ILLUMINATING CHINATOWN by Bianca Ibarlucea
On November 24th, at 7:30 pm, one block of Peterboro St., between Second and Cass, without working street lights is lifted from darkness in a collaborative community event ILLUMINATING CHINATOWN. Floating paper lanterns made and decorated by local artists, designers and students are launched to provide a dramatic temporary light source over the neglected block of Detroit’s former Chinatown. First used as a signaling balloon, paper lanterns are now used in festivals to signify good luck and new beginnings. In Detroit, the lanterns signal change coming from the hands of the community.
ILLUMINATING CHINATOWN is one in a series of events that are outcomes from Visiting Artist Fritz Haeg's fall 2012 special topics course ASL 5810 Detroit Methods. Learn more about Haeg and the whole series online.