Festival Days: July 10, Housatonic, MA


aHa! Festival Day: "Peace Like a River"
sponsored by the Association of Housatonic Artists

In Thailand, the Loi Kratong Festival honors Phra Mae Khongkha, the goddess of water, by the Kratong (floats) that are decorated with incense and candles to float along rivers. Inspired by this Asian tradition, aHa!, the association of Housatonic artists, will sponsor the event, Peace Like a River.

CALL FOR ARTISTS!!

This is a call to artists to create candle boats which will be launched for the Housatonic River. Our vision is to launch the boats in the early evening so that they will be viewed as night falls, floating down the Housatonic, lit by candles. This event will coincide with Sculpture Now’s opening event in Housatonic at Berkshire Mountain Bakery.

These boats are to be made from biodegradable materials. (For more information, see below.) On the day of the event, prior to launch, various galleries in Housatonic will host openings showcasing the boats. Artists are encouraged to find a sponsor for their boats and the monies from sponsorship will be donated to River Walk.

Materials Guidelines for Floating Boats:

Best Materials to Use:

*Japanese Knotweed (found along the banks of the Housatonic-looks like bamboo)
*Other indigenous plants such as stems, leaves, reeds
*Sticks, lumber, other trash already in the river or on the banks of the river

OK Materials: *Non-Toxic Paper (no bleach or dyes)
*Rice Starch or Elmer’s glue
*Beeswax Candles - you will need to construct luminarias so they don’t blow out

Don’t Use: *Sharp Objects
*Food
*Anything wildlife can get hung up on

Note: Quality Printing has low-impact organic papers; you can contact them at:
Quality Printing, Pittsfield, MA
413-442-4416

Beeswax votives and tealights are available at the Berkshire Co-op Market, Bridge St. Gt. Barrington, MA