dress up in a spacey alien costume, or just join in the fun! 12-10pm. The Rahr-West Art Museum, Manitowoc. 686-3090.

Fall Art Slam
September 21-22 & 27
Manitowoc’s premier art event is set to be bigger than ever. All along Washington Park, local and regional musicians will perform and there will be several interactive arts activities such as a community mural project, pottery making, body painting and commissioning poets for hire to write impromptu verse. Community artists will also participate in “The Art Slam Challenge,” a contest where they must produce a piece across any medium in only two days between Sept. 21 and 22. The art will be exhibited at the Rahr-West Art Museum. Art Slam, 21, 9am-3pm. Washington Park, Manitowoc. Art Slam Challenge Deadline, 22, 6pm; Public Awards Celebration and Exhibit Opening, 27, 6-8pm. The Rahr-West Art Museum, Manitowoc. 686-3090.

Windigo Fest
October 4-6
Presenting the spookiest in Manitowoc’s arts and culture, Windigo Fest is a weekend celebration of all things Halloween. The event kicks off with a series of music performances that emphasize hard rock and classic metal, which in previous years have included Ratbatspider, Bat Habitz and Slaughter Party. Windigo’s activities and vendors also follow a macabre theme, with tarot readings on-site and memorabilia like skull candles on sale. This year, get your picture taken with the car from the 1983 horror film “Christine,” restored using parts from cars used in the movie, and keep an eye out for the “Dark Arts Gallery,” a collection of Manitowoc’s most spine-chilling artwork. Windigo Fest culminates in a downtown parade with themed floats, performance groups and costume contest participants. windigofest.com

Tiny Art Show
October 7-November 15
This Manitowoc art show showcases submitted work from all mediums – 2D and 3D – in the area, but there’s a catch: no piece can exceed six inches, quite possibly making it the most adorable art show you’ll ever see. In the past two years the Tiny Art Show has been on exhibits, artists are given much artistic leeway in their submissions, with the collection including pieces ranging from micro pottery to miniature art prints depicting wildlife, city landscapes, abstract pieces and even motivational phrases, all of which showcase Manitowoc’s varied artistic talent in pocket-sized form. All the exhibited artwork is also available for purchase. Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm. Du Charme Erdmann Gallery, Silver Lake College, Manitowoc. 686-6156.