Fantasy Fest 2011

About the Fest..
Traditionally October has been a slow time for tourism in the Keys, but since its inception, Fantasy Fest has continually boosted the economy by filling up hotel rooms and inundating local businesses, restaurants, and bars during this time period. The tremendous influx of visitors during the ten days of the festival sustains the local economy until the holiday season begins. Fantasy Fest is committed to extending the time that visitors stay by encouraging the creation of diverse events throughout the entire ten days. The opportunity to show off the imaginative and resourceful spirit that defines the Keys excites participants as well as the thousands that are drawn to the Keys.
Frank Romano, a board member of the Tourist Development Association of Monroe County, Inc., and a founding member of Fantasy Fest, gives us a personal introduction into the conception of Fantasy Fest. He shares the early vision of Joe Liszka, President of the TDA, giving us a glimpse of how this good-natured revelry came to be.
"In 1978, on Halloween Day, Joe Liszka asked me to accompany him to the intersection of Front and Duval Streets. He asked me to look up Duval Street and tell him what I saw. "What was I supposed to see?" "No cars moving, no people walking, lots of store fronts boarded up because the retailers take their vacation in this slow season?"
"How is the weather," he asked. "Well, it is a typical beautiful day in Paradise, warm, with bright sunshine." "That's what's wrong," he told me. " Here it is the most beautiful weather day of the season and the town is deserted. Workers are laid off. Business owners have a tough time paying their expenses. It is a disaster season for the Key West economy."
"I understand", I replied, "but what can we do about it?" "We need a fest, a carnival, a celebration, something that will entice people to change our moribund season to one of great fun; a party that will bring many people to understand that this season is one of our best," he replied.
Liszka's creative inspiration was the birth of Fantasy Fest. Now, Halloween is the busiest day of the year with thousands of people visiting our town. Fantasy Fest week produces the most revenue of any week in the year.

This year I accompanied Amanda Robinson a local of Key West and also a graduate of Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry. We shared a booth infront of the Furry Surf Shack on Duval St. Day to day, all day, we body painted the people that came out to celebrate this crazy fest! It was my first Fantasy Fest experience and won't be the last!

Extravaganza

On September 3rd, 2011 I hosted and organized the biggest and funnest party Wisconson has ever seen!
Everything from great music, decorations, runway show, 20 + models, orderves, and a venue full of great people!

This was my last event in the Midwest before I took off for Florida again. The event was held at The T-Bar in Ellsworth, WI. Such a fun bar!

Designers showing off there work were Sarah Ann's Beautiful Creations, Custom Clothing, and Body Painting by Natasha's Canvas. 4 models walked the runway in stunning dresses, 6 models wore eye catching bikinis, 5 models were painted as disney characters, and 4 models were painted exotic! Also before the body painting finale, sexibility Sarah showed off a few moves and wowed the crowd as always!

Twin Cities Fashion Showcase

On Friday, July 22nd at Whiskey Park in downtown Minneapolis was the Twin Cities Fashion Showcase. There was over ten designer's. I was one of them! PAINTING clothes!
I was so honored to take part in this and show off my creations. I picked four models to work on. I did their makeup and painted a clothing design. The hair was done by my good friend Ashlie Garcia. Me and her always work very well together! Jason Brown with 23rd Eye Photography kindly came to the event and captured images.

A Night at the Playboy Mansion, T-Bar style

June 4th, 2011 in Ellsworth, WI at The T-Bar!
I painted 5 female models, did their makeup, and airbrushed a playboy bunny on 2 male models. Once again the hair was done by the fabulous Ashlie Garcia. They performed a 12 min. routine at the bar. The routine was made and taught by me. This place was packed!!

Aloha! Body Painting Show

This was a Hawaiin themed gig on May 28th, 2011. I did the makeup and painted bikini tops on 6 beautiful models! Hair was done by the amazing Ashlie Garcia. This event was at The Woodshed bar in Hager City, WI. There was 2 shows, one at 10pm and one at 12am! During the show they all had hula skirts on and a flower that matched their flip flops and undies! They also wore coconut bra's that they took off during the show!!

E X O T I C A

April 30th, 2011
M3 Productions hosted an event called Exotica. It was held at a large studio in Minneapolis, MN. I was one of the artists. I had 4 models and did their body paint, hair, and makeup.

I painted the Peacock, Purple Cheetah, Tiger, and Butterfly!

Julian Moran ( the other painter that night ) and I

Natasha's Canvas Easter Body Painting Show

April 23rd, 2011
This was at Cannon River Inn - Welch, MN. It was a small event but VERY fun!! I painted 6 girls and choreographed a 10 min. routine for them to do on stage! I painted Easter designs on their chests, did their makeup, and made colorful tutus for them to wear!! Hair was done by Ashlie Garcia. Filmed by Katie with Loved1Productions!

Blueberry Boutique Fashion Show

ONE OCEAN SUNDAYS @ CLUB 01 in Miami, FL
I did makeup for the finale girls & a few others!

Flirt Boutique Fashion Show

This event was held at Club Envy in Minneapolis, MN.
I painted V-day designs on the male models! ;-)

D&G Sunglasses Fashion Show

Gryphon Night Club at the Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida.
My good friend Jade and I did makeup for these lovely models at this event! I also airbrushed the D&G label on their arms!