Kickstarter

At last year's Hoosac River Lights festival hundreds of white LED Floaties were donated and given out by event coordinator Ralph Brill. At this year's festival Greylock Arts wants to give out hundreds of multi-color LED Floaties!

The Hoosac River Lights festival is a free event which uses art to focus on the history and future of the Hoosac/Hoosic/Hoosuck/Hoosick River that flows through Western Massachusetts, Southern Vermont, and Upstate New York. Last year's event featured several light sculptures and was attended by thousands. At this year's festival we'll be celebrating the native trout which inhabit the river, and the hot air ballooning that historically happened in North Adams. There will be a 36 foot long Brook Trout made of living plants on display, activities for children, as well as several light based works of art in and around the river after sunset. Plus, ongoing events at MASS MoCA and DownStreetArt.

LED Floaties are basically standard helium filled balloons with a light emitting diode inside. They are amazingly beautiful! See this Instructables page to learn how to make your own. With your help we can give out several hundred of these LED Floaties at this year's festival! We will also promote the responsible recycling and disposal of all materials used. The balloons will not be released into the environment.

We have estimated that it will cost us about $315 to give out at least 300 Floaties. Costs associated with this project include the cost of buying LEDs, batteries, balloons, string, renting helium, and credit card transaction overhead. Any extra money raised will allow us to have more Floaties! We will assemble a team of volunteers to blow up and distribute the Floaties the night of the event. We also plan to document the entire event with video for all to experience.

Greylock Arts is a small arts organization located in Adams, MA. With an emphasis on underrepresented forms of interactive and new media arts, we present exhibitions and talks, foster community involvement and develop educational programs to facilitate a deeper public appreciation for emerging arts practice.

Many thanks!

-Matt & Marianne