On Saturday, Oct. 4, Atlanta Beltline Art will once again be hosting its annual Halloween-inspired event, “Where the Weird Things Are,” at Historic Fourth Ward Park.
Created by artist Chantelle Rytter (who is also behind the yearly Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade), “Where the Weird Things Are” is an immersive experience that transforms the park into a mythical setting, featuring giant puppet creatures that are based on local folklore.
Straying from the conventional, the event utilizes a “reverse parade” format, in which spectators stroll around Historic Fourth Ward Park’s pond area and take in the stationary line-up of unique puppet monstrosities that inhabit the area.
In addition to the parade of meticulously-constructed beasts, the event will also feature live music performances from the Black Sheep Ensemble (Atlanta-based marching band) and Klimchak (experimental musician), along with a “shadow puppetry” show from artist Damon Young.
When asked about the reasoning behind the creation of the yearly event, Rytter said:
“To conjure and celebrate the mystical creatures who live in the wild places of our imaginations, and along the Atlanta Beltline! We long for the tales of mystical creatures from here. We want for campfire stories set where we live, affirming that here is an oddly unique place in the world. Georgia leans its back against Appalachia and soaks its feet in the coastal south. This is where the weird things are. Once a year, we will turn a parade upside down to call them, invite them to dance and sing with us, and listen to their tales!”
Ahead of the upcoming event, Atlanta Beltline Art will be holding four pay-what-you-can “Weird Thing” workshops beginning Sept. 21.
Held at Ponce City Market, the workshops give participants the chance to craft their own memorable monsters and are encouraged to bring along their creations to this year’s “Where the Weird Things Are.”
The full schedule of workshops can be found on Chantelle Rytter’s website.