Stark County Arts News: Inspired Balloon Designs brings the international Big Balloon Build to Canton

 Inspired Balloon Designs brings the international Big Balloon Build to Canton, popping up July 18-22 to benefit ArtsinStark

Embark on a magical journey created entirely out of balloons

Hundreds of thousands of balloons will transform the Cultural Center for the Arts into a mystical folklore and fantasy world when the Big Balloon Build comes to Canton this July.

The Big Balloon Build is an international balloon event created out of 250,000+ biodegradable
balloons. Whimsical wonders await as 130 of the world’s best balloon artists will create the
larger-than-life, immersive exhibit for all ages to explore over the span of just four days before it
opens to the public to enjoy.

“Imagine fire-breathing dragons, dancing fairies, monstrous giants, castles, knights in shining
armor and so much more—all made entirely out of balloons,” said Stuart Davies, director of the
Big Balloon Build. “This will be the largest Big Balloon Build ever! Typically, we use 125,000
balloons and in Canton, our talented balloon artists will nearly double that number.”

Only a few locations are chosen each year to host the Big Balloon Build. The event originally
started in the U.K. in 2017, and this will be only the sixth time it has been in the U.S.
Abby Messner, owner of Inspired Balloon Designs, has been working in partnership with
ArtsinStark for nearly two years to bring the event to Canton.

“I can't wait to showcase the innovative designs and bring a new level of awe-inspiring balloon
artistry to my community. This event will be a fantastic opportunity for everyone in Canton to
experience the magic of balloons on a grand scale,” said Messner.

All proceeds from Big Balloon Build Canton will be donated to ArtsinStark, Stark County’s Arts
Council. The non-profit organization in Canton uses the arts to create smarter kids, new jobs,
and healthier communities. A portion of the funds raised at Big Balloon Build in Canton will be
earmarked for the new ArtsImpact Grants program, project-based funding designed to create art
collaborations across Stark County in the strategic areas of Arts & Education, Arts & Well-being
and Arts & Vitality.

“We’re thrilled to host the Big Balloon Build here in Canton. The works created by the balloon
artists who’ll be coming to build will be inventive, fun, and filled with imagination,” said Emil
Alecusan, Interim President and CEO of ArtsinStark. “Big events like this benefit our local
economy and provide vitality to our community.”

The Big Balloon Build in Canton is funded in part by a cooperative agreement between Visit
Canton and ArtsInStark to support cultural tourism initiatives and events that attract travel to
Stark County. Allyson Bussey, President & CEO - “We’re excited to welcome balloon artists
from across the globe and to invite visitors near and far for such a unique and fanciful
experience!”

The Big Balloon Build in Canton, sponsored by Employers Health, will be here for one
weekend only, popping up July 18-22 at the Cultural Center for the Arts. Tickets and special
packages will go on sale later this year. Visit artsinstark.com/bigballoonbuild/ for all the details.
There are still many opportunities for companies to get involved with the Big Balloon Build when
it comes to Canton. Contact Kimberly Phillips at kphillips@artsinstark.com or 330-409-7626 to
discuss sponsorship details.

Committed to sustainable practices, the Big Balloon Build only uses natural, biodegradable
materials, sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ plantations. PremiumConwin, the world’s
leading manufacturer of high-quality balloon inflators and eco-friendly balloon accessories, will
provide all equipment to power this amazing balloon wonderland and all 250,000+ bio-based
rubber balloons will be donated to the cause.

Follow the Big Balloon Build on Facebook and Instagram (@thebigballoonbuild) for a
behind-the-scenes look during the build week of July 15-19. Please include these hashtags:
#BigBalloonBuild #BBBCanton #PremiumConwin #inspiredballoondesigns #ArtsinStark
#visitcanton #explorestarkcounty

About Big Balloon Build: The Big Balloon Build is a non-profit organization that partners with
charities to raise awareness and funds to help children in need. Dedicated to creating magical
and immersive balloon experiences, every Big Balloon Build is unique offering an amazing
opportunity to make a difference through the joy of balloons. For more information, visit
www.bigballoonbuild.com.

About Inspired Balloon Designs: Abby Messner is the creative mind and owner behind
Inspired Balloon Designs! She is a dedicated full-time teacher who found her passion for
balloons while searching for a unique way to celebrate her students' birthdays. Starting with
simple balloon animals, Abby quickly delved into the fascinating world of balloon decor,
mastering the art of transforming ordinary balloons into mesmerizing creations that spread joy
and excitement. Based in the charming Canton/North Canton area, Abby is deeply connected to
her local community. As a loving mom to three wonderful kids, a playful young pup, and two
affectionate old lady cats, she knows the value of bringing happiness to special moments. For
more information, visit www.inspiredballoondesigns.com/.

About ArtsinStark: Throughout ArtsinStark’s 50-year history, it has served the community by
leveraging the arts as a vehicle to create new jobs, smarter kids, and healthier communities.
ArtsinStark represents over 900 cultural organizations, individual artists, and makers who
support and enhance Stark County. It runs the Annual Campaign for the Arts, owns and
operates the Cultural Center for the Arts and brings arts into schools through the SmArts
Program. Over the past 12 years, ArtsinStark has awarded $13 million in grants to the seven
largest arts groups and another $2 million to non-profits, artists, and schools. For more
information, visit artsinstark.com.