As a lot of you know, Klee and I recently have been working on a large scale art installation project. This was a huge endeavor in which we created our own rooms to be an interactive full sensory experience.
We were working for about 6 months in total secrecy and couldn’t share anything with you guys, which for me personally was a struggle. I apparently can’t keep a secret to save my life. I secretly told a bunch of people about the secret installation.
Luckily for me, now that the soft opening has happened, I get to reveal some of the exciting details.
A few months ago we were approached by Gabrielle (she’s awesome), who wanted us to create large interactive art installations as a part of something that was going to be called The Happy Art Tour (THAT), and immediately Klee and I got excited. This was something that each one of us wanted to do in our own special way for a long time now.
I’ve wanted to create a fantasy world installation where the viewer would become immersed into the art of the installation and become part of the experience.
The Dream Forest – Designed By Rafi Perez
The Dream Forest was conceptualized and designed to allow the observer to explore the nature of happiness itself, through an immersive interaction with whimsical ancient beings that come to life as you meander through their magical realms. Each one explores a different facet of the “gem” that is happiness, asking thought provoking questions and offering words of ancient wisdom.
I’m also pretty sure Klee has always wanted to create a Firefly experience.
The Firefly Room – Designed By Klee Angelie
The Firefly Room was conceptualized and designed with one simple desire in mind – to capture and share the whimsy and magic of an early summer evening at dusk, when the day’s work is done, time seems to stand still, all seems right with the world, and all that needs to be done is to sit back and experience the childlike joy of watching hundreds of fireflies dance around you. The firefly room simply asks you to breathe deeply… take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature, and revel in the experience.
A special thanks to Monica, James, and Gabby, whom helped us finish the rooms in time for the soft opening, we couldn’t have done it without them.
Here is more information on this awesome adventure that we hope you experience.
The Happy Art Tour (T.H.A.T.), is Pensacola’s first multi-sensory creative adventure. Using experiential mediums throughout the entire space, T.H.A.T. worked with local artists to build ways for visitors to view, hear, touch, smell, and taste some of its exhibits.
The space is open to the public from November 1 to December 31, 2018.
Intended to be a short-term installation that will travel from city to city, T.H.A.T. occupies over 8,000 square feet of space at 401 N. Baylen St. in Pensacola, Florida.
The downtown location has been revamped completely and features countless photo ops that will delight both the most social-media savvy visitor and those eager to try something new.
Using tons of recycled material, T.H.A.T. created its space with over 1,000 plastic bags, hundreds of beach balls, gallons of colored paint, and thousands of square yards of fabric. It’s a sight that must be seen to be understood and appreciated.
Local artists include:
Rafi And Klee Studios- Rafi and Klee Perez (Hey it’s us!)
Blue Collar Creative
The Alcohol Ink Lady- Rachel Eidson
And many others!
Tickets to T.H.A.T. are on sale now and must be purchased in advance, online. Admission is $30, $28 for active military, and free for kids ages three and under. The space is available for private parties, school field trips, corporate events, and will host various theme days (to be announced). The grand opening of the space is aptly timed with the Foo Foo Fest, which is an active community outpouring of support for the arts.
We are both extremely excited for the opening in November and look forward to every one experiencing not only our rooms but the entire experience. Yeah, this is one experience here in Pensacola you are definitely not going to want to miss, and we are so proud to be a part of it.
We will be going again and again while it runs, it was so much fun!
