GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — World of Winter is the largest winter festival in the United States, and it's returning to Grand Rapids this January.
The festival will host over 100 free events, activities and outdoor art installations over two months. Here's a list of those art installations.
Sonic Runway
Once featured at the well-known Burning Man Festival, Sonic Runway, an interactive light-based installation, converts audio signals into patterns of light that shoot down a 342 to 432-foot corridor of 20 to 25 LED-lined arches at "the speed of sound."
The installation's creators are Rob Jensen and Warren Trezevant. It will be open at the Gillett Bridge from Jan. 12 to March 10 starting at 6 p.m. each evening.
Nightwalkers
Nightfrogs is a piece consisting of eight inflatable frogs, all ranging in size. Another interactive piece, each frog is from a different country and will have a big button in front of them. When the button is pushed, the frog will illuminate and croak.
As an educational piece, the frogs will have signs in front of them stating what country they are from and also sharing a few fun facts about them.
The artist of this piece is Amigo & Amigo, this piece will also be available for viewing starting Jan. 12 until March 10 in the evenings, starting at 6 p.m. This piece will be at Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
Stargate
Stargate is a piece described as having two personalities: Sculpture by day and projection show at night! The artist says it employs "projection mapping techniques from both sides of the structure, ensuring that its mesmerizing visuals can be appreciated from any vantage point."
Created by Chalk River Labs, this light-based sculpture will be available for viewing Jan. 12 through March 10 starting at 6 p.m. in the evenings at Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
Permafrost
Another educational piece, Permafrost features three large and colorful mastodons made out of metal and safety glass. By scanning a QR code that will be next to the installation, you can learn more about the historical creatures as the festival partnered with the Grand Rapids Public Museum to include relevant information on the mastodon they found in 2022.
Created by the artist Fisheye, this piece will be available for viewing at the Blue Bridge Jan. 12 through March 10 in the evenings starting at 6 p.m.
Dandelion
Dandelion is an interactive musical dome, playing a light and music show every 10 minutes. You can step inside the dome and interact with the eight sensors inside to colorfully animate the inside of the dandelion.
The artist, Amigo & Amigo, said the piece was inspired by the wind-swept petals of the dandelion, an international symbol of playfulness, and in some cultures even believed to have medicinal properties.
This piece will be up for viewing from Jan. 19 through March 20, starting at 6 p.m. each evening at Calder Plaza.
Lunar Lamp Posts
Inspired by the cycles of the moon, the Lunar Lamp Posts are a giant interactive light installation. Every five minutes, the artwork illuminates and animates to a unique lighting composition and performance track.
Each pole will have a touch sensor, as people touch the pole it will light up and play a unique musical sound.
A third piece by Amigo & Amigo, Lunar Lamp Post will be available for viewing from Jan. 19 until March 10 in the evenings, starting at 6 p.m. at 555 Monroe Avenue.
Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0
An interactive piece you can sit on! The swing invites the passer-by to settle in and make themselves at home in Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0. When a casa is empty there is a soft white glow welcoming you to come in and take a seat. When it is occupied, the glow intensifies to show that someone is home.
Created by Esrawe + Cadena, Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 will be on display from Feb. 16 through March 10 in the evenings at 6 p.m. at the Sixth Street Park.
For more details on each art piece you can visit worldofwintergr.com.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.
