Let’s make stuff together (separately)
Then share on Instagram with #antisocialartshow
Rochester, NY – Renowned for its incredible, inflatable installations including seven local Balloon Manors later called Airigami Balloon Adventures, Airigami is committed to community-building art experiences all over the world.
But what happens when COVID-19 and social distancing brings it all to a grinding halt? Never at a loss for creativity, Airigami Creative Director Kelly Cheatle has come up with an alternative: the first (but hopefully not annual) #antisocialartshow – Let’s make stuff together (separately).
“Everyone is invited to create a piece of artwork, whether it be musical, visual, edible, readable – anything, really – in the comfort of their own homes. Then, just take a photo and post it to Instagram with the hashtag #antisocialartshow,” she explains. “The only rule is that you have to use what you have on hand – it totally defeats the purpose if you head out to the store.”
More than 100 images have already been uploaded to the online gallery.
“The process of creating is one of the most joyful there is,” adds Cheatle. “Dust off that craft bin, bust out that ukulele, sharpen that pencil, and gather those pots and pans and make something. If you’re home with the kids, have them make stuff too. It can be a poem, a painting, a pie…even things that don’t start with the letter “p” – especially not things that are perfect. The important thing is that you embrace the opportunity to create something.”
Like so many others affected by the pandemic, Airigami’s paid work has come to a standstill. While the Antisocial Art Show is free to all, there are a few, slightly more lucrative ideas they’ve launched during this time of social distancing, including Floral Yard Stickers: large, cheery balloon flowers delivered to a recipient’s yard. Pittsford’s Dr. Ellie Walter, a neighbor and witness to one such delivery, says: “It’s the scientists that will make us better, but it’s the arts and the humanities that will make us feel better.”
Other ordering options include an entire Community Pop-Up Garden, a Window Wish Yard Display, and a Happy B-Day Cupcake Yard Sticker. All are available online at https://www.airigami.com/shop.
“This is a scary time for all of us,” says Airigami Artistic Director Larry Moss. “As far as Airigami is concerned, our calendars may be empty, but our brains are still full of creative ideas that we want to share.”
More about Airigami: Rochester artists and partners Larry Moss and Kelly Cheatle are full of hot air and visionary ideas. Internationally renowned for their incredible, inflatable installations, including a giant astronaut boot to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the world’s first piloted balloon sculpture (Fantastic Flying Octopus), and Maker Faire installations all over the world, the two are committed to community-building art experiences. Moss, who began his career as a NYC street performer, has earned two Guinness World’s Records for giant builds, as well as AP, CNN Headline, PBS and other international and national news coverage. Airigami has made multiple appearances on The Martha Stewart Show, Good Morning America, the Today show, and at the White House. Its artwork has been exhibited throughout North America and in more than 16 countries worldwide, including: the U.S, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, the U.K., France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Turkey, Kuwait, Qatar, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Japan. Airigami is part of a collective of Rochester creative entrepreneurs – artists and “makers” who work in everything from metal to video to balloons – that inhabit a space in the downtown High Falls District called MADE ON STATE (510 State Street). For more information, please visit airigami.com.
Media please note: Additional high-resolution images, video, and interview and photo/footage opportunities are available upon request.
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