The Balloon Magic Kaleidoscope Exhibit
The Balloon Magic Kaleidoscope Exhibit comprises nineteen working balloon kaleidoscopes. The tubes, the supporting framework, and certain mechanical components of each kaleidoscope are covered with brightly colored balloons. The object boxes and the objects are brightly colored balloons. Five of the eighteen kaleidoscopes are capable of receiving any of five different object boxes or movements. The remaining fourteen kaleidoscopes will each receive three different object boxes or movements.
A description of each of the nineteen balloon kaleidoscopes follows.
Hand-held Crystal Kaleidoscopes:
1. A one and one quarter inch faceted lead crystal ball mounted in a tube, with an attached handle to facilitate viewing.
2. A two and one half inch faceted lead crystal ball mounted in a tube, with an attached handle to facilitate viewing.
3. A two and one half inch, double based, faceted lead crystal prism mounted in a tube, with an attached handle to facilitate viewing.
4. A three-inch, two-sided, faceted lead crystal prism mounted in a tube, with an attached handle to facilitate viewing. Hand-held Mirrored Kaleidoscopes:
5. A two mirrored tube approximately two inches in diameter and twelve inches long, with two mirrors positioned at a forty-five degree angle.
6. A two mirrored tube approximately two inches in diameter and twelve inches long, with two mirrors positioned at a sixty-degree angle.
7. A three mirrored tube approximately two inches in diameter and twelve inches long, with three mirrors positioned in an equilateral triangle.
8. A three mirrored tube approximately two inches in diameter and twelve inches long, with the three mirrors positioned in a right triangle.
9. A three mirrored tube approximately two inches in diameter and twelve inches long, with the three mirrors positioned in an isosceles triangle.
10. A three mirrored tube approximately three inches in diameter and sixteen inches long, with each mirrored panel made up of one-inch square mirrors attached to the panel side by side.
11. A three mirrored tube approximately three inches in diameter and sixteen inches long, with each mirrored panel made up of triangular shaped mirrors attached to the panel side by side.
12. A three mirrored tube approximately three inches in diameter and sixteen inches long, with each mirrored panel made up of one-inch diameter round mirrors attached to a clear panel side by side. Light passes through the mirrored panels between the round mirrors to create a variety of unusual patterns.
Tripod-mounted Mirrored Kaleidoscopes:
13. A three mirrored tube approximately four inches in diameter and twenty-four inches long, with the three mirrors positioned in an isosceles triangle.
14. A three mirrored tube approximately four inches in diameter and twenty four inches long, with each mirrored panel made up of two-inch diameter round mirrors attached to a clear panel side by side. Light passes through the mirrored panels between the round mirrors to create a variety of unusual patterns.
Manually-operated Mechanical Kaleidoscopes:
15. A three mirrored tube approximately four inches in diameter and twenty four inches long, with the mirrors positioned in an isosceles triangle, mounted on a framework approximately twenty four inches wide, thirty inches long, and thirty inches high.
16. A three mirrored tube approximately six inches in diameter and thirty six inches long, with the mirrors positioned in an equilateral triangle, mounted on a floor stand approximately thirty six inches wide, forty eight inches long, and eighty inches high.
Motorized Kaleidoscopes:
17. A three mirrored equilateral triangle approximately four inches wide on each side and sixteen inches long, mounted diagonally on a table top stand approximately twelve inches wide, thirty inches long, and twenty four inches high. This scope has an open, rotating platform beneath the bottom end of the triangle, which allows the viewer to form and change the movement and image by placing and/or changing objects on the platform. Jewelry, coins, and other common items create a wide variety of effects.
18. "The Giant" - a three mirrored tube approximately twenty four inches in diameter and eleven feet long, with the mirrors positioned in an equilateral triangle, mounted on a framework which is approximately seven feet wide, nine feet high, and fourteen feet long. The opening in the viewing end of this scope is sufficiently large to allow the viewer to place his or her head and shoulders inside of the triangle of mirrors causing the reflected image to completely surround the viewer.
19. "The Colossus" - a three mirrored tube approximately thirty inches in diameter and ten feet long, with the mirrors positioned in an isosceles triangle. This tube is suspended vertically, with the bottom end of the tube approximately eight feet above the floor. A video camera is mounted in the upper end of the tube, and the reflected image projected on a large screen. A circular balloon wall approximately thirty-six inches high is placed on the floor beneath the tube, forming a circle approximately twenty-four feet in diameter. Brightly colored air-filled balloons are placed within the wall. Several children are placed within the wall. The children and the balloons form the movement on the screen. The children are able to watch as their movement changes the image projected on the screen. It is also possible to photograph a single child and have his or her image reflected in every panel.
Each of the kaleidoscopes with the exception of "The Colossus" is designed to allow only one person to view at a time. "The Colossus" is a special crowd pleaser due to the fact that many spectators are able to watch the screen at the same time.
The nineteen kaleidoscopes in the Balloon Magic Kaleidoscope Exhibit are available in any combination, but are planned as an exhibit in four different assortments. Each exhibit is highly educational, and is completely inter-active, with the viewer able to control the movement of the objects reflected in each kaleidoscope. The four exhibit assortments are as follows:
1. THE BASIC EXHIBIT: This assortment consists of eight kaleidoscopes including two hand-held crystal kaleidoscopes in which faceted lead crystal balls or prisms replace mirrors as the reflecting surface, four hand-held mirrored kaleidoscopes, one tripod mounted mirrored kaleidoscope, and one manually operated floor stand mirrored kaleidoscope.
2. THE EXPANDED EXHIBIT: This assortment consists of sixteen kaleidoscopes including four hand-held crystal kaleidoscopes in which faceted lead crystal balls or prisms replace mirrors as the reflecting surface, eight hand-held mirrored kaleidoscopes, two tripod mounted mirrored kaleidoscopes, and two manually-operated floor stand mirrored kaleidoscopes.
3. THE GIANT EXHIBIT: This assortment includes the sixteen kaleidoscopes, which make up the Expanded Exhibit, plus two motorized floor stand mirrored kaleidoscopes including the Giant. The Giant was the largest kaleidoscope in the World from 1992 until 1996. With the introduction of the Colossus in 1996 it became the second largest.
4. THE COLOSSAL EXHIBIT: This assortment includes the sixteen kaleidoscopes, which make up the expanded exhibit, plus three motorized floor stand mirrored kaleidoscopes including the Colossus. The Colossus is the largest kaleidoscope in the World.
Space requirement: Each of the exhibits requires sufficient space for spectators to view the kaleidoscopes, and to form lines waiting their turn. Entrances and exits to facilitate crowd flow are a must. Good lighting is a definite plus. Any of the exhibits can be placed in more than one room as long as entrances and exits allow for crowd flow.
The Basic Exhibit requires space for two eight-foot tables plus an additional area at least six feet wide by eight feet long or its equivalent. An eight-foot ceiling is adequate.
The Expanded Exhibit requires four eight-foot tables plus an additional area at least six feet wide by twenty-four feet long or its equivalent. An eight-foot ceiling is adequate. A 110-volt electrical outlet is required for this exhibit.
The Giant Exhibit: In addition to the requirements of the Expanded Exhibit, the Giant Exhibit requires a floor space at least ten feet wide by eighteen feet long with a ceiling at least nine and one half feet high. Two 110-volt electrical outlets are required for this exhibit.
The Colossal Exhibit: In addition to the requirements of the Expanded Exhibit, the Colossal Exhibit requires a floor space at least thirty feet wide by forty feet long with a ceiling at least twenty-four feet high. Three 110-volt electrical outlets are required for this exhibit.
Personnel requirements:
The Basic Exhibit: Two individuals representing Balloon Magic would accompany
this exhibit.
Assembly crew: A minimum of two additional individuals would be required
for a period of four to six hours. No specific prior balloon experience is required.
Disassembly crew: No additional personnel would be required for disassembly.
Monitors: A minimum of one monitor would be required during all hours that
the exhibit is open to the public.
The Expanded Exhibit: Three individuals representing Balloon Magic would accompany
this exhibit.
Assembly crew: A minimum of three additional individuals would be required
for a period of four to six hours. No specific prior balloon experience is required.
Disassembly crew: No additional personnel would be required for disassembly.
Monitors: A minimum of two monitors would be required during all hours that the
exhibit is open to the public. If the exhibit area were spread out over more
than one room, one additional monitor would be required.
The Giant Exhibit: Four individuals representing Balloon Magic would accompany this
exhibit.
Assembly crew: A minimum of six additional individuals would be required for a
period of six to eight hours. No specific prior balloon experience is required.
Disassembly crew: A minimum of three individuals would be required for a period
of four hours.
Monitors: A minimum of three monitors would be required during all hours that
the exhibit is open to the public. If the exhibit area were spread out over
more than one room, one additional monitor would be required.
The Colossal Exhibit: Five individuals representing Balloon Magic would accompany
this exhibit.
Assembly crew: A minimum of eight additional individuals would be required
for a period of eight to twelve hours. No specific prior balloon experience is
required.
Disassembly crew: A minimum of four individuals would be required for a period
of eight hours.
Monitors: A minimum of six monitors would be required during all hours that the
exhibit is open to the public. If the exhibit area were spread out over more
than one room, two additional monitors would be required.
Equipment Requirements:
The Basic Exhibit: Two eight foot tables
The Expanded Exhibit: Four eight foot tables
The Giant Exhibit: Four eight foot tables Two six foot eight to foot stepladders
The Colossal Exhibit: Four eight foot tables Two six foot to eight-foot stepladders
Cost of the exhibit:
The Basic Exhibit:
Travel expenses for two persons including round trip airfare or mileage at $0.80 per
mile one way
Meals and lodging for two persons
Daily fee of $400 for each non-exhibit day
Daily fee of $800 for each exhibit day
Balloon and supplies fee of $300 per exhibit
Round shipping charges including insurance for 300 pounds
Adequate ground transportation for two persons and cargo at exhibit location if travel
is by air. A station wagon, van or enclosed small truck is required to transport
the exhibit.
Transportation between lodging and exhibit and to restaurant for meals can be either
by rental car, taxi, or escort.
The Expanded Exhibit:
Travel expenses for three persons including round trip airfare or mileage at $0.80 per
mile one way
Meals and lodging for three persons
Daily fee of $550 for each non-exhibit day
Daily fee of $1100 for each exhibit day
Balloon and supplies fee of $550 per exhibit
Round trip shipping charges including insurance for 400 pounds
Adequate ground transportation for three persons and cargo at exhibit location if travel
is by air. A station wagon, van or enclosed small truck is required to transport
the exhibit.
Transportation between lodging and exhibit and to restaurant for meals can be either
by rental car, taxi, or escort.
The Giant Exhibit:
Travel expenses for four persons including round trip airfare or mileage at $0.80 per
mile one way
Meals and lodging for four persons
Daily fee of $700 for each non-exhibit day
Daily fee of $1500 for each exhibit day
Balloon and supplies fee of $900 per exhibit
Round trip shipping charges including insurance for 800 pounds
Adequate ground transportation for three persons and Cargo at exhibit location if travel
is by air. A station wagon, van or enclosed small truck is required to transport
the exhibit.
Transportation between lodging and exhibit and to restaurant for meals can be either
by rental car, taxi, or escort.
The Colossal Exhibit:
Travel expenses for five persons including round trip airfare or mileage at $1.50 per
mile one way
Meals and lodging for five persons
Daily fee of $1000 for each non-exhibit day
Daily fee of $2000 for each exhibit day
Balloon and supplies fee of $1500 per exhibit
Round trip shipping charges including insurance for 2000 pounds
Adequate ground transportation for five persons and cargo at exhibit location if travel is
by air. An enclosed medium size truck is required to transport the exhibit.
Transportation between lodging and exhibit and to restaurant for meals can be
either by rental car, taxi, or escort.
All of the kaleidoscopes can be exhibited outdoors under a tent or other area protected from direct sunlight. All of the kaleidoscopes except the Giant and the Colossus are portable and could be moved indoors at night. All night security is required for any portion of the exhibit that is to remain outdoors at night. Balloon Magic carries a two million dollar liability insurance policy covering the exhibit.
