Some people would view deserted buildings and vacated spaces as useless, or as an eyesore. But, if you’re entrepreneur and artist Zach DeBoer, you see them as an opportunity to highlight the growing art scene in Sioux Falls by using it to host Art Maze II July 7 and 8.

“Old places can be used in interesting ways. They don’t have to be knocked down and used as car lots,” explained DeBoer as to why he chooses the buildings he does, like the DM&E Building from the first year.

After the success of Art Maze I, pulling in roughly 5,000 people during one of the coldest days in winter, Art Maze II is an event you can’t skip this summer.

“It’s a chance to see art and experience it in a completely different way,” said DeBoer. “This isn’t just an art show. It’s a performance: temporary things that can only be experienced once, giving people a taste of what art can be. It’s not just paintings on a white wall; it can be a lot of different things.”

This time around, DeBoer is bringing the art experiment to his home turf, the L’Abri Building, where his company Exposure Gallery & Studios is located downtown.

“The building recently has new owners, who are hoping to refurbish it soon,” explained DeBoer. “But before that happens, they’re letting us use half of the main floor, including Exposure, and are letting us take over the basement.”

The basement has been sitting empty for around 10 years, says DeBoer.

If you missed the first Art Maze and need a taste of what Art Maze II will bring, DeBoer has some words on his own reaction to the art event.

“Artists took this as an opportunity to do something different that they don’t usually do,” he said. “It’s hard to make some wacky sculpture thing and have a reason. So, I was blown away how artists pushed and stretched themselves to do something different, something weird. To do something not made for the purpose of selling, but just to be.”

And don’t expect to see the same event. With another group of roughly 30 artists carefully selected by DeBoer, and an entirely new building, be prepared to see a once empty space become completely transformed. Some changes have also been made to give an all-new experience.

“It’s a different space, physically,” he said. “… Expect larger sculptural works, installations, and more environmental walk-throughs and surroundings.”

There will also be an outdoor patio that will have a selection of drinks, a food truck, and Alex’s Lemonade Stand (see side bar).

DeBoer said, “It will be a great area for people to congregate and enjoy their summer together.”

Art Maze II will take place July 7-8 from 5-11 p.m. For more information, visit the Art Maze II event page on Facebook.

LEMONS FOR A CAUSE

This year, sponsor Northwestern Mutual will be there with Alex’s Lemonade Stand (named after cancer patient Alexandra Scott). The Alex Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is a national childhood cancer foundation dedicated to raising funds for research into new treatments and cures for all children battling cancer. For more information, visit alexslemonade.org.

What:
Art Maze II

When:
July 7-8
5-11 p.m.

Where:
l’Abri Building
401 n phillips ave., Sioux Falls