January Update -

The gallery at Fleisher that has been functioning as my studio opens to the public today, so much of this month has been spent getting the space to look more like a work in progress and less like sheer entropy. This means the sculptures are all wired for AC, so they work in the gallery, but they'll all be rewired before the parade.

Have been having papier mache parties in my studio and at Fleisher. They've been lovely. We get a lot done, (sometimes drink a lot of hot toddies), and peel a lot of glue off our fingers. Thanks Alexi, Lena and Nikki.

Some exciting developments:

I have committed to the parade route!! It's 2.7 miles and moves through all different types of neighborhoods, past lots of churches, restaurants, industrial areas, boutiques, fancy houses, subsidized houses, parks, schools and community centers. Now, Warren at Fleisher is working on getting us the permits.

In the making:

The miraculous Carolyn, a sculptor and professional boat builder has volunteered to help out with the project and is focusing on building 2 lightweight boat forms that will be "wearable." She's working on the frame of the first one and it looks amazing.

The incomparable Nikki Virbitski has spun skads of skeins of raw wool and sundry bits into GORGEOUS yarn to be knitted by Amber Dorko-Stopper (in the roll of woodland creatures) into a shawl for the 10 foot tall main character of the procession, Huberta. She has also been supplying me with an endless flow of home made sweets. This crappy photo does not begin to do it justice.

So far, three Philly teachers are incorporating the parade into the curriculum - Marie's 4th graders will be making paper "gem" lanterns, Sharon's digital photo class will be making self-portrait lanterns (for the end of the parade, where Huberta is greeted by the people of Philadelphia) and Amy's high school class will be making clay objects based on their own adventures, then casting them in paper to be used as illuminated hat-lamps for the procession. Everyone is willing to work within the general aesthetic of the parade, which involves simple materials and a quiet, neutral palette.

In the wishing:

Starting to put the word out that we need a choir director and someone to arrange the music for the choir. I'm singing the first song over the phone to someone on Monday with hopes he'll be interested in helping us out. Fingers crossed.

Hoping we can get Radio Flyer to donate us a bunch of red wagons to tow the sculptures in the parade. Afterwards, Fleisher would distribute them to families in need. More fingers crossed.

Also - wishing for music music music. marching bands, beat box artists, drummers, singers, accordionists... Because there is nothing like live music walking under your window, and because it will help set the pace for the parade.

Starting to recruit parade marshals - folks who will stand in the way of traffic and warn us of potholes....

I think that covers most of what's been happening... Coming up next - Saturday, February 6th-

"Torch Lights and Toddies." We'll be making paper lanterns and drinking hot toddies in Fleisher's remarkable sanctuary. Drop me a line if you're coming.... [nightprocession(at)gmail.com]