Emotions ran high as artist Jonathan Haner celebrated his 40th birthday with those closest to his Artprize project on the eve of the official start of the art competition in Grand Rapids, MI.  Mr. Haner and his band of lilliputians gathered in Veterans Memorial Park last night placing mini "bebes" throughout the park.  In a symbolic gesture, one mini "bebe" was attached to several red helium balloons in order to launch the emotional baggage that the master work "La Grande Bebe" allows the public to view in a tangible form high into the sky above the city.

After the group gathered in Veteran's Memorial Park, they walked the "Petite Bebe" down to the site of the three story tall art installation on display outside of The B.O.B. restaurant and bar.  Upon arrival, the group climbed a ladder onto the tall stage (which is much smaller than it was during the installation of the project) and let the "Petite Bebe" go, carrying with it in spirit anything that viewers wanted to "let go."  People could be seen on the street and on balconies watching the object with it's red balloons fly into the dusky sky over downtown Grand Rapids.

For a moment, the small form looked as though it wanted to hang on as it clung to the upper floors of Grand Rapids' JW Marriott.  After several minutes, and a wind gust it was lifted up until it could no longer be seen.  We wish Jonathan and Teresa luck in the ArtPrize competition but know that victory is already theirs for accomplishing what they set out to do.

On Friday, September 18th, Teresa surprised Jonathan with a visit to Grand Rapids.  The original plan was to have her stay in Sweden and keep the blog updated and tend to business at home.  It was very sentimental that they were able to complete this project together.  Tomorrow, Teresa will return to the couples home in Sibbhult, Sweden while Jonathan will stay in Grand Rapids for the duration of the competition.

Stay tuned for more updates and if you are in the Grand Rapids area remember to register to vote for artist 2466 www.arprize.org/artist/id/185 and visit the artist's webpages at www.jonathanhaner.com and www.teresaholmberg.com

Photos provided by J Walsh