“This award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, has been praised by Rhode Island residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. WaterFire’s over eighty sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the firetenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down the river, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and emotions of those who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park. WaterFire has captured the imagination of over ten million visitors, bringing life to downtown, and revitalizing Rhode Island’s capital city.” ~WaterFire.com
Serendipity is with me as I make my way from Portland, Maine, to New York City. The proof? Last night’s magnificent WaterFire festival in downtown Providence!
After spending three days in Portland this past week with my longtime friends Gary and Demetrios (formerly of the Twin Cities), I decided I wanted to explore another smaller, artistic city before heading to Manhattan. I didn’t realize that the timing of my visit coincided with last night’s WaterFire … an amazing artistic installation that combines visual beauty with an amazing sound track of music.
“WaterFire is accompanied by music selected by Barnaby Evans that combines recorded natural sounds with eclectic and unusual music related to the ritual, religious, and symbolic sources of the sculpture. The soundtrack changes with each performance and works by artists from throughout the globe are deliberately juxtaposed. The emotional character of the music is opposed to the minimalism of the sculpture—just as fire is paired with water. The music program begins before sunset and ends at 1:00 AM on all full WaterFire events.” ~ WaterFire.com
Each WaterFire is made possible by hundreds of volunteers. If I were to spend time in Providence in the future, I want to paddle one of the fish canoes! (See photo below.)
It’s hard to adequately convey the emotions I felt walking along the rivers. It was a sensational experience. WaterFire is brilliant.
Last spring I recall our Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak talking about the need for Minneapolis to embrace its “winter city” status. We have our very popular Holidazzle in downtown Minneapolis during the holiday season. How about adding a new tradition in late January or early February by turning over Nicollet Mall to just pedestrians (and cross country skiers) one weekend … allowing them to make their way up and down the avenue to the warmth of crackling, artistic bonfires and music?
I’m blessed to have generous friends! My friends and PCYC colleagues Anne and Jim Long have built a beautiful cabin on the south shore of Lake Superior (just outside of Cornucopia, Wisconsin), and they invited me to host my folks, Donn and Ruth, here for the weekend. It’s been a challenging year for Mom and Dad, especially related to Mom’s treatment for colon cancer this year. Now that two months have passed since her final chemo session … a retreat on the great lake is a perfect way for her to celebrate her return to better health.
