Have a Ball Among 6000 Balloons

As you enter the Adams Artspace, you notice blue balloons—bright pops of color against the grey concrete—spilling out of the room, scattering all along the dark, narrow corridor. Breathe in, and you inhale the warm smell of latex, so reminiscent of childhood birthday parties. Pull aside the curtain, and behold an ocean of “6000 Balloons.”

The idea to fill Adams Art Space with thousands of balloons was conceived by Will M. Skinner ’09, who was doing a handstand amidst the balloons when I approached him. Wading through the chest-high sea of balloons, I asked him what had inspired the project. Skinner, a sprightly Adams House senior with a puckish smile, told me, “I have a lot of free time on my hands.”

Skinner organized about 30 people to inflate 6000 balloons last night during a party that ran from 8 p.m. to 4:30 am. The Artspace is now filled with balloons, and according to Skinner, “anyone’s welcome to come and play.”

The theme was originally “Undersea Adventure”—hence the selection of the color blue for the balloons, and the sea creature balloon animals. And actually, people twirling, running, and diving in the balloons did create ocean-like waves. At one point, FlyBy joined everyone else in the room as we ran from one end of the Artspace to the other, creating a giant balloon tsunami. For a final touch, the static electricity generated by thousands of balloons rubbing against each other allowed some to stay stuck to the ceiling, creating splotches of blue sky.

Skinner said he wanted this project to be a way for people to enjoy themselves and get in touch with their inner child. “One thing I’ve noticed about Harvard is that people tend to take themselves and their lives too seriously,” he said. “We need simple fun things sometimes.”

If you haven’t had the chance to check this out, the Facebook event posting said there will be a “6000 Balloons” rave happening in the Artspace tonight. Skinner said he expects the project should last until Sunday—but the balloons are popping fast. “The sea level has dropped considerably,” he said.

So don’t miss out! Just a bit of advice, though: watch out for the static.

“If you do wear a sweater, prepare to pay the consequences,” said Lianna E. Karp ’10.