Spring is in the air!
April 9th marked the opening of Wonder and with the new life of spring comes new life for Artlantic. As Robert Barry’s empowering words illuminate, Kiki Smith’s Red Garden begins to bloom, and the gates finally open, families and observers gather to take in the lovely sites. Some come to admire the artwork and others are content to simply enjoy the tranquility of the park amidst the busyness of the boardwalk.
In days spent at John Roloff’s Étude Atlantis, passersby constantly stop and ask “What is this?” To the best of my ability, I explain that it’s an art park—but wait there’s more! It’s a stage! It’s a community center! It’s an optical illusion! It’s a wi-fi hotspot! Étude Atlantis has become something that other creative minds can be inspired by. New ideas of how to utilize the site are popping up every day. Musicians ask if they can shoot music videos, teenagers take pictures with their friends, and curious children stare down into center of the mirrored fountain base and it’s an incredible phenomenon to observe.
Artist Peter Hutchinson will be contributing a welcomed addition to Wonder in early May along with installations by artists Jedediah Morfit and Robert Lach, so there is much to be excited about in the coming months. Finishing touches are underway and much is happening for Artlantic!