What's Up Wednesday, March 20, 2024 #112

This week on What's Up Wednesday, the final two honorable mention artists and some tips for helping out the Easter Bunny on his upcoming adventures.

Amanda Brady is a local powerlifter and cake-maker, who enjoys design and art on the side. Amanda tells us the sunrises and sunsets she experiences while camping and hiking here in the southwest, just needed to be combined with the balloons painting the sky each year during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. 

Jason Valencia is a Native American born and raised from the Pueblo of San Felipe New Mexico. A self-taught artist, who started painting in 1998, Jason does a lot of pueblo style and customized paintings, working with acrylic paints. His work is authentic, colorful and inspiring and he hopes the youth he and his work come in contact with will be inspired to create.

Remember all of our honorable mention artists from our poster selection will see their art appear on different items leading up to Balloon Fiesta. And stay tuned to What's Up Wednesday for the full reveal of the Official 2024 Poster later this summer.

Now that St. Patrick has come and gone, it's time for a visit from the Easter Bunny. If you're tasked with helping out our furry friend, we have a few suggestions.

For the little ones, we have an adorable mini backpack. It's just the right size to carry those treats, toys and books when they go on a trip to see Grandma and Grandpa or for that sleepover with the cousins. Navy Blue with metal balloons for zipper pulls, this backpack features the colorful Balloon Fiesta logo on the front.

Consider stuffing the backpack with a copy of Albuquerque Gerdy. An interactive book with QR codes to bring the story of the Albuquerque roadrunner to life.

Or maybe the Joanna Gaines book, The World Needs Who You Were Meant To Be. This national author uses Balloon Fiesta as a setting for her inspirational story.

Of course there are the Curious George books, Up, Up and Away or the Hot Air Balloon. And don't forget those stickers we told you about a few weeks ago.

For the bigger bunnies on the list, consider the 50 Years of Balloon Magic coffee table book, or any of a half-dozen balloon themed puzzles. 

Be sure to order early so we can ship these items to you in time for Easter, or if you're in the area, stop by the Gift Shop Mon-Fri 9-5 and shop in person.

As always, thanks for your support of Balloon Fiesta and Balloon Fiesta Stuff.