In a time that lacked connection, many in our community could probably count on their two hands the number of large outdoor events they were able to take part in during the swell of Covid.
The lantern parade, the iconic, twinkling fixture of Atlanta’s BeltLine, had been on hiatus for two years. In that moment of sadness, Rex the Cat, the beloved pet and muse of the lantern parade’s Chantelle Rytter left us. In the wake of Rex’s departure, a moment of connection was born for the Adair Park neighbrohood.
Chantelle quote
Partners
Chantelle’s vision took flight with an application sent into the Elevate Atlanta program proposing a jazz funeral for the dearly departed cat. This 250ish person affair would depart and return to CreateATL, and snaking through the Adair Park neighborhood.
Parks chair quote/Lawrence quote
The activities were locked in to host a one day lantern building workshop as well as the parade the following weekend. “” Dana Dojnik, head of culture & growth at CreateATL said.
The Elevate Atlanta program funds art projects throughout 30 different Atlatna neighborhoods and it’s in its 5th year of existence.
Chantelle
Photos
Take a look at some photography and the event recap video here.
Stay tuned
If Rex’s Jazz Funeral taught us anything its that even in small intimate settings that we all have a deep desire to connect over the coming years as we collectively crawl out of a pandemic together. Nowhere is public art more felt and appreciated than in these small memorable activations and events driven by a maturing and arts community that drives the Southeast’s creative economy.
On May 21st, the large scale return of the Lantern Parade…blah blah blah
