You may know that WaterFire started in Providence, RI about a decade and a half ago. During that time, these WaterFire experts have helped design and implement this unique art installation in such diverse places as Singapore, Paris, and Rome. Their experience is paramount to a successful event and the group often travels to help get things off the ground (er… water).
In 2013, about 15 volunteers from WaterFire Providence made the trek to Sharon twice to help make the first two WaterFire Sharon events successful. These individuals were instrumental in aiding Sharon volunteers and organizers with the planning and execution of the Sharon events. While many Providence volunteers have helped with WaterFire events in many locations, the things they have had to say about WaterFire Sharon have been remarkable.
“We’ve done WaterFire events in Venice, Berlin, Buenos Aires – all over the world – and nobody has matched Sharon from an enthusiasm perspective,” said Providence volunteer Allan Redfern. “I’ve never seen anything quite like Sharon. The spirit is just amazing. I can’t wait to come back.”
Redfern continued to praise the community in coming together to make WaterFire Sharon a success. “We had hundreds of volunteers. That’s amazing for a town this size, and it’s unprecedented in Waterfire history. These people are so enthusiastic.”
Photo by Alane Jewel
Pat Moriarty, also of Providence, spoke to the apparent impact of the event on the community.
“So much represented the spirit of WaterFire and the revitalizing effect it had on Providence. It took years for us to build that. In Sharon, it seemed to happen almost overnight.”
Providence volunteer Christine Maino also commended Sharon’s first two WaterFire events, additionally praising those who helped make them possible.
“It was amazing to see how Sharon learned from Providence, took that information, and made their very first event spectacular,” said Maino. “There’s a good volunteer base in Sharon – I can see that the bond between volunteers is becoming very strong.”
Maino also helped with the set up of the Memorial Earthworks Illuminated Art Installation, designed by Columbus based artist Walter L. Herrmann, which was featured at WorldFire, the second WaterFire Sharon event. The exhibit featured large stone Cairns that were lit ablaze as an extension of the lighting ceremony.
“They were just magnificent,” said Maino. “To see those develop and then to see them lit was incredible. It was an almost ethereal experience when they were lit.”
Redfern lastly recounted an experience he had while volunteering at the first WaterFire Sharon event.
“Somebody said to me, ‘Do you think it’s going to work?’ I looked around and saw everyone coming together to make it happen, and said, ‘It already did.’”
WaterFire Sharon is unique in many ways. Make plans to see it for yourself.
