I bought a star. That’s right. A star.
Nope, not a star in the sky (that’s so 1990).
My star will sit in the middle of the Hudson River running alongside Manhattan’s West Side as part of an art installation set to begin this August.
And you, too, can be the proud owner of your very own star, not to mention a part of New York’s history. All for just $50.00! The coolest part? Your star can hold any dedication your little heart desires. Want to:
* ask someone to marry you?
* share a secret thought?
* send words of support (or otherwise) to Sarah Palin?
* write a haiku?
Artist Jon Morris of the Windmill Factory has created an opportunity for you to do just that.
Two photos above, courtesy of Jon Morris, The Windmill Factory.
Artist, dancer, and a man committed quite simply to bringing “greater beauty to the world”, Jon’s latest creation is Reflecting the Stars, an Interactive Light Installation that will raise awareness and teach prevention techniques for light pollution. Solar powered LED clusters implanted on hundreds of decaying pier posts will illuminate at sunset on the remains of pier 49 within the Hudson River Park in the West Village, Manhattan, twinkling in various patterns, mirroring a lost starry sky.
So go on. I dare you to wish for something your heart desires.
And then let it light up part of Manhattan’s skyline (solar-style).
To learn more about the project, to donate, or to buy your very own star – just click here.
So what’s my star dedicated to?
My nephew Owen who reminds me of the spirit of New York.
He is part magic-man, part dancer, part actor, part entertainer. The boy has charm and character well beyond his six little years.
One day years ago when I was speaking to my sister about being unsure whether something I really, really wanted would happen, he repeated (in his three-year-old wisdom), a line from the The Polar Express movie (the kid digs movies almost as much as I do):
You have to TRUUUUULY BELIEVE, Auntie Bubba…
I’ll keep believing. And my wish is that you keep believing, too, Mister.
I have no doubt you will one day be a star here in NYC, lighting up the landscape in your own unique way.
Happiest of birthdays, Owen. I adore you.
Love (with stars in my eyes),
Erica