Nor’Eastern Dreamers: Three Kite Makers from Bug Light

Nor'eastern Dreamers_4Opening Reception June 29 from 6-8pm

Exhibit Runs June 29 – August 11

Kites by artists Joel Eckhaus, Tony Otis, and Tony Heeschen

“Nor’eastern Dreamers” shows the work of three local kite makers, Tony Otis of Westbrook, Tony Heeschen, and Joel Eckhaus from South Portland.

All have been quietly designing, building and flying kites at Bug Light Park in SoPo for many years.
They look at kites as a unique pastime (bordering on the obsessive) that brings together science, history, art, craft, creativity, camaraderie and a willingness to spend time outdoors.
Kites have been around for thousands of years and have flown to every corner of the globe, so there’s plenty of cultural history to inspire these kite makers in their designs.
They literally have the world on a string, and they keep on building more…

The artists will be working with East Bayside students in MSA’s summer learning program RAD.  Kids will make their own kites and fly them at the end of the program.

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Joel Eckhaus – “Something Fishy”
Chinese Fish Kite, made from Japanese paper with bamboo spars.tallbox

Tony Otis – Traditional Box Kite
Made from ripstop nylon with carbon fiber spars.DSCN8069

Tony Heeschen – “Madama Butterfly”
Japanese Rokkaku kite, made from ripstop nylon with carbon fiber spars.

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