BLINK is here!5 min read

Today is the day! BLINK is here! A couple things you should do before heading down to check it out:

• Download the CincyEZRideapp

This will allow you to buy a $2 all day pass. You will be able to hop on and off whenever you want. Remember the whole BLINK route is along the streetcar.

• Download the BLINKapp.

This is a fantastic app allowing you to find out where you want to go and give you crowd information and details about every artist!

Yesterday I got to go in and experience the Architects of Air in Washington Park. The important thing to know about this exhibit is that it’s only open during the day, because the light and color are illuminated by the sun! This is the only part of BLINK for which you need ticket. They’re only $5 and can be purchased at http://washingtonpark.org/event/aoa/. Know that you will be taking your shoes off to enter… so get your pedicure :) The hours are 10:30am to 6:30pm. It’s truly an unbelievable experience. You’ll smile the whole time you are walking around! Live video on my facebook page Hey Michelle.

All of the attractions are going to be unique and interesting, so allow yourself time or maybe a couple nights to see them all. With over 70 installations to see you will need time!

Tonight BLINK kicks off with a Light-up Parade, with about 3,000 lit up people. It starts at 7:00 in Findlay Market and goes to Washington Park. Then, from tonight until Sunday night, the city will be lit from 7- midnight.

Although I have some exhibits that I’m putting on my list for tonight, I really want to see them ALL!
Here’s my short must-see list:

• Voices- 50 E. Freedom Way
I got to meet the wonderful minds of Brave Berlin who were behind this and saw them creating it, so I can’t wait to see it blown up on the walls of the Freedom Center. Zac Greenberg wrote an original score he developed from sounds around Cincinnati like church bells, fountains and kids to be played for this, and I know it is going to be so powerful and moving. (photo provided by Blink)

• Lifwtr Graffiti Wall- 1674 Central Pkwy
People will be able to interact with a digital graffiti wall.

• Endless Commerce- 117 W Liberty St.
Joe Girandola & Matt Lynch also have art on display right now at the Cincinnati Art Museum. This will be a sculpture made out of discarded milk cartons.

• The Queen’s Throne- 1230 Elm St.
I can only imagine this one! You will be able to lounge in a tub while being bathed in light! This is a definite photo opportunity.

• The Pool- 1230 Elm St.
You can step on circle pads that change as you leap from pad to pad.

• Vase Maze- 1230 Elm St.
A light-up mini golf course with 6 holes. Each hole has an 8 -foot vase!

• Easy Breezy- 1879 Michael Bany Way- Next to Japp’s- sponsored by Huntington Bank
Cool alley way with upside down umbrellas that light and sway as you walk under them.

• Storybook- 8th & Walnut
A huge open book where the story will come alive! The characters will emerge from the pages.

• The Annunciation Mural- 1725 Pleasant St.
Tim Maloney told me this is one really special piece. The mural is inspired by a painting in the Basilica.

• The Seen & Unseen- 30 Garfield Pl.- I saw this in action last night. You will grab little black lights and light up the secret art that you are walking on down the sidewalk!

• I hope to hop on the illuminated mobile couch with a coffee table and chandeliers !
Giant Disco Ball, Humongous Lite Bright, …I don’t know who I am kidding by trying to narrow this down. I want to see them all! So just get downtown at some point this weekend. I promise you will not be disappointed. Plus it’s free so no complaining allowed!!
Also, there will be 6 stages of music all weekend. Click herefor the schedule.
Summerfair will have crafts from people all over the country set up at 30 Garfield Pl. Fri 2-10, Sat. 12-6 and Sun. 12-6.

There are 10 hospitality tents set up through out the 20 blocks.

I can’t wait to see this vision come alive. As you walk through all of this keep in mind the goal of this whole project… Community, diversity, inclusion so smile to people as your walking around… go on a teeter totter with someone you don’t know or work on the giant Lite Bright with someone who doesn’t look you. I hope to see all colors, ages, nationalities come together and have a blast!

Check out my Hey Michelle facebook page for weekend updates!