The launch is still aways off, but another big part of the 6th annual Lights on Stratford winter festival was unveiled on Monday.
Organizer Destination Stratford announced its collaboration with interactive artists Amigo & Amigo for Birds of a Feather on Tom Patterson Island.
Simone Chua, Director of Amigo & Amigo, said Birds of a Feather is about “celebrating community and the resilience of Canadian winters.”
Six supersized birds range from 6.5 to 13 feet in height with each internally lit bird featuring a soundscape and interactive artistic bird call initiated by talking, whistling or singing to the bird.
The annual winter festival includes art and interactive light installations over six weekends, from Dec. 12 to Jan. 18. It attracts locals and visitors alike during the colder months, both at Market Square in downtown Stratford and the city’s park system.
A theme of ‘Radiance’ was announced earlier this year, being defined as a “type of glowing from a light source like the sun or a healthy, beaming person.”
It can also reflect a community that comes together on a winter’s night to celebrate art and light.
Market Square will feature the Canadian premiere of Chronoharp. Organizers describe it as reimagining the traditional harp’s beauty into a “mesmerizing visual symphony.”
The instillation responds to human touch, each interaction “activating waves of colour and harmonious sound through Chronoharp’s triangular form.”
It’s a blend of art, music and technology.
Birds of a Feather species include the Black-Capped Chickadee, Goldfinch, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Cardinal and Snowy Owl. Destination Stratford said they will collaborate with local schools and community groups to name each of the six birds.
Lights on Stratford runs Thursdays to Sundays this winter from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Visit lightsonstratford.ca for more information.
