I am so lucky to live in a place where both Community and Art are highly valued.
And when the two come together, it’s truly a thing of beauty.

For the past 5 years, I’ve had a wonderful time participating in Waterbury’s River of Light Lantern Parade. Conceived of and organized in 2010 by artists Gowri Savoor & Angelo Arnold, along with local art teacher and community powerhouse MK Monley, it has grown steadily, dispelling the cold and dark of a December evening each year, with the magic and warmth of light and community spirit.

This year’s theme was “Our Town – Faces, Places and Buildings from Your Home-town”, and for me, that couldn’t be any other structure than Portland Head Light of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

I count myself fortunate to be among local artists invited to participate. Early each November, we meet for a weekend-long workshop to craft large-scale lanterns to represent the chosen theme.  Up to our elbows in willow, masking tape, coffee filters and glue, it’s 2 full days of ideas, camaraderie, and good tunes. But the best part is getting to spend concentrated time with other artists.

Reinforcing my lighthouse                                          Photo credit: Gowri Savoor

Meanwhile, in the weeks leading up to the parade all students in the primary school are busy creating their own lanterns. Their pride and excitement is electric as everyone lines up; it’s a blast to be in the middle of their enthusiasm!

The end result is a vision of imagination; a true “river of light” that winds through the streets of Waterbury on the appointed evening. Observers full of good cheer, stand shoulder to shoulder, spirits heightened by the glowing lanterns and the steady beat and whistles of the drum bands that accompany the procession. The whole town is swept up in the joy of a community art event that has something for everyone.

Check out this short video by Ryan Mercer of the Burlington Free Press for a taste of the exicitement.

It really hammers home the idea that art can and should be accessible to everyone. I encourage you to see what opportunities might be available in your town for bringing together your community with art. The results may surprise you.