Crown Heights Artist is Behind the “Balloon Story”

Crown Heights resident Dvorah Leah Schneerson-Jacobson is behind Balloon Story, the hottest summer exhibit in New York City featuring over half a million balloons. Full Story, Photos, Video

By Libby Herz – COLlive

Balloon Story, the hottest summer exhibit in New York City, features over half a million balloons and is captivating residents and tourists of all ages.

Located in the Park Avenue Armory, visitors walk through enormous tunnels and larger-than-life all made of balloons. These sculptures and backdrops provide jaw-dropping photo ops at exhibits of Antarctica, Under the Sea, and international monuments.

One of the people behind it is Dvorah Leah Schneerson-Jacobson, a resident of Crown Heights who is a balloon decorator with Balloon Van Gogh.

“I’ve been in the balloon industry for years and even I’m blown away,” she told COLlive.com about the highly rated activity that will be running one more month.

Her passion for balloon art and dedication to creating unforgettable experiences drove the success of Balloon Story. This world of wonder is located at Manhattan’s largest venue. “Securing the Armory was a mini fortune,” Jacobson says, “but we knew we had something unique to show New York City.”

To make it happen, she worked with Zev Eizik, CEO of Tel Aviv’s Hanger 11 venue and a concert promoter. Eizik’s expertise in managing high-profile exhibitions, combined with her leadership and ability to execute ambitious projects, resulted in a spectacular exhibition that’s a must-see for all New Yorkers.

The vision of world-renowned balloon artist Kobi Kalimian is behind the magical display. Kalimian directed a team of top balloon artists from around the world in designing and constructing the masterpieces.

She rallied almost 100 international balloon artists to join the build. These artists had the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders and be part of this historic record-breaking creation. The build took over a week to complete, with 150 people working day and night, and the results did not disappoint.

“Everyone loves the Jungle Room,” she says. It’s dim and moody, and you feel like you’re stepping into the rainforest. The balloon sculptures are larger-than-life and interactive. There’s a lion, a zebra, and a huge ball pit that looks like a massive river. Adults and children jump into it, and they are absolutely obsessed with it.”

“People always ask if the balloons constantly pop,” she says with a laugh. “But balloons are tougher than people realize. Most will last through the entire exhibit, although we do have someone maintaining them. We also treated and sprayed them in advance.”

Balloon Story donated unlimited tickets to children needing extra smiles, such as those at Chai Lifeline, Ohel, Bikur Cholim, Friendship Circle, and more.

As word has spread all over the city, tickets have been selling fast, especially during peak hours. Balloon Story plans to introduce a kosher food court for its Jewish visitors during the last few weeks of the exhibition. A grand popping party is planned for August 24th, the last day of the exhibit.

Whether planning a family outing, a camp trip, a fun date night, or a unique adventure, Balloon Story is the perfect destination.

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