Festivals
In addition to conceptualizing, writing and producing outdoor spectaculars, I've also served on the Public Art Committee of Arlington County, VA for 4 years helping facilitate other people, the government and other artists in my community.
An Imagination in Bloom:
A reimagining of the National Cherry Blossom Parade & Festival
Rebrand for festival, new mission, tagline, opening ceremony parade and
and closing flotilla with extended focus on community participation
Reimagined and promoted as a weekend of expression for everyone, "In Imagination in Bloom would rebrand the festival with a signature celebration of progressive arts influenced by the friendship between the US and Japan. Bloom would extend the festival's impact outward from the heart of the city. It would inspire the public to attend artistic classes an performances held in all over the metro area the same weekend.
Event production, graphic design
Anabelle, the Bat Mitzvah, is an artsty teen. She's warm and expressive, artistic and theatrical. I set out to cause 100 disparate people to become 1 family as warm as she is, in just 3 hours. My strategy was to design a transformational, artisanal experience, evocative of Burningman,
I designed the branding to eluded to the artistic event to come. This was the basis for all invitations, way finding and signage for stations and takeaway gifts, and custom art installations. I chose the neighborhood cul-du-sac for the event because it's circular shape was perfectly situated to design for opportunities that would create emotional connections among the guests. A giant puppet was created as a beacon a colorful and exciting destination at the top of a hill. I designed a circular flow of engagement spaces to allow repeated intermixing of friends and family. Even the most formal folk would become comfortable to play. Costumes, instruments, karaoke, giant bubbles, art projects and art bikes were available for guests to participate in ways that would invite play and interaction. Custom installations were created everywhere. Now when anyone comes to that cul-de-sac, they see beyond the circle of homes on a quiet street at the top of the hill. The joy from that day still lingers in the air. The event including a plan on slide 3 shows how it was achieved.
Festi-Belle
Winterfest
Concept for festival, theater, public art
A night parade, lit up with live scenes inside "snowshakers" including Penquina and her orchestra of children and penguin puppets, mermaid on ice, two polar bears going ice fishing for a complete chicken dinner. Rolling sculptures such as trees and tiered climbing fabric and steel shapes, hidden marching bands revealed under oversize character skirts,, glowing ribbons, giant puppets that expand and contract footprint in the audience, and costumed characters.
Expo '98: US National Day Parade
Costume designer
To kick-off the National Day celebration, VIP's were met by the Sixth Fleet Band as they and the Color Guard led the entourage through the streets of the Expo. Secretary Riley, Secretary Dalton, and U.S. Commissioner General Coelho participated in the National Day Official Ceremony in a full blown "American Style Parade". The Official U.S. Delegation, headed by U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley, appeared with Portuguese Government officials to raise the U.S., Portuguese and Expo flags. Sixteen dance and musical groups as well as street performers made up an amazing day of talent in the parade. Groups such as River Road, Up with People, the Ministers of Music, Native American Hoop Dancers, and Hawaii Children's Theater and Big Nazo, a life-size puppet act joined in.
