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| Morgan Faye was born to Larry Moss and Judy Mathers on 2/12/03 (5 pounds, 5 ounces and 17.5 inches long) Mother and baby are doing great; the daddy reports he could use more sleep. |
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| Balloon Art by Patty Sorell demonstrates that even simple sculptures can be presented artistically |
In 1999 we saw the first international convention to focus on non-round balloons. It was a real eye-opening experience for many artists that thought they were alone in the world. Over the next few years, at TJam and it's sister convention, Twist & Shout, there was quite an increase in the skills demonstrated. This year, however, we saw more than an increase in skill level. We saw innovative ideas, and more importantly, a demonstration of balloons as a serious medium for artistic expression.
Outward shows of skill certainly weren't lacking from competition pieces. There were some incredibly elaborate entries, but skill alone wasn't what won. The winning pieces all told stories and played on emotions, from a couple on a park bench to a boxing match between Uncle Sam and Usama bin Laden, just to name a couple of the winners.
Competition wasn't limited to just sculptures. The performance competitions are also growing in popularity. Performances, like sculptures, are getting more involved and more meaningful in their story-telling. Fewer artists seem to be settling for just handing out balloons to kids but turning to true entertainment. For some that means stage performance. For others it means telling jokes and involving the people in lines in front of them.
Who knows what we'll see next year? Balloon art is definitely seeing huge growth.
If you haven't already make sure to visit the T Jam 2003 photos.
Like last year, everyone in Chicago for the National Halloween and Party Show (in the convention center across the street from the IBAC hotel) can take part in the BalloonHQ.com scavenger hunt. It's free, it's fun, it's easy, and you have a chance to win a digital camera just for doing stuff you should be doing anyway. Walk around the party show and visit the booths of all of the BHQ sponsors attending the show, see what they're offering this year to help your business grow, and get them to stamp your game card showing you were there. We'll randomly draw one winner from all complete cards.
This year, IBAC is putting you on your "Road to Success". So, we thought we'd tag along on that theme. When you check in at IBAC, you'll receive your game card - a BHQ Driver's License. The license lists all of the BHQ sponsors attending the party show. Those not attending IBAC will be able to pick up a game card from one of the sponsors.
IBAC is March 5-9 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont (Chicago), IL. The Halloween, Costume, and Party Show is March 7-11 across the street in the Rosemont Convention Center.
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Dump Truck (and gravel) by David and Kayla Wiles Wiles's Balloony Inspirations in Hanover, Pennsylvania |
David Wiles Jr. and Kayla Wiles are a brother and sister team from Pennsylvania who specialize in small non-round balloon sculptures for special events and unique balloon costumes for children. The siblings report they often call upon their parents for transporation and support staff.
Visit the Wiles's Balloony Inspirations Portfolio
