I arrived at Blank Space (201 East Central Boulevard) early and the DPR Army was busy setting up. They all wore custom blue Dog Powered Robot T-shirts. The cardboard city took form quickly but Evan Miga made many adjustments and then started adding cardboard billboards. The advertising was blunt and to the point like “Things”, “New Stuff” and “Naked Underwear Model.” Scott Wilkins, the music selector for the night, was busy setting up sound equipment and tapping at the keyboard of his Mac computers. Before the first patrons arrived I shot a photo of the whole DPR army using Douglas LoCicero‘s camera.
I donated a print to the auction. There were some amazing silent auction items, like digital cameras, a bottle of white wine with the label, “Wine Powered Robot” and a Robot Pizza Party! The huge DPR blue foam letters stood stoically outside the Blank Space entrances. Bob Kodzis and Christie Miga manned the entryway. Two young women who were just passing had to find out what was going on. With admission they were given a wrist stamp. My wrist still has the a blue robot on it and if I wiggle my hand side to side, I can make the robot dance. I really should wash my wrist.
Alyssa Foley, the actress who now plays Lollybot, asked me if my work had been on display at the library. It turns out her boyfriend is an artist and he pointed out my work to her. Alyssa was be very funny. Once she stepped inside the Pink Robot she was a non stop dancing and flirting machine. There were lolly pops along the length of her arm. I tried valiantly to get one for myself and Terry but Lollybot was dancing so much that I couldn’t grab a pop from her waving arms. It was a bit comical as I tried again and again to get at the lolly pops. Each time I reached out she would turn or robotically walk away. Finally Lollybot walked right up to where Terry and Amanda Chadwick were sitting and Amanda quickly snatched two lolly pops. All my gallant effort was wasted, I never seem to catch the prize. I’ve always depended on the kindness of strangers.
Tod Kimbro performed on piano. He was later joined by Jessi Riese. They performed a fun lively set as I sketched frantically. Then came the main attraction, a recreation of the 2010 Fringe act that started it all. Darci Ricciardi stepped in and lip synced the singing of Britt Daley. As always the crowd was hollering and hooting as Dog Powered Robot Destroyed the Cardboard city. A video was then screened which had stunning special effects including lasers explosions and a burning cardboard city. Christie’s silent screen debut was hilarious. I have never seen Blank Space so crowded. Swami Worldtraveler introduced me to two young German women who were visiting Orlando. This proves that DPR is already an international phenomenon. The fundraiser was an undeniable success.