On Saturday, May 30^th , 8pm, at the Annex inside the Windham Arts Center, 866 Main Street, Willimantic, art and music will collide in one sticky situation. This evening will feature many of CT’s finest independent bands. The music though is merely a backdrop for an event which, at least in this region, may be a first of its kind- an international, underground art, sticker showcase.

The impetus for this show began about one year ago as an internet phenomenon known as The Figurehead Experiment. Started by Willimantic resident and artist, Chad Heston, the Figurehead Experiment was a call to artists and non-artists alike to take the image of one man’s face, “The Figurehead”, provided by Heston, and manipulate it in as many unique and creative ways possible. At first these manipulations were shared through online postings. However, it wasn’t long before the Figurehead made its way out of cyberspace and began appearing, in sticker form, on signs, mailboxes, and just about anywhere with a pliable surface. And not just in Willimantic either as the Figurehead has begun to spring up in all corners of the state.

This form of art, much like graffiti, raises an interesting quandary: What separates art from vandalism? Can something be both? Banksy, an internationally known graffiti artist, has argued, “Remember crime against property is not real crime. People look at an oil painting and admire the use of brushstrokes to convey meaning. People look at a graffiti painting and admire the use of a drainpipe to gain access.” As for Heston, while it is true that he conceived of the Figurehead Experiment, he never advocated for the proliferation of the face on public property. Can he really be blamed for the actions of others?

Seeing as this argument involves an idea that began online and then moved into the real world, it calls to mind the recent controversy surrounding the website Craigslist.com and its Adult Services section (previously titled Erotic Services). In a recent NPR interview, Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster claimed that their website was merely an online forum for its users, that Craigslist itself could not be held responsible for the user-made content. Why then has Craigslist cowed to social and political pressures? Besides the name change, Craigslist employees will now screen each posting to the Adult Services section for compliance with Craigslist’s content rules as well as state and federal laws.

Political debates aside, the main purpose of this May 30th show is pure fun. Sticker makers from around the world have submitted their wares to be showcased at this event and local sticker makers will be in attendance as well. Many of the stickers will be manipulations of the Figurehead, while others will be original works. As for the music, the lineup for the evening is: Anne Castellano, Night of the Rabbit, Zoo Front, and Panda and Child.

For more information please contact Maria Yates (Panda and Child) at pandaandchild@gmail.com or visit www.windhamarts.org. Doors open at 7pm and the cost is $5 per person.