Balloonacy

At noon there was already a short line at Millions of Fishes, an art collective that a few acquaintances are and have been a part of, for an amazing experience. While waiting for Balloonacy there were a few of the extra sturdy balloons in the waiting area that everyone was playing with. These balloons were large and sturdy and a couple were huge. It was finally time to go in and there were a string of warnings: if you are claustrophobic, don't go in; if you have a fear of latex or latex smell, don't go in; if you get disoriented and need help getting out, there are lifeguards that will help you find your way.

The warnings were well deserved. I waded into a solid wall of white balloons held in check by the confines of the room and two layers of curtains to keep out light. Once inside, it was super surreal, there were balloons everywhere that glowed when jostled and as other people moved the balloons got pushed into me and I pushed other balloons into other people. At one point I noticed that the ceiling in one area was very tall and that there was some extra space up there, so I threw a whole bunch of the balloons in the air, scooping them and tossing them, watching them glow as they gently descended.

After wading through the chaos, one of the artist, George, offered to take me upstairs for a look down. Wow, it was so cool. There's a second floor to the room with a strange balcony/catwalk that extended over the pond of balloons. All I could see down there were glowing orbs moving around and giggles. Fantastic is putting it lightly.