Sphere today, gone tomorrow: Travelling art project rolls into Saskatoon

The RedBall Project has rolled into Saskatoon.

The ball is an international travelling art project created by artist Kurt Perschke. Since 2001, the 15-foot sphere has been in over 25 cities, including Tokyo and Paris.

On Tuesday, the giant red ball was wedged into the entryway of the Roxy Theatre on 20th Street.

(Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

After looking up the project online, Saskatoon resident Gabriel Benesh said he knew it was something he wanted to get involved with. Benesh is the technician that keeps the ball inflated and squeegees it to keep it extra shiny.

“I’m so stoked to be doing it,” he said.

Every day this week, the ball will be inflated by generators and pumps. Filling it takes a lot of manpower, Benesh explained, and local volunteers come together to bring the vision to life.

“Putting that kind of energy into something like that, it does a lot for the energy of art,” he said.

“It’s a huge statement. (It’s) a big, red ball.”

According to the city, the project will run until July 1.

On Wednesday, the RedBall Project will be at the Saskatoon Public School Board’s downtown office. The ball will make an appearance at the Prairie Lily’s boat launch Thursday. On Friday, it will be at the Bessborough, and on Canada Day this Saturday the project will be on display at the Traffic Bridge.