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1st triathlon features singing, painting, poems

Many local residents overcame colossal hurdles Wednesday. They had to make up a poem. They had to make art using paints and plants. They even had to — gasp — sing in public!

All of this was part of the first annual Arts Triathlon, which organizers are calling a success as about 100 people participated in the first hour alone Wednesday afternoon. The Austin Public Library, Paramount Theatre and Hormel Historic Home partnered to create the event, which was the library’s last big summer program this year.

“This is great,” said Laura Helle, executive director at the HHH. “We’ve had great participation.”

Residents could make prints using fruits and vegetables at the HHH, perform at an open mic onstage at the Paramount, and create poetry, including large magnetic poetry on a wall, at the library. Organizers said plenty of people from children groups and families to even adults by themselves participated.

 

The reason why is clear for Kathy Ewing.

“It was nice to have something to do for the kids,” said Ewing, who brought her children, Joseph and Grace. “It’s important to support local projects.”

Ewing’s children appeared to have fun, as Joseph pieced together a poem from frogs to the sun and moon before asking, “Don’t we have to put it on paper now?”

Laura Marreel agrees the arts triathlon was a success. Along with her sons, Grant and Tommy, Laura went through all three activities.

“It’s great,” Laura said. “They love, love, love art.”

Grant and Tommy had plenty of fun, singing “Call Me Maybe” at the Paramount before creating colorful prints. They were having plenty of fun using large fruits and vegetables as stamps. That’s one of the big reasons why Laura and her family would love to do the Arts Triathlon again next year.

“It’s awesome that it’s free, and that it incorporates all of these places in town,” Laura said.

Organizers agree, as many were encouraged by how many people got involved.

“If I can talk my colleagues into doing this again, we’ll have this next year,” said Ann Hokanson, executive director of the library.