Since launching in Fall of 2024, the Art in the Park series of temporary artwork installations has brightened the lives of thousands of visitors to Woodruff Park.
Presented in partnership with the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) and Arts & Entertainment Atlanta (A&E), the next installment is landing just in time for Valentine’s Day.
“This series has transformed Woodruff Park into an artistic destination where art is free and accessible to all,” said Noa Hecht, Creative Placemaking Lead at ADID. “We’ve seen the tangible impact of public art in drawing people together, and this new installation perfectly captures the spirit of love and connection.”
“Stem by Stem – Alien Boy Gives Me Flowers” was dreamed up by the creative minds at ENESS, a renowned arts and technology studio in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1997, ENESS has won numerous awards for their creations that explore the intersection between the virtual and physical world. By combining technology with elements of sculpture, textiles, design, furniture, music, and stories, the team seeks to develop accessible and interactive art installations in public spaces.
And now, their newest creation will grace the grounds of Woodruff Park in Downtown Atlanta. Visitors to the site should expect to see whimsical inflatable creatures with oversized eyes and decorated with patterns inspired by traditional Japanese kimonos.
As people walk through the installation, the artwork reacts to their presence through bursts of color, synth tones, and ambient bird calls. In each creature’s arms are bouquets of fresh flowers which reinforce the installation’s connection to themes of love and care and tie in to the Valentine’s Day holiday. It will be the first iteration of an Art in the Park that incorporates live vegetation into the display.
Leading up to the debut of “Stem by Stem – Alien Boy Gives Me Flowers” on Thursday, Feb. 13, Art in the Park has a week of Valentine-themed celebrations in store. Between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 through Feb. 13, visitors can craft heartfelt notes at a letter-writing station on custom postcards, with words guided by a professional writer. From noon to 1:30 p.m. on the same days, visitors can enjoy performances by local artists and musicians at the park.
Between noon and 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, passers-by can pick up a free carnation, rose, or chrysanthemum to gift to someone special. And lastly, “Stem by Stem – Alien Boy Gives Me Flowers” will officially debut on that same day, Thursday, Feb. 13.
