Art Pop 2025

It was hotter than a pepper sprout for Art Pop 2025 in the Ogma Brewing Beer Garden where art and music converge.

Art Pop 2025

Last year at Art Pop, the sun was shining, yet the temps were mild. Hell, some folks wore jackets early in the day as the winds whipped in the Ogma Brewing Beer Garden. This year was hotter than a pepper sprout in Jackson with blazing sun and hardly a breeze. One thing that didn’t change, the awesome art, delicious beers, and killer music that make Art Pop sizzle.

Once again, Cody James Lockwood was up front, welcoming visitors and wrangling the raffle. The prize packages were super, with bundles incorporating art from the show and gifts from sponsors like Ogma Brewing and Farmsudz. 

This year, Art Pop was ticketed with an early VIP entry or general admission. Both types of tickets included raffle entries and helped to defer table costs for the artists. This is huge as entry into these art shows can get expensive for the artists. Having low or no entry fees lets the artists keep more of their hard-earned cash.

Art Pop Collectibles

New this year at Art Pop is a collectible toy! Made by Swedish Made Toys (Aaron Gaston), Cody came up with the overall concept, Craig Horky provided the layout, Jason Welsh whipped up the 3D rendering, and Aaron handled the production and design. The result is a little Cody and his favorite collectibles, the 1977 Shogun Godzilla and Shonen Weekly Jump Volume 51, which features the first appearance of Dragon Ball. I couldn’t pass up on getting my own as I’m a nerd at heart.

The Art

While enjoying a Rattlesnake Suitcase West Coast Pilsner (such a damn fine beer!), I wandered through the big tents to check out the art and pick up a few early Christmas gifts.

On hand were Craig Horky, Audra Olivia, Saturn Ceramics, Austin Pardun Art, Unearthly Concoctions, Arcane Cluster, Jay A. DeFroy Art, Honey Hearted, Alexandria Bishop, Craftees by Lees, Kyle RISE Irving, SwedishMade Toys, Eclectic Creations, KarmaKnife, and Caricatures by Rick Johnson. 

All this weirdly wonderful art made for a sensory feast. Having the artists on hand made for great conversations as people explored the creations. 

Popping Music

As folks ambled through the art booths, Art Pop’s music stage was popping with made in Michigan music.

Railcar Graffiti

Kicking off the entertainment for those with the early entry tickets was Railcar Graffiti. Playing their signature blend of traditional American music that blends the influences of Celtic and African folk music, which is energetic and highly entertaining.

Attic Bats

The Attic Bats flew in for a brisk set of punk rock. This duo would certainly make Glenn Danzig proud. Shout out for playing the Black Sabbath cover too!

Ladyship Warship

Just as the day was starting to get sultry, Ladyship Warship served their brew of steamy blues rock that makes you feel sexy as you sweat to their rolling rhythms. Their new album, Lacrimosus Intolerantem, is amazing. You should get a copy.

Sleeper Pool

Melding grunge and alt-rock with hints of metal is Sleeper Pool. Featuring tasty riffs, popping rhythm, and evocative vocals, these guys rock.

Agatha Haag

Playing punk fueled Appalachian music is Agatha Haag. Raw, unfiltered, and straight to the point, this band conjured dark shadows.

The Gashounds

Detroit’s Gashounds played a passionate set of glorious garage rock. Reminiscent of bands such as Pavement and The Pixies, yet vibing with Motor City vigor.

O Odious Ones

Sludgy punk brushed with metal, O Odious Ones laid bare their sweat-soaked souls on the stage.

Asphalt Flowers

Man, my head is still humming from the sonic cocktail of soulful jams from the Asphalt Flowers. Jazzed with a touch of Allman Brothers southern spice, they served a succulent set of music. I was left with my soul singing.

Lucius Fox

The live music at Art Pop culminated with a colossal performance from Lucius Fox. They gave an explosive and joyous performance bristling with frenetic energy, which imbued their sublime compositions with lustrous beauty. By the end of their set, my mind was reeling with wonder and amazement. Look for their album, The Death and Life of the Great Lakes, coming September 12 on vinyl from Third Man Records.

DJ Mike Holiday

Stoking the post-dance party was the table master, DJ Mike Holiday.

Pictures

There are plenty of photos from Art Pop 2025 in our gallery.