Providence, RI Exit 22: WaterFire is Barnaby Evans’ sculpture installation, which happens mostly on Saturdays (occasionally other nights) starting in May on the 3 rivers in Providence. It is a series of 100 bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the water right in the middle of town, capturing the imagination of the thousands of people who stroll by.
The string of fires illuminates almost 2/3 mi. of urban public spaces and parks, and is accompanied by an eclectic selection of classical and world music. The fires are tended from sunset to past midnight by black-clad performers in boats who pass quietly before the flames.
It is an experience that affects all 5 senses – the crackling flames, the scent of burning cedar and pine, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the fire tenders floating by in their torch-lit vessels, and of course the music from around the world. The events are made possible by corporate sponsors and 100’s of volunteers who are involved in construction, painting, selling T-shirts, sewing, media, writing, audio set-up, fund-raising and starting fires. FREE.
Location: Waterplace Park, Providence, RI 02903
Dates: end of May – early November
Tel: 401-272-3111
www.waterfire.org