I’ve always been lured by the promise of free food. Sadly, I’ve never been a good cook. This makes for a poor combination for things like potlucks, when you’re encouraged to bring your own tasty creations while sharing in the splendor of others. It makes me more of a mooch than an active culinary participant. You’d think I’d feel bad about this, but I don’t. If it weren’t for people like me, where would the restaurant industry be? I’m really more of a philanthropist, when it comes down to it.
Needless to say, my mental defenses were up this past Saturday as I approached the gates of McCarren Park Pool empty handed. The pool was the site of the deliciously artistic Slideluck Pot Show, a potluck dinner and slideshow of up-and-coming artists that takes place three times a year in different spots in New York City. Oh, and also all over the world. Since its start in 2003, the nonprofit slideshow, which is geared mostly towards photographers, photo editors, curators, collectors and designers, has really exploded. Slideluck Pot Shows have taken place all over the United States and internationally, thanks to its contributors.
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“Did you bring any food?” asked the show’s Assistant Producer Julia Graham at the welcome table. She frowned as I shook my head no while putting a dollar in the donation box. Poor contribution, but oh well.
The weather forecast had said rain for the evening, but there was still a pretty respectable crowd inside the park. People were laid out on picnic blankets and beach chairs, and many lounged about, stomachs full, on inflated pool floaties that were set up in front of a giant projection screen. Doors opened at 6 p.m. and the slide show didn’t start until 8:30, which left plenty of time for people to mingle, taste a little bit of everything and enjoy some of the many activities.
Like the mini beach photo shoot; two inflated mini-pools (the kinds you see dogs and small children frolicking in on hot days in the suburbs) were set up. People would climb inside and get their picture taken while playing with props like beach balls. I really wanted to get my picture taken in the inflatable pool, but I was too busy waiting in line at a different booth – one that required you to primp.
Ever heard of Jill and Phil Bumby? They are the geniuses behind the most entertaining activity at Slideluck Potshow that night. For two dollars, just two dollars, they vowed to give you “A Fair and Honest Appraisal of Your Appearance.”
I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt and donning my favorite pink denim backpack. I had my hair pulled back and was wearing the glasses I bought for cheap after I broke the very first nice pair of glasses I had ever owned. I didn’t feel very put-together, really, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to put myself on the chopping block.
The line which led to either a potentially dismembering disaster or towards an enlightening ego boost was quite long and moved slowly. Jill and Phil, the appraisal-givers, both wore scarves around their faces, sunglasses, and kept the tops of their heads hidden – Phil with a hat and Jill with a bright orange wig – to hide their identities. They used an old-fashioned typewriter to type up the appraisals and really took their time making their assessments.
“This is funny. This is better than a kissing booth,” said one guy who walked by. He didn’t end up getting appraised, I must mention, but had a cool idea. “It would be cool if they flashed people’s assessments on the screen.”
“The whole thing is ridiculous,” said the guy who stood behind me in line. The woman behind him said it reminded her of a homeless guy she saw on the street who was wearing a sign that said, “Tell me off for $2.”
After nervously applying lip gloss several times over the course of the hour I was in line, I finally reached the appraisal chair. They asked me who I wanted to appraise me, Jill or Phil, and I said it didn’t matter. Phil stepped up to the plate and started typing away.
So what’s the verdict? How did he think I looked? I won’t reveal the whole thing, but I got an overall score of 9.6 and my appraisal began with the words, “You remind me of my first real true love girlfriend…” Is it sad that this is the closest thing to a love letter I have ever received?
By the time my appraisal was over, the slide show had started. The theme for this show was “change,” and the art that was projected was all very cool and made for a great presentation.
For more information go to www.slideluckpotshow.com.
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