Participants in the “live art event walk to the top of the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge during RIVERFEST 2016. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©.
(BMLTV) PORTSMOUTH VA., November 23, 2016 - Elizabeth RIVERFest, the area’s premiere environmental festival,reached new heights this year – literally. For the first time, participants walked to the top of the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge. Even more special, the walk turned into a live art event as participants carried 1,000 silhouettes of blue herons in honor of an internationally accomplished sculptor, debuting his “One Flock” installation of heron and human sculptures at the festival.
After completing outdoor environmental sculptures around the world, from Russia to France, Germany and Korea, Rob Mulholland of Scotland unveiled his first major installation in the US during Elizabeth River Project’s annual RIVERFEST.
Rob Mulholland of Scotland unveiled his first major installation in the US during Elizabeth River Project’s annual RIVERFEST 2016. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
On November 20, the free family/community festival began at 11 am and took place for the first time at Paradise Creek Nature Park, a 40 acre “urban oasis” representing a partnership of Elizabeth River Project, City of Portsmouth and Port of Virginia. The art unveiled at 12:15 pm along wetlands restored by the port in 2012, with a bagpiper, symbolic placement of the final sculpture piece by a fifth grader and announcement of new education programs. The walk to the bridge began at 1 pm to 3 pm.
“This year our festival was over the top, with this unique living art event, the soaring views from the bridge, PLUS all the great food, music, science and fun you’ve come to expect at RIVERFest,” said Marjorie Mayfield Jackson, Executive Director of the Elizabeth River Project.
Mulholland’s Portsmouth sculpture installation is his first in the US and is funded by a $50,000 “Our Town” grant to Elizabeth River Project from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Pictured in the back drop of the "Flock" installation is the Elizabeth River at Paradise Creek Nature Park. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
The One Flock theme will “visually represent the symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural world,” says Mulholland, http://www.robmulholland.co.uk/. The art is just one of the unique programs coming soon to this unusual park. Also announced at the Sunday event: NOAA awarded Elizabeth River Project $500,000 for youth education about sea level rise. About 21,000 students over three years will take part in field trips on the topic at Paradise Creek Nature Park and Elizabeth River Project’s Learning Barge.
Youth seen Kayaking on the Elizabeth River during RIVERFEST 2016 at Paradise Creek
Nature Park in the City of Portsmouth Virginia. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
TowneBank was named a maritime playground to be built next at the park. TowneBank announced a $100,000 challenge, offering 1to1 match for every dollar donated from the community in Elizabeth River Project’s final leg of fundraising for park restoration and education amenities, also soon to include the Fred W. Beazley River Academy.
Participants gathered at the tables and tents setup at the RIVERFEST, eager to take away
as much information possible. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
To participate in the “live art event,” participants were asked to download silhouettes of the herons at www.elizabethriverfest.org/join-the-flock, cut them out and carry them in the festival walk. Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast were among those participating toward the goal of 1,000 herons.
Walkers turn around at the top of the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge and make their way back
to Paradise Creek Nature Park. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
Live art particapant looking back with enthusiasm as he heads back to Paradise Creek
Nature Park. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott seen carrying herron art as he walks the South Norfolk
Jordan Bridge during Riverfest 2016. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
Couple pose for photo with their Herron art at the top of the South Norfolk Jordan
Bridge during Riverfest 2016. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
Walkers gathered in the park, then proceeded to the top of the Jordan Bridge, the highest bridge in the region, and return to the festival – a walk of about three miles. Dogs, bikes and strollers were in the mix.
The Elizabeth River Project, www.elizabethriver.org, incorporated in 1993, is one of the oldest and largest non-profits working to restore a tributary of the Chesapeake.
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