Batesville, IN — The Batesville Area Arts Council (BAAC) has announced the unveiling ceremony for its international art exhibit, UmbrellasSky Project of Portugal, which will take place on Saturday, July 3rd at 11:30 am near the Village Green Park in downtown Batesville at the corner of Boehringer and Main streets.
This display has its origins in Portugal and has been featured in several large European cities, including Lisbon, Portugal; Stockholm, Sweden; and Paris, France but has only happened in a few US cities so far: Coral Gables, Florida; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Dollywood, Tennessee.
BAAC President Ethel Rodriguez got the idea to bring something like this to Batesville after seeing a similar project in her home city of Chihuahua, Mexico. As she researched the art installation, she connected with Impact.Plan out of Portugal, the original creators of Umbrella Sky Project. Rodriguez says that getting the exhibit here has been no small feat. “BAAC has been working on this project for almost two years,” Rodriguez said. “In the beginning planning stages, we didn’t expect the COVID-19 situation to have such a huge impact on our community, but now we believe it is the perfect timing for this beautiful art installation. We are proud to be offering a safe option for our community to gather again and enjoy!”
Project organizers worked to navigate many layers of this project, from site selection, securing a special structure, and State permitting along with attempting to procure international visas during Covid.
BAAC Executive Director Sarah Heppner says that she is very proud of her board members for persevering to bring this special art installation to the Batesville community. “These ladies worked very hard, and the result will be a spectacular experience for our community. We are extremely grateful for our sponsors, as well, without whom this would not have been possible,” Heppner said. The Umbrella display will add a special enhancement to the Batesville Farmers Market, which has already become a hub of activity during the summer months, and the umbrellas will remain up until mid-October.
Information on this rarely seen art installation is available on the BAAC website at www.baacindiana.org/umbrella-sky-project. Organizers encourage people interested in learning more to also follow the Umbrella Sky Project Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/UmbrellaSkyProjectBatesville for information on community pop-up events under the Umbrellas.
BAAC, an all-volunteer nonprofit arts council, has been providing exceptional community art experiences and Arts in Education programming to our six local schools for more than 30 years. To become a member and support programs such as this, visit www.baacindiana.org.
