Lawnchair Larry Print
Digital Print, limited edition
5" x 7"
2021
by Artist Jen Haefeli
WildRootCreations.com

On July 2, 1982 Larry Walters soared into the clouds, attaining his dream of flying. His favorite lawn chair shot straight up into the sky suspended from his cluster of wether balloons! Larry calculated, but didn't have a keen understanding of how powerful the helium he used would be. He reached an unintended height of 16,000 feet and before he knew it, he was floating in the clouds amid passenger airplanes.

Lawnchair Larry's adventure ended safely, though he almost dropped into the ocean, and he did take a few power lines down on ascent. His design and brief 45 minute flight cost him a few days in jail, a fine and an appearance in court to explain his actions, but Lawnchair Larry solidified his name in history as a hero to many for following his dreams to fly. HIs flight sparked the idea for a sport now known as Cluster Ballooning. Do you recognize the clustered form of flying from the movie Up!?

This piece is dedicated to the memory of Larry. Always follow your dreams.