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Reviews / Essays... | |
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The Silhouette, 1995 Red October – Hunting for a Cure by Heather Ormerod "don’t hurt yourself having sex," Paul Lisson, organizer and founder of Hamilton’s third annual Red October fund raising event, jokes, when asked for the essential message behind this event. This off-the-cuff remark drew a chuckle from Fiona Kinsella, another Hamilton area artist and coordinator for Red October, but neither of them is fooling anyone; this isn’t just another AIDS fund raiser. Red October celebrates the arts, the artists, and the community, all while raising money for the Hamilton AIDS Network. The event itself has something for everyone and features a cross-section of Hamilton artists. Formerly, Red October was a one night affair, which combined the visual arts, music, literature, and poetry all into one venue. However, Lisson felt this "didn’t do justice to any of the groups". This year the event was expanded, to give each aspect of the artistic community greater exposure and to perhaps increase contributions. Red October is as much about raising awareness as it is about raising money. In a city with the nickname "The Steeltown" it’s often easy to forget there is a strong cultural vein running through Hamilton. It’s then no accident this event falls within both AIDS Awareness Week (Oct. 1-7) and Arts Awareness Month. Kinsella admits they’re "ultimately trying to draw attention to both". "There is no institution behind us," says Kinsella, who describes the music and the art as "more grassroots". The success of the event is dependent on members of the community coming together and donating their time and money for the good of others. Instilling the sense of community back into Hamilton, not just for one night, but indefinitely, is a unique goal to Red October and may be just what this city needs in the face of the Harris Government’s scathing social cutbacks. Tom Wilson, of the local band Junkhouse, echoes similar sentiment. "we need to support causes in our home town because it is important that we start taking care of ourselves." Red October is gaining momentum every year and Lisson believes the generosity of the arts community has been the key to their success. In the first few years they had a lot of people come out because it was a good cause and their were a variety of interesting performers. "They want to be there because it’s Red October!" exclaims Lisson. The quantity and quality of contributors to this event, testifies to Lisson’s high standing within the community. As Wilson says, "Paul has a clear streak of sensibility in a city that usually isn’t too sensible for me". Wilson credits much of his involvement in red October to his respect for Paul and what he is doing for the community. "Three years ago, the local artist and activist founded Hamilton’s annual AIDS benefit to raise community awareness as well as to strengthen the link between the artists and the city. Red October is actually a tribute to Gord White, a highly respected member of the community, an artist, and curator at the Petteplace Gallery, who died in 1988 of complications resulting from AIDS. "Gord White was a big motivator for me," says Lisson. "He was an encourager and nurturer of Hamilton artists", (much like) the role Paul has taken on. Red October actually started at the beginning of September with the "That’s Bazaar Sale" in Durand Park. This was the newest addition to Red October which has been expanding in response to its growing popularity each year. There was everything from vintage clothing and books, to garden sculpture, and Lisson felt the response from the community was excellent. "road Rhymes", on September 30, fulfilled the literary aspect of Red October. It featured a number of writers doing pen readings, words, and music, and the special guest night was Nino Ricci, author of Lives of Saints. Lisson was pleased with the generosity of those in attendance and he admits, not even the guest of honour was allowed to enter without leaving a donation at the door. The two biggest events are scheduled for this week, beginning with the art exhibition which will be held at the Art Gallery of Hamilton on October 5. Kinsella emphasized this art exhibition, appropriately titled "A Red Ribbon Affair", represents diversity in the community with the help of various established and emerging artists. Kinsella envisions the exhibition as using "art as a visual voice to draw the community together". In addition, there will be a silent art auction fund raiser October 5 to 8 featuring various professional artists as well as some pieces by musicians such as Tom Wilson, Sarah McLaughlan, and Bob Wiseman. Red October continues on October 6, at 8pm and Lisson warns not to be late because things get good right from the start." with Jack DeKeyser opening, followed by Tom Wilson and perhaps his well known band, and other incredible musicians such as Tim Gibbons, Dave Rave, Lauren Agnelli, and Sarah Harmer. The concert is what scares me the most," says Lisson, simply because a substantial amount of money has been invested in order to provide a good quality venue. Lisson comically compares himself and the other organizers to "gamblers in Vegas". "Everything has been going great up to this point , we just keep on winning". These days, the plethora of benefits and worthy causes can be overwhelming, but when questioned about this situation, Lisson insists the community can’t allow itself to push this issue aside. "it’s important the people of Hamilton jump back in, we need to see it all the time". Wilson believes AIDS is a good cause but also one which has not been properly brought to the public’s conscience. Exhaustion is beginning to set in for Lisson and Kinsella, as their countless hours of organizing and planning for Red October comes close to an end (at least for this year). The two organizers agree the incredible effort poured into planning this event has left them feeling crazy these days, but ultimately, they are hoping the hard work of all those involved will pay off for AIDS research. "But," Lisson honestly admits, "we just want to do the best darn stuff you ever saw in your life". |
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