At the very first WaterFire in 2013, Katherine and friends from St John’s Episcopal Church provided a Caring Station…a place for changing babies, a bit of privacy for nursing mothers, and a cooling center for people with health issues. The station continues to be a part of safety and first aid support for WaterFire Sharon.
As she watched the lighting of the river that first night, a vision formed. This summer, Katherine’s been working to make that a reality.
When conversations began about this year’s festival, Katherine suggested making and displaying colorful lanterns along the riverbanks. They could be nestled among the spectators in little clusters of light…as if framing the brazier fires. Visitors would take part in the festival by making lanterns.
During the July and August WaterFire celebrations, Interactive Community Art which is sponsored by St John’s, Gallery 29 & Sharon Commercial Printing (SCP Group), invited the public to construct paper lanterns which will be a part of WaterFire Sharon’s final lighting ceremony of 2014.
At the last WaterFire of 2013, Interactive Community Art was born with the creation of “Up!” a version of the WaterFire logo made from handprints of visitors to the festival. It is hanging at Gallery 29 downtown.
In September, Interactive Community Art will create a companion piece to last year’s “Up!” which will be entitled “Blessings and Dreams”. It represents gratitude and hope for the Shenango Valley, and will be located next to the Children’s Activities tent…another of Katherine’s commitments this year… A collection of fun, FREE & educational activities for the kids
At sunset on September 27th, the colorful paper lanterns made by the community this summer will be featured at 2014’s final Waterfire ceremony. Katherine can’t wait!
