03/31/2022
Overseen by Airigami’s Giant — But Gentle — Balloon Dragon Sculpture, Central Library Celebrates National Library Week with a Dragon Week Theme
It’s no myth that things are heating up for Airigami and the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County. Fresh off a feature in the New York Times’ Style Section, Airigami takes center stage at the library for this year’s National Library Week (April 4-9). In keeping with a Dragon Week theme, Airigami’s 25-foot installation will feature a pair of giant book-reading dragons.
Airigami’s Larry Moss and Kelly Cheatle are excited to build larger scale works again.“After two years of pandemic projects, we are excited about this opportunity to create a big build for the public.” said Moss. “I love the idea of our bubbly dragons nestled within the library, all curled up with a favorite book,” continued Cheatle. “We hope to see families doing the same alongside it!”
The dragon sculpture will be on view all week on the first floor in Hacker Hall at the Rundel Memorial Building. Visitors can view the work and take photographs with the sculpture while participating in other dragon-themed activities including making dragon eggs and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
“We are thrilled to host this fabulous exhibit of Airigami art,” said Patricia Uttaro, director of the Monroe County Library System and Rochester Public Library. “It’s been too long since we hosted an Airigami sculpture, and I am sure our community members have missed the whimsical and intricate work as well. The excitement and enthusiasm of Larry and Kelly is contagious. We are looking forward to seeing people’s faces light up with laughter and awe as they enter the Rundel Building to find two giant dragons!”
This event kicks off a series of Airigami public appearances, including Maker Faire Syracuse and Maker Faire Lake County (Illinois). Airigami’s creative team of artists create large-scale installations, illustrations, and experiences entirely out of balloons—from small single sculptures to stadium-sized, record-breaking installations.
Since 1958, National Library Week has celebrated the nation’s libraries, library workers’ contributions, and promotes library use and support.
