Thousands of people showed up to watch Rob Bliss’ latest project – flying 100,000 colorful paper airplanes over downtown GR while musicians played a song in unison…for ArtPrize. Sounds really cool, doesn’t it? That’s what we thought. Except it turned out that it really wasn’t. Bummer.
Good concept; poor execution.
The paper airplanes were actually dumped out of garbage bags at the tops of some tall buildings, so lots of them fell down to the ground in clumps. And the buildings were so far separated that the airplanes didn’t give the intended “rainbow” effect as much as just a clump of color here and a clump of color way over there.
And the music was the same annoying 8 measures (or so?) over and over and over again.
Oh, well. Like MomR said, “Well, now we never have to do this again!” Been there, done that.
But we got some pictures! Here we go…
People, people everywhere. As far as the eye could see…You can imagine how easy it was to get our double stroller through that crowd!
Caleb and I waiting for the airplane event to begin
Ava and Aunt Emily
Yellow airplanes over Monroe
Dad and Mom R at the event
DadR makes a really good “bored” face
Grace and Daddy – I’m sad this cute picture is a little blurry
Ryan Hipp‘s awesome work, displayed at the the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Luke works with Ryan, who is a very talented illustrator. You have to register for ArtPrize in person, but once you do, go vote UP for Ryan Hipp!
Nessie was pretty cool, too. She (he?) lives in the Grand River. And I think she makes noise, too. Pretty sweet!
And last but not least, Emily took a picture of our family. Thanks, Em!
It was a beautiful day, and we had fun walking around downtown and viewing some creative art. We hope to go back again early this week to see more, since we really only saw a small portion of the 1262 entries!
You beat me, Lacey. I guess driving three hours back home prevented me from beating you. We are tired and glad to be home. Thanks for including us in your art fair – it was a nice afternoon. The weather couldn’t have been better. We liked “Nessie,” the huge table, and your friends art. Not a bad event for free!
Wow – such a cool idea! That would have been quite an event if the execution had been a little better. What a shame.
Lace – you look sooo pretty in that pic of you and the whole fam! Pink is a very good color on you. Also…..is Mom wearing your shirt??
Last question – does poor lil Caleb have a bloody nose in the last picture?
love you guys!
-Betsey
Mmm, gobble that hand up, Jaden.
Everyone is beautiful, thanks for the update! I’m sad that the paper airplanes didn’t turn better, it seems like a good idea in concept.
Nessie is pretty SWEET! I remember the kids saying something about her when we talked on the phone. I didn’t quite grasp it until I saw the photos.
Nice to see you all; love you!
Betsey – actually I bought that shirt twice. Once it was too small and Lacey got that one. I got another one a size larger and wore it Sunday. We could be twins one day – who knows. Caleb had ALOT of red Crystal Lite – that is what gave him the Adolph Hitler look. Such a cutie!