At this FREE workshop on October 3 from 3-6pm, participants will make a simplified paper lantern in the style of the Japanese lantern floats of Nebuta Matsuri. Participants will also have the opportunity to parade their lanterns at this year’s InLight held at Abner Clay Park (Richmond, VA) on October 17 + 18, 2025 from 7-11pm. InLight is 1708 Gallery’s annual public art exhibition of contemporary art that is experienced at night. It will shine a spotlight on Super!Giant!Jump!Star!, the grand premiere of artist George Ferrandi’s multidisciplinary project: Jump!Star. Conceived to commemorate the eventual celestial shift from Polaris, our current North Star, to our next, Jump!Star is an ongoing, international collaboration inviting communities to invent the cultural traditions that future generations can use to ritualize saying goodbye to Polaris. Over the years, these collaborations have yielded original songs, dances, and giant illuminated paper sculptures representing the stars that will eventually take Polaris’s place in the night sky.
Super!Giant!Jump!Star! will feature 12 ceremonial sculptures that will be experienced through a processional dance and as free standing sculptures. Additionally, the Richmond Symphony will join to present a free, signature Big Tent concert featuring the world premiere of composer Jherek Bischoff's original score written for Jump!Star!, along with additional works inspired by its cosmic themes. InLight will also feature performances by Mirah and music by Futurelove Sibanda.
A special thank you to our host, the Institute for Contemporary Arts at VCU
