New Horizon: A Giant, Reflective Balloon Inspires Conversations (And More) At Field Farm and Naumkeag

Would you like to ride in a beautiful balloon?

If that question sparks a flight of fancy in your imagination, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Wait a few weeks, and you may be seeing a shiny orb flying over Naumkeag in Stockbridge and Field Farm in Williamstown, Mass. The Trustees of Reservations, keeper of 117 natural landscapes and cultural and historic treasures in Massachusetts, is bringing New Horizon, the balloon, to these two locations in our region. And while a 100-foot-tall, reflective hot air balloon might be the hook that brings us to these properties, the orb comes with events to keep us engaged, including music, contemporary art and discussions about our future.

The Berkshires appearances will be the final stops for the seven-site tour, which began on July 12 in Martha’s Vineyard. The balloon and ensuing activities are scheduled to touch down on July 25 and July 28 at Field Farm and at Naumkeag on July 27. All events are ticketed and require pre-registration.

This is the fourth large-scale work in a landscape series that The Trustees has designed and implemented, but it’s the first one to make it to properties in our region. Pedro Alonzo, a Boston-based independent curator who works with artists to develop ambitious public artworks, invited multimedia artist and filmmaker Doug Aitken, known for his innovative fine art installations, to come up with an idea. What he wanted, Alonzo said, was a work that would engage all of the Trustees’ sites. The result: a giant mylar-coated mobile sculpture that could travel from property to property. The Trustees has called New Horizon a 21st-century version of a road trip, traveling through the landscape by air.

“The work is about breaking down silos, bringing multiple disciplines into a series of happenings,“ Alonzo explained. “Doug wanted to focus on the future and to develop different conversations to talk about it.”

The balloon/gondola and complementary events will go on a nomadic trip across the state and each property will have its own activities. Common to all of them will be the inclusion of thought leaders, musicians, a light spectacle and food.

“It’ll be a series of launches and happenings: see the balloon, have a conversation, hear music,” Alonzo said. And, he added, people just might confront the balloon unexpectedly. Add an element of mystery to the project.

At Field Farm’s Family Day, in addition to the balloon tethered above, reflecting the landscape and surroundings, a “road trip through nature” will invite families to journey together along the Pond Trail with stops for nature-inspired crafts until they reach their final destination. Afterwards they’ll receive a special memento of their Field Farm Nature Road Trip 2019. In the evening, musicians Destroyer and No Age will perform, and Aitken and Alonzo will speak on "The Future of Culture.” The balloon, which will be lit with 3552 LED nodes, will respond to the music that is being played live. A sunrise experience on July 28 will offer tethered flights on the balloon and include a breakfast.

On July 27, the balloon will make an appearance at Naumkeag After Dark with dessert, a cash bar and music performed by the esteemed Bang on a Can group.

Of course, the schedule is weather dependent and subject to change, so to confirm these events (and search for others across the state), follow The Trustees for the latest updates.

The events are meant to be inspiring and interactive, and provide an insight into the future of our culture. Metaphorically, said Alonzo, going up in a balloon will help us figure out what’s on the horizon. All this in iconic Trustees properties that tie together the threads of art, nature, community and history. Sounds like the Rural Intelligence region wrapped up in a reflective, flying sphere, doesn't it?

For more information and to reserve a place at the events, check the website or Facebook page.