Under the Moon

Lunar art installation moves Milwaukee

This past weekend in the Third Ward, Milwaukee welcomed a traveling art installation called Under the Moon. The main feature was a 23-foot-wide replica of the moon, lit internally day and night. It's made from NASA lunar images printed on hot air balloon-esque material that's stitched together for a gorgeous, glowing orb. Hoisted above Catalano Square by crane, the sight caused quite the stir.

Throughout the weekend, various performances took place beneath the moon: live music, poetry, talks by folks from our local planetarium. My friends and I were lucky enough to stumble upon a contemporary dance performance by Water Street Dance — a dreamy celebration of the mystery and majesty of the moon. 

The coolest thing about the entire experience was the sheer number of Milwaukeeans who came out just to sit and gaze in awe at what is, essentially, just a fancy balloon. The atmosphere was artful and open, and it was cool to feel that shared sense of wonder. I hope it was as successful an event in the coordinator's eyes as it was in mine. To have more such experiences bringing people together would be a giant leap for Milwaukee.