From Skilled Hands

What do 2000 artists, dancers, stilt walkers and other paraders have in common with 60,000 spectators? Community, when they are part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Parade the Circle. Saturday, for the 7th year, #2 daughter and I joined in the spectacular celebration of the arts that just completed its 19th year.

We had spent the 6 weeks prior to Parade preparing for the event, my daughter as an intern, and me, as a volunteer. We paper mached, painted and sewed. #2 daughter taught people how to safely walk on stilts, and then how to perform.

The skies were dark Friday evening, thunder rumbled in the distance and the promise of rain was clear. When the winds picked up and the air was charged with electricity, workshop participants were directed to the basement classrooms in the Cleveland Museum of Art. A heavy thunderstorm announced the arrival of the cold front that would give us relief from the heat and humidity of the past week. The question of Saturday’s weather was raised. The forecast called for clouds and light rain in the morning, and clear skies later in the afternoon. When we left the Museum’s workshop tents at 3:00 AM, it was still raining.

It’s hard to go to sleep when the sky is getting lighter and the birds are singing. Even when you’re exhausted and you know that you need to rest before a big event. After a few hours of rest, we dragged ourselves down the hill to the Museum. There is nothing quite like those moments before Parade. The feeling of camaraderie among those who have worked together so hard for so long is palpable. As we shared bagels and coffee, we took care of the things that were necessary, before 2000 paraders descended on the site.

The clouds cleared, the sun came out, and the sky became a brilliant blue. Paraders lined up behind their colored balloon arches, a Suzuki violin ensemble, led by a stilt walker, played the beginning notes and Parade began.

Artists, dancers, musicians from all over the world shared the process with people from the greater Cleveland area, creating people powered floats, music and other forms of art. No words or logos are permitted. A volunteer “tunic patrol” is on the premises to ensure that there are no violations of this policy; offenders are cheerfully provided with a “festive” tunic to cover their garments.

An amazing and talented stilt walker, #2 daughter was in the finale. I was part of another artist’s ensemble this year.
Parade the Circle brings people of diverse backgrounds and varying interests together. It is a clear and amazing demonstration of the fact that art transcends differences, and that it is an essential part of all our lives.

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My Town Monday is the brain child of Travis Ervin. Take a trip on over to his site; you will find links to other My Town Marauders from places hither and yon. You won’t regret it.

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