Little red string

Photo by Jeff Reeder

I’ve wandered by this beautiful installation in north Chinatown a bunch of times, wondering who did it and swearing I’ll remember to bring my camera next time, then promptly forgetting. The only time I ever think to go is in the daytime, which is a bit less effective.

Thankfully, I was nudged to go see it again by a post over at all things girls can tell, who makes neat screen-printed things and who apparently works out of a studio space right across the street from the installation.

Stop by and revel in an evening of music, food, and community with the Asian Arts Initiative to celebrate the final evening of “the little red string” installation by artists Jonathan and Kimberly Stemler:

WHEN: Monday, July 6, 7-9 p.m.

WHERE: Carlton Street between 11th & 12th Streets, Chinatown (north of Vine, south of Callowhill)

WHAT: Visually suggesting stars and constellations, “the little red string” lanterns beneath a dark viaduct light the way for the community’s expansion in Chinatown North. Each of the lanterns are inscribed with personal stories from community members describing their connection with the night sky in their respective homelands and traditions.

Before the artists remove the lanterns the following day, this is the last chance to enjoy the beauty that they have brought to the neighborhood!<!–

Hmmm, interesting. It’s sponsored by the Asian Arts Initiative, which says of its site-specific installation program:

Chinatown In/flux: Future Landscape will be a public exhibition project that affirms the rights of neighborhood residents and community members to define, control land, and make decisions about Philadelphia’s Chinatown. Through site-specific installations in neighborhood locations, the exhibition hopes to expand the physical and social boundaries of Chinatown, and catalyze community-wide imagination and present a positive vision for Chinatown’s future.

Well, it seems to be producing some interesting art, if not halting the tank-like progress of the casino at Market East. Here’s artblog’s post on another installation, which Libby says is good enough to make you slow down your car.