By Krysia Wazny

Maybe it was the open air on a warm night or the refreshing glimpse of original art. Perhaps it was the coming together of friends and family for some laughs. Or maybe it was just the shorts. Whatever the reason, all felt welcome in Union Square last Saturday.

Somerville in Shorts made a second splash in the community over the weekend, bringing together the works of the nationally famous, Emmy nominated, and newly started. The event debuted two years ago after SCATV executive director Wendy Blom sparked a desire for outreach to local filmmakers. Local animator and frequent SCATV contributor Karen Aqua suggested animated films, citing the unfulfilled need for outlets in the area’s large community of animation artists.

After the festival succeeded in drawing in ample talent from around the state, a one-year hiatus was planned to accommodate filmmakers. “The making of these films, especially hand drawn animations, is extremely time consuming,” said SCATV organizer Jessica Barnthouse, “I believe it was a good decision.” The truth of that statement shows in the quality of the films.

A judging panel of SCATV employees and area artists reviews each short, choosing only those of the best stock. “We like ones that are really original and look well made,” Barnthouse explained. Essentially they look for “a great experimental concept or really good quality of animation.” Those films that make the cut are then compiled to provide an enriching and uplifting show for anyone who cares to stop by.

As part of Somerville Arts Council’s ArtsUnion Project, this event was designed to bring greater benefits to the community. Admission was free and any passerby was welcome. Furthermore, efforts were made to highlight the works of local artists. Only works originating in Massachusetts were eligible, and special preference was given to Somerville artists. The area’s universities were also well represented, with a particularly strong response from Harvard.

By 8 o’clock Saturday night, the sidewalks around Union Square were beginning to fill. Adults, children, and dogs alike settled in for an evening of non-stop entertainment. The thrills began with the Kristen Ford Band. With a sound that might be described as blues backed by pure energy, Kristen and the gang had the whole crowd moving to the beat. Whether screaming or crooning, she enthralled the audience with songs about love from various fresh perspectives.

When nationally recognized animator Karen Aqua passed away at the end of May, the idea to dedicate this event to her memory was born. “It never would have started without her and her interest in animated films,” Barnthouse said.

Twenty of Aqua’s family members were in attendance on Saturday. Her husband, musician Ken Field, spoke about her work before the program began. “Karen loved Somerville very much,” he said, and went on to explain her three shorts appearing in the festival. The film Taxonomy was completed a few weeks before her death. Its depiction of the “various pieces of the world” was an excellent example of Aqua’s work with transformations in animation. “We were thrilled that she was able to finish it,” noted Field.

Aqua’s were not the only videos to grab the attention of the audience, however. Drawing inspiration from Einstein to Aesop, each film captured a unique story, and laughter was frequent. Episodes from critically acclaimed and Emmy nominated It’s Jerry Time were particularly popular, but even the fabulously simple tale of a dust mite attempting to outrun a vacuum cleaner in The Great Escape by Andy Choi were extremely well appreciated.

Relativity was examined in A Tale of Two Twins by Yuanjian Lou, and time travel was explored by Dan Ashwood in Repeat Viewings. A cameo by the jacket cover of Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People in an original by Jess Wheelock made all present wonder just what sort of thought goes into self-improvement books, and a story of pirate treasure had us all considering Karma in The Pirates of Pancake Island. Through papier mache, Legos, pancakes, and hard work (among other things) these stories came alive for the viewing pleasure of everyone lucky enough to be present.

Despite a rain delay, hundreds attended this feast of animated delights, and it proved to be a true treat for all.