Arts and Crafts

Firefly Fascination

Posted at July 09, 2008 10:29

Art can be made without a canvas, a chisel, or a paint brush. This evening at St. Charles, it will be created using insect nets, plastic jars, and a small army of captive fireflies.

Project: Firefly is an art installation conceived of by Alex Elmestad, who works at the Foundry Art Center at St. Charles.

“The order of capturing, using, and releasing back to the earth or atmosphere has long been a tradition in spiritual and religious practices,” Alex says.

Participants will meet at Foundry Art Centre to receive supplies and learn about the project. Working along the Missouri River bank, they will capture fireflies in plastic jars. At the foundry, the jars will be installed in a grid to create a bioluminescent artwork.

Though the foundry hosts many community art events, Project: Firefly is special because people of all ages will work together to collectively create one work of art.

After taking time to admire the work, participants will release the fireflies back into their environment.

Project: Firefly will be held Wednesday, June 9 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Foundry Art Centre, which is located at 520 North Main Center. For more information or to volunteer to document to the event in photos or video, call the Foundry Art Centre at 636-255-0270.

—Sara Shahriari

MissouriLifelines July 2008

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