Float; an illuminated parade at Vizcaya

Vizcaya welcomes back New York based Processional Arts Workshop (PAW) for a third year. Building on the successes of Whirl (2016) and Bloom (2017), PAW will create Float: A Caravel’s Journey, a third Vizcaya-specific performance built and performed by local residents. The final performance of the trilogy will explore James Deering’s romance with the sea, and his concept of Vizcaya as a nautical fantasy. Designed as a cumulative procession that connects both sides of Vizcaya, as well as incorporating lanterns from Whirl and Bloom, it will start at twilight in the Village and, like a stream, make its way to the waterfront, growing as it encounters and absorbs lantern into its flow.

The participatory parade will be built in a week-long series of public workshops. These are a hands-on opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to work closely with PAW artists Sophia Michahelles and Alex Kahn. Throughout the week, participants will create lanterns inspired and informed by Vizcaya’s rich history, guided by Michahelles and Kahn on concept and techniques, and collaborate with other participants on all aspects of production. Those who wish will also have the opportunity to perform in the culminating twilight procession on August 4.

Float Workshop Schedule
July 28 - August 2. These are a hands-on opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to work closely with PAW artists Sophia Michahelles and Alex Kahn. Participation can be for a few hours or all week. No previous experience necessary, one will be provided. Register for each day here.

Float Participatory Parade
The participatory parade is on August 4 when Float travels from the Village to the Bay, retracing Vizcaya’s original owner James Deering’s own journey from agricultural heartland to untamed seascape and conjuring his vision of Vizcaya as a nautical fantasy. Float merges mythic and modern imagery in key sites along the procession route to explore the depths of Vizcaya’s past and present connection to the Sea.

Performance tickets for the evening of Saturday August 4 can be purchased here. $10 for adults; $5 for children .