The first step was securing a doubledrum steamroller.

Without one, Saturday's Art in Flux benefit event at Flux Design, 811 E. Vienna St., might be categorized as just another art show.

But with one, it becomes something much ... bigger.

The 20 participating artists -- most of whom are MIAD alumni or faculty -- are taking over the streets with huge -- 4x8 ft., to be exact -- sheets of plywood, a whole mess of ink and, of course, a steamroller. The result? Art. Really big art.

"My fascination with the process of creating large steamroller prints actually began during my MIAD studies, and I am excited to introduce it with other artists at Art in Flux," says Steve Sorrentino, Flux's project/office manager. "We will carve into full sheets of plywood and then run over them with a steamroller to create a woodcut or relief print. With a team of printmakers and artists taking on various rolls from mixing ink, to maneuvering the plywood plates to driving the steamroller, we can promise that most people will experience something they have never seen before."

As the first of its kind, Saturday's show benefits the academic programs of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. In addition to the steamroll action, artists are going to be creating sculpture from steel, wood and plastic live on site and time-based media pieces, comprising video and animation works, will screen repeatedly throughout the evening.

"Many of us at Flux Design are MIAD alumni with very different creative skills, and hosting a collaborative art event like Art in Flux to benefit MIAD is something we've wanted to do for some time," says Jeremy Shamrowicz, co-founder of Flux Design. "Our goal is to highlight the many creative forces here in Milwaukee, which MIAD plays a leadership role in educating and fostering. The college's academic programs are extremely strong, and Flux Design would not be where it is today were it not for the strength of MIAD's curriculum."

So while it might sound like the monster truck rally of art shows, what with the steamroller and everything, it's got nothing to do with random destruction and everything to do with meaningful creation.

The event, which kicks off at 5 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m., also features a silent auction of selected works, including smaller steamroller prints, as well as eats, drinks and music. It'll set you back $25 and tickets can be purchased at the door or through MIAD's Web site.

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