Elements: July 19, 2014
Elements: What each person and what each thing is made from. We’re all familiar with Hydrogen and Oxygen forming together in quantities to make H2O – water. Chemistry provides us with a way to analyze the makeup of everything. But it doesn’t stop there. Elements extend to other areas of life – art. The elements of art (line, shape, form, space, texture, value and color) combine for countless options. An artist’s work is as unique as a human being. Created by hand and rooted in imagination, these elements combine to be the artist’s tool to communicate. Whether in painting, sketching, molding, design, or dance – it’s all about communicating what the artist felt and then chose to communicate with the rest of us; and we are each our own unique combination of elements. WaterFire celebrates the elements that create not only water and fire, but all of the fine and performing arts, the artists who create them, and the visitors who appreciate them.
WaterFire Sharon has selected a variety of entertainment to present at the July 19th, season opening event. The theme for the lighting, “Elements”, was selected by a working committee of artisans from the area.
The musical entertainment that the crowd can expect includes live acts on the Main Stage from 1:00 pm till 11:00 pm, a Millennial Stage that will speak to the music preferred by young people (family and all ages appropriate), and the Bojewski Singers from Erie. The day will offer street performances, interactive artisans (chainsaw artist, glass blower, blacksmith, En Plein Air, and Wendell August Forge), a children’s activity area, and a watercolors class called “Everybody’s an Artist”. Artists and craftsman will proudly display their wares for purchase along downtown streets and food vendors will prepare to feed the thousands of visitors. The ceremonial lighting will feature music and the world renowned fire performer “Spogga”. “Spogga” is known for his breathtaking skills and is often seen in Providence (where WaterFire was created) performing at their lightings.
We chose to use themes for the events so that visitors can expect a different experience with each WaterFire lighting. The artists can create and emphasize the themes in their work as well. No two WaterFires will ever be the same, and visitors can expect a different mix of entertainment, vendors and artists at each one. We’re excited to see and support what the participants do around this first theme – Elements.
WaterFire Sharon was brought to the Shenango River in downtown Sharon during the summer of 2013. Three successful events brought 70,000 visitors to experience the ceremonial lighting, witness the fires crackling and music playing in the background, boats carrying volunteers and performers, while the scent of wood burning filled the air. The other two dates planned for the 2014 season are August 23rd and September 27th.
As part of the Community Foundation, all financial contributions to WaterFire Sharon are tax deductible. It takes over 650 volunteers and significant financial donations for WaterFire Sharon to happen. For more information on how to support WaterFire Sharon or to learn more about the many and varied volunteer opportunities, please contact Bob Wilson at 724-981-5882, extension 111. Inquiries may also be sent to info@waterfiresharonpa.org
