What's Up Wednesday February 28, 2024 #109

This week on What's Up Wednesday the first of our honorable mention artists and the first result of our merchandise survey is already in stock.

As we mentioned in What's Up Wednesday #105, our call for poster art resulted in not only the official poster artist for 2024, but also 10 honorable mention submissions that we will be using on other products this year. Today we'd like to introduce you to 2 of them.

First up, Pi Luna. This Santa Fe artist likes to create her designs using tiny pieces of paper cut out of recycled magazines and arranging them into works of art. Pi has a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College, where she focused on integrating art, math, and Jungian Psychology. She also donates 10% of the proceeds from her art business to the One Tree Planted program. Visit her website to learn more and watch a video showing her process. www.pilunaart.com

Dennis Kennedy is no stranger to Balloon Fiesta stuff as his woodburning art is already for sale in our physical gift shop. In his words..."For me the day that changed everything was, one morning, I opened my garage door and right there in front of my house was a Hot Air Balloon, Rainbow Riders, and well I was talking to the passengers saying good morning etc. Craziest thing ever for me. So that day I broke out my wood burning equipment. Then my first walk around the new neighborhood and a Roadrunner crossed my path, inspiration #2. Since then, Roadrunners, Balloons, and all of NM has inspired and motivated me to create."

We look forward to putting Pi and Dennis's artwork on new items for this year. As those products come to fruition, we'll be sharing them here on What's Up Wednesday. 

Earlier this year we also asked you for some "sayings" that you would like to see on different items. The original concept was to put them on "Talking Sticks" and we have the first of those in stock and ready for purchase.

The first versions feature these sayings. "I live for the chase." "Find Joy in the Journey." "Balloon Fiesta is full of hot air." "Let's take the scenic route." (with a balloon image.) And my personal favorite," I'm not arguing, the pilot is always right!"

Each saying comes with different artwork designed to complement the text. More are on the way, and we even have another series of wooden products on the way. Stay tuned to What's Up Wednesday over the next few weeks as we unveil them.

More are on the way, and we even have another series of wooden products on the way. Stay tuned to What's Up Wednesday over the next few weeks as we unveil them.

As always, Thanks for your support of Balloon Fiesta and Balloon Fiesta Stuff! See you next week.