Submitted by Diana Yu Klassen
Amazing. Wonderful. Incredible. Awesome. These were but a few words uttered in the dark, along with lots of oohs and aahs at the Illuminated Ball 2013. The illuminated Ball is a major fundraiser for the Procession of the Species Celebration (POSC). An enthusiastic scientist led us through the program of the evening while bioluminescent dancers led by Steven Passero entertained the patrons. A group of young aerial gymnasts performed gracefully, swinging from the rafters. A gigantic female angler fish, smaller male angler fish, and many giant jellyfish lit up in a darkened Eagles Ballroom, led to the illusion of a bioluminescent, under the sea experience. The evening dance ended well after midnight to tunes from the Brown Edition.
Due to diminished governmental support this year, the POSC Community Art Studio, where a lot of community inspired work goes on, is not able to keep doors open as much as in the past. Last year was my first Procession and I was thoroughly inspired by the artistry in progress every time I visited the Community Art Studio. I learned how to make a batik butterfly in one afternoon. I was able to work on the project whenever I had time by just dropping in the studio. There were always many other people creating and sharing expertise. You could just watch the creative juices flowing. Watching kids working on their “art” was a pleasure.
Many of you have heard about the Procession of the Species, an annual joyous, spontaneous artistic pageant where community members celebrate their relationships with each other and with the natural world. As a community, we get to enjoy the fruits of many hours of labor, practice and inspiration that go into creating costumes, dances and pieces of art that star in the parade. This experience is brought to you by hundreds of volunteers who share a passion for art and artistry and a very special sense of community.
The Procession is one of the events that make Olympia, Thurston County very special. Check out the website and look at photos from previous events. Between March and April, drop into the Procession studio and watch everyone who walks in the door become an artist. Consider making a donation. Try your hand at creating a piece of art or a costume. Link up with others to participate in the Procession. Samba OlyWa starts practices March 3 at the Eagles Ballroom.
See you on the streets on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Let this be the beginning of your artistic journey.
