Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade loves a whimsical float statement and this year it will make it with a Little Cloud float created by FriendsWithYou, a duo made up of Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III.
“Little Cloud is a simplified symbol of light and hope, a happy little gift,” said Borkson in an exchange with the New York Times. Little Cloud will be 22-feet tall and will be managed by 38 handlers.
According to parade produce Susan Tercero, FriendsWithYou’s participation is part of the event’s “Blue Sky Gallery” initiative, which invites contemporary artist to design a float. Prior artists include Jeff Koons and KAWS.
First conceived in 2002, FriendsWithYou launched with a website featuring a cloud visitors could click on to make a tongue appear. The effort expanded to include an animated short called “Cloudy,” along with sculptures and merchandise including lamps and iPhone cases. They also have a children’s Netflix series titled “True and the Rainbow Kingdom.”
In advance of the parade on November 22, 2018, FriendsWithYou will have a pop-up at The Hole on Canal street starting November 17th.