Saturn V Rocket will be Wrapped with Art Contributed from Around the World

Mayors Paul Finley, Madison and Tommy Battle, Huntsville

By May 2010, more than 8,000 panels, created by students and individuals from more than 100 countries, will be stitched together and installed as a 36,467-square-foot wrap on the Saturn V rocket, named “One of America’s Seven Wonders” by ABC’s Good Morning America.

Each of the panels will express a “dream theme” - each participant’s hopes and dreams for a better tomorrow, according to Dream Rocket Director Jennifer Marsh, a faculty member at UAHuntsville and one of the leading figures in collaborative public art.

“The Saturn V Moon Rocket is the ideal example of achieving a dream that was considered ‘impossible,’” said Marsh. “Whether your dream is curing cancer, going to Mars, or ending world hunger, the Saturn V is an inspiring visual reminder that any dream can come true. If we can work together to put a man on the moon, we can do anything.”

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said that he thinks the project’s collaborative nature relates well to the city.

“This will be a spectacle involving the largest available cranes and a helicopter to help place the wrap on the tallest portion,” said Battle. “Once in place, it will be a powerful image for all – especially those whose artwork is included. We live in an entrepreneurial city and we know how important collaboration is. The Dream Rocket will be right at home here.”

Huntsville expects visitors from all over the world during the two months that the Dream Rocket will be on display in May and June 2010. A huge crowd is expected to witness the completion of the wrapping, with a grand celebration afterwards.

“We’re very excited about The Dream Rocket project,” said Judy Ryals, CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The exposure that this unique project will bring to the arts and culture community in Huntsville and Madison County is sure to be impressive and bring many visitors to see the feat firsthand. “