<p>A splashy art installation planned for July by the Trustees of Reservations is seeing pushback from neighbors and town officials.</p>
A splashy art installation that features a giant reflective hot air balloon planned for July by the Trustees of Reservations is seeing pushback from neighbors in West Tisbury and town officials in Edgartown.
Dubbed New Horizon, the fundraiser that will include $250 ticketed rides in the balloon, was announced early this month by the Trustees as part of its Art and the Landscape initiative. The installation is planned to take place over two weeks in July at various properties in Massachusetts, including Katama Farm in Edgartown and Long Point Wildlife Refuge in West Tisbury.
The Edgartown conservation commission, which leases Katama Farm to the Trustees, has denied the project.
West Tisbury selectmen are due to take up a request from the Trustees for an events permit and beer and wine license at their meeting on Wednesday this week.
Riparian owners around the Tisbury Great Pond are already objecting, raising questions about whether the project runs counter to the conservation mission of the Trustees, a Massachusetts private land trust that dates to the late 1800s.
Chris Ward, director of business operations for the Vineyard Trustees, said the installation is part of an existing statewide project. Other immersive art has included a maze of mirrored columns at a Trustees property in Hingham and a wall and tunnel installation at a property in Ipswich. He said the goal of the program is to draw more and diverse audiences to Trustee properties.
“We really do see the power of art as a way to inspire and attract new audiences and create new opportunities. This is about creating a new way for the public to interact with nature,” Mr. Ward said of the balloon installation, which was created by artist Doug Aitken. “We think it will really engage people and create a conversation around art in the landscape, our place in nature, the future of nature with climate change.”
Vineyard appearances were scheduled to take place over the weekend of July 12, with an appearance at Katama Farm on Saturday, July 13, for the Trustees’ annual Meals in the Meadow fundraising event.
Edgartown conservation agent Jane Varkonda said while the town has always approved the fundraiser, the conservation commission voted earlier this month not to give permission for the balloon. The town owns Katama Farm and leases the property to the Trustees for educational and agricultural purposes. Ms. Varkonda said some concerns included possible illumination of the balloon and traffic from people hoping to see the balloon.
“It’s not a use [the commission members] want to see at the farm,” she said. “If it’s going to be at Long Point, let it be at Long Point.”
Mr. Ward said Trustees plan to approach the town again to approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration and to assure the commission that the balloon would not be illuminated or leave the ground during the fundraiser.
“We recognize that it may not change their decision, but we’d like to try,” he said.
Meanwhile, the balloon is scheduled to appear at Long Point Wildlife Refuge on Friday, July 12 and Sunday, July 14. In the mornings, visitors would be able view the balloon and ride in it for $250. In the evenings, the balloon would be on display while the Trustees host two talks on climate change followed by live music synced to a light display. Admission to the evening events is set at $25 for members and $40 for nonmembers.
Late last week riparian owners around the Great Pond began to register concerns.
“Long Point is supposed to be a preserved conservation area and this fundraising event goes against everything that conservation represents,” an email that went around to all the landowners said in part.
In a letter to the Trustees, Kib Bramhall, a year-round resident of West Tisbury whose association with the conservancy dates back for more than half a century, added his own strong opposition to the initiative.
“When Long Point was opened to the public in the late 1970s, I was asked by TTOR to form and head a local committee to help manage the refuge. The first rule we adopted was no radios, no boomboxes. We didn’t want the noise of the outside world intruding on the peace, quiet and sanctity of this nature reserve,” Mr. Bramhall wrote.
“Contrast this to the current plan of the Trustees to bring a giant mirrored hot air balloon to Long Point on July 12 and 14, creating a carnival-like scene of free and ticketed events followed by evening performances when the balloon will transform into a light sculpture serving as a backdrop to live music.”
On Monday Sam Hart, the new Islands director for the Trustees, said the event is more program than fundraiser.
“This is not a high-end fundraiser for sure,” he said. “There is an element of fundraising in all nonprofit work that you do, but this is a program. This is part of a series that the Trustees are engaged in now and it’s brought thousands of new visitors to the properties.”
He continued:
“The thrust here is about community engagement. It’s about bringing people to the properties creating a new generation of conservationists.”
Mr. Hart said the plan calls for using existing parking lots, and he said there will not be a band, but a single cellist at the Long Point events. He said organizers are working with the Waldron’s Bottom Road association and the town.
He said ecologists from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program had been consulted and had not raised concerns.
Mr. Ward said use of the property will not be more intensive than on a typical beach day — aside from the presence of the balloon.
He noted that osprey nests will be about 2,000 feet from the balloon. He said no piping plovers have nested in the area since 2016, but if they do arrive this year, their safety would take priority, even if that means canceling the installation.
“We appreciate the concerns expressed by those community members,” he said. “As a conservation and preservation nonprofit, our goal is to balance preservation with public access.”
Comments
Long point is within the
here we go again edgLong point is within the Class "D" MVY airport airspace under the departure path of Runway 24 (or approach path to 06). Katama Farm is under the traffic pattern for Katama airport. Edgartown has prohibitions on helicopters using private property perhaps it should be amended to include balloons unless the legal interpretation includes the 'lighter than air' category.Are these people clueless?
Yes!
ECS edgartownYes!
Runs counter to everything
Tom ChirgwinRuns counter to everything TOR stood for. What lunatics thought this scheme up. Pave over South Beach for an easier drive to Wasque might increase use as well .
The fun police strike again.
BS Oak BluffsThe fun police strike again.
Mr. Bramhall is right on
Mr. B ChilmarkMr. Bramhall is right on target. And let's be plain. This is not about an art installation. The event is a fundraiser--a money-maker and nothing they can say about "new audiences and new opportunities" should take our eyes off that fact. Light shows, balloon rides, loud music synced to the light show in the night?
And you think that there won't be folks there with their drones?
No wonder the Tisbury Great Pond riparian owners are disgusted.
Perhaps the Trustees should
Jim NYCPerhaps the Trustees should re-evaluate how they go about "fundraising". The Island properties that are under their management are already their biggest moneymakers and incredibly overused --- the use of 4WD vehicles is without limits even leading to traffic jams out on Cape Pogue and Long Point ---- the constant promotion and marketing of the Island properties already drives most of the revenue they make and distribute to all the other properties in their in portfolio that are off-Island. Maybe they can host their epic events at these other properties to "fundraise" and lighten the load and burden they place on the Island properties?
Right on the money! excuse
ECS edgartownRight on the money! excuse the choice of word.
The only way the balloon
Rob Bierregaard Wynnewood, PAThe only way the balloon could be 2000 feet from the Osprey nest at Long Point is if it's 700 feet out in the Atlantic. The Osprey nest is about 300 feet from the summer parking lot.
Looking at the New Horizon
Art engages EdgartownLooking at the New Horizon website, the balloon looks to be a beacon to bring people together to (literally) reflect and look upon the landscape, talk about the future of creativity and climate change - these are important topics of conversation for the Vineyard. It also brings a bit of excitement to attract a younger generation, get them outdoors and engage with nature in a novel way - away from their computers. Art has the power to build bridges and create conversations.
I agree with this comment
Miguel MAI agree with this comment from Art Engages. Based on quotes from Chris in the article I looked up what they are actually doing and that helped alleviate any concern I had.
Yes, agreed - this seems to
Jaime MAYes, agreed - this seems to be a really innovative way to bring together art and nature, as well as spark important conversations about conservation and climate change. Making green spaces accessible to a broader audience will always upset people who want to preserve "their own backyards", but the Trustees is very respectful about this issue, and the balloon will only be there for a short period of time, not indefinitely! Also, fundraising is important to raise enough money to continue to preserve ever diminishing green spaces.
I agree! I was really looking
Barbara EdgartownI agree! I was really looking forward to this!
The new TOV byline should
Tashmoo Vineyard HavenThe new TOV byline should read: "Trustees of Reservations; keeping poor people out of your neighborhood since 1891"
...aren't they a 501c?
TOR is an amazing steward of
Linda EdgartownTOR is an amazing steward of land. I have great faith this will be tasteful. Discussion on climate change is the evening focus? Hardly a rock concert and sounds inspiring. $25 for members to hear about one of the biggest issues affecting our world sounds economical to me.
For a point of clarification,
jane m Varkonda Edgartown Conservation CommissionFor a point of clarification, Katama farm is in a residential neighborhood as well; surrounded by houses and abutting hundreds of acres of land preserved for farming, rare species protection, beach access and the stunning natural vistas open to the public. The Commission believes that the farm itself is art in the landscape.
Well said.
Adrienne off islandWell said.
Yes, the landscape itself is
Michelle OBYes, the landscape itself is art, but this balloon will be reflecting the landscape and providing an incredible view to those on the ground. Seems silly to be protesting an event like this. They're not bringing in tractors and rock bands and tearing anything apart ... rather this event is meant to celebrate the land and provide a cool perspective.
This project will bring
Farm Neighbor EdgartownThis project will bring awareness to the Farm in a beneficial way. It will show what a beautiful and important asset it is for Edgartown and for conservation.
As long as your 5 miles from
Up island Resident West tisburyAs long as your 5 miles from the primary airport NVY and notify the Faa your fine. Katama airport is not considered a controlled airport and has no requirements except a notice to airman. Have you noticed only the wealthy land owners oppose the poorer people getting to close to their sacred grounds, even for only a day or two? Typical Vineyard snobbery.
how much are tickets to see
tonyP Edgartownhow much are tickets to see the balloon at the farm? Not exactly geared toward poorer people as you so politely call us
Upisland, I understand your
Lorraine EdgartownUpisland, I understand your concern, but I my opinion, this is not an issue of poor vs wealthy, it is what is the best for the island and the people who come here for the beauty and peace of this place. I understand wanting to raise money for good causes, but abutting land owners deserve to be considered as to quality of their lives.
Lorraine, if this event was a
Up island resident West TisburyLorraine, if this event was a similar two day event for a celebrity wedding with a balloon ride do u think any wealthy land owners would oppose that?
I’ve supported the Trustees
Summers on the Vineyard MAI’ve supported the Trustees for over fifteen years. Everything they do is top notch. This sounds like an amazing project that I can’t wait to see. We need more creativity and inspiration in the world more than ever!
Our family home, of 45+ years
William ExPBA NYC, ChilmarkOur family home, of 45+ years, directly abuts the farm and airport. My land, and that of my family was taken by eminent domain for the airport. I support the TOR concept of connecting people, art and environment.
"Fundraisers" have long been
Career NonProfit Fundraiser Edgartown"Fundraisers" have long been swept aside by viable nonprofits. The amount of time (paid and volunteer) expended far outweighs any revenue or "goodwill". Savvy nonprofits know their support comes from 2 sources: the least effective is the Annual Appeal (passive mailing appeals) and 1:1 conversations with interested or targeted potential donors. Needless to say, one conversation with a prospect that yields $1000 or more, is far more effective than receiving an envelope in the mail. But both are needed. The Vineyard is stuck in the past for continuing to rely upon special events to fundraise --- it doesn't pay off.
I beg to differ about the
John ChilmarkI beg to differ about the value of fundraiser events. In our off-island hometown, the Rotary Club holds a Ducky Derby where we "adopt out" little rubber ducks for a race down the river that runs through town. Each duck is numbered and the winner receives a first prize of $10,000. There are another 19 prizes. Yes, one helluva lot of volunteer time is involved...which only brings the members closer together; real community building. Gross income last year from duck adoptions and merchandise sales (including hundreds of souvenir ducks) was well over $300,000 with a net distributed to local and international non-profits of over $120,000. This event has been held for an amazing 26 years and people flock to it. Talk about goodwill!
They have strayed from their
ECS FLL/MVYThey have strayed from their objective which is not entertaining the public but managing land. They are now all about the money, something we don't need more of particularly in our NON-profits. That fiasco on south beach, their handling of piping plovers on Pogue being prima facia examples of what a disaster they organization Trustees has become. I dropped my membership and won't be renewing any time soon. HORRIBLE organization it has evolved to become.
The future of conservation,
Art engages EdgartownThe future of conservation, depends on our ability to engage with and grow the number of people who care about and support nature. There are many examples of conservation organizations who work with artists to connect more people to their mission and places. The Trustees are investing deeply in the island community, building a new teaching kitchen at TFI, planning for a coastal education center, opening up the Brickyard, etc. All of this work and the stewardship of the land does take money. I think it’s important to remember that the people and staff that make up The Trustees are committed to saving the special places of our great Commonwealth, those places that are of ecological, historical and cultural importance. They are here to keep their mission thriving for another 125+ years - that will require both staying true to their heritage and thinking creatively for the future.
"“We really do see the power
Katherine Scott Tisbury"“We really do see the power of art as a way to inspire and attract new audiences and create new opportunities. "
Uh-huh. At $250 a pop.
What kind of "new audiences" is that?
I don’t think this is vent
Art Vineyard HavenI don’t think this event will help anyone connect with nature. They’ll connect with music, a hot-air balloon and a crowd of people. If you want to connect with nature, it has to be on nature’s own terms.
Of course, people will
David West TisburyOf course, people will connect with the mission, the environment(s) of TOR through this site-specific event. Even if drawn by curiosity, significant public participation will extend the care and consideration given to these perennial reserve treasures. This sclerotic view of art-making as some kind of trespass in sacred space (viewed obviously as some people's private domains) does more harm than any mylar balloon will ever do.
At $25 per ticket, this is a
Riparian member West TisburyAt $25 per ticket, this is a very accessible event to learn about The Future of Creativity on Friday and The Future of Climate on Sunday. It will be a beautiful setting and a fun evening I’m looking forward to. I trust the Trustees and their ecologists to do the right thing with their property.
My mom and dad bought a house
Richard Behr Edgartown and Charlottesville Va.My mom and dad bought a house in Edgartown almost 80 years ago. All of my childhood summers were spent fishing at Wasque with my Uncle Kasky Bramhall. I have been a member of the Trustees off and on for years. I am writing this because for the last 46 years I have been a full time professional balloonist. Hot air balloons and wind don't mix. This is an insane idea. You need calm conditions to safely tether a balloon with passengers and when is it calm on the Vineyard. More than that, however, this is not the right venue for a hot air balloon. The inflation fan makes a lot of noise and so does the burner. BOARSHEADBALLOONING.COM
Mr. Behr is absolutely right
Joanna Cole ChilmarkMr. Behr is absolutely right -- in addition, the ideal time for a hot air balloon ride is 6 AM- the air is calmest. And then you usually can't land where you took off. I don't understand how this would work.
It’s my understanding that
Trustees Member EdgartownIt’s my understanding that the balloon will be inflated only for a few hours early in the morning and then later again in the early evening. (When the winds are typical more calm.) Also I’m sure the balloonists are experts and would judge the safety of inflation and short tethered rises with the wind conditions. It isn’t like the artist is just doing this on their own! Wouldn’t it be majestic to see the beauty of Long Point from a high vantage point?
This has smacks of
BB West TisburyThis has smacks of Lallapalooza/Burning Man written all over it. It's no wonder the piping plovers haven't nested there in three years! Ever since TTOR threw up their new neon colored mini billboards and commercialized the natural landscape with their art inspired events, everything has changed overnight. Humans have plenty of already ruined landscapes to learn about how we can co-exist and appreciate nature without simultaneously damaging it. Shame on them. #boycotttheballoon
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