Alexandria “Rex” Yeager’s roller skate illustration won a contest — and the prize is that her artwork will be transformed into a drone image.
About 250 drones will be part of Saturday’s “Celestial Choreography: A Dynamic Drone Show” at Schenley Plaza in Oakland. Crafted by Texas-based Sky Elements, the aerial display, set for 7 p.m., utilizes a fleet of drones fitted with brilliant LED lights to create patterns, shapes and animations in the sky.
“I was happy when I heard I won,” the sixth-grader said. “I liked the drone show (last year) and am excited to see it this year. “
This is the second year for the show but the first for the Art in the Sky: Youth Drone Show Art Competition.
There were 30 entrants for children ages 5-17. A panel of judges chose two winners — Alexandria and Silas Sawyer, 16, of Manchester on Pittsburgh’s North Side.
Silas said a teacher at Perry High School had students enter. His artwork has an open book to symbolize the Carnegie Library with a yellow bridge springing out of it.
“Books and bridges transport you,” Silas said. “To see my artwork in the sky is something I dream about and to have the public be able to see it that is extra icing on the cake.”
Alexandria called her entry “Oakland Skaters.” It has a white skate with purple and green details and hearts, which represent her love of roller skating.
The 11-year-old said her favorite place to skate is Neville Roller Drome on Neville Island.
The drone show is being held as part of the Oakland Business Improvement District’s Glowland.
In its third year, Glowland showcases lights and art installations by artists throughout Oakland in Schenley Plaza.
“I like Glowland,” said Alexandria, who will also experience the behind-the-scenes drone process.
“I think it will be extra exciting this year,” said Alexandria’s mom Stacey Yeager. “This is such a unique experience and one she will remember for a long time.”
Putting on a drone show requires a lot of planning, said Shawn Fertitta, executive director of Oakland Business Improvement District. There are logistics to work through such as coordinating with the nearby hospitals in case their helicopters need the air space.
The show is 15 minutes long.
There will be tunes spun by DJ QRX beginning at 4:30 p.m. followed by a performance at 5:30 p.m. by NASH.V.ILL in Schenley Plaza.
Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and a non-perishable food item to donate to the Community Human Services Oakland Food Pantry.
“I am fascinated with drones and Pittsburgh loves fireworks and other light shows because it’s tradition,” Fertitta said. “Oakland is an innovation hub of this region so we thought having a drone show here was appropriate.”
