Pigeon Forge and Dollywood are most well-known for music and amusement — but this area has some other tricks up its sleeves. One popular attraction that is more visual than interactive or of the musical persuasion is the Umbrella Sky Project. Inspired by a Portugal installation, the Umbrella Sky Project is a unique art installation in which hundreds of colorful umbrellas are suspended above one of the area’s popular walkways. The umbrellas are tied together so close as to create a sort of fabric canopy that both offers sunshade and a gorgeous array of bright colors. It’s a pretty unique sight and one we recommend for everyone visiting the area to check out.
But what if you can’t make it out to see the Umbrella Sky Project in Dollywood? Or, maybe you have seen it and wish you could see it in your own city, neighborhood, backyard, or even home? Well, the great thing about art is that it always wants to be imitated and we have a nice easy guide to show you how easy it can be to imitate this colorful umbrella installation all on your own!
How to Create Your Own Umbrella Sky
Step One: Pick Your Location
As with so many things, location, location, location is key! Putting up an umbrella sky installation on your own property is probably best done in a backyard area. Since the umbrellas effectively block out the sun and even quite a bit of rain, you can merge the practical with the beautiful by building this installation as a sort of patio or sitting area. Or, maybe you have an extended pathway, such as leading from a garage to a back barbecue area, where an overhead installation would serve as a perfect walkway canopy.
Note that while you can do indoor umbrella installations, this writer feels wary of the bad luck connected with opening an umbrella indoors. You might find smaller artsy umbrellas, however, to make such an installation work.
Step Two: Gather Your Materials
- Umbrellas: You’ll want to use colorful, lightweight umbrellas. Think about how you might want to make your installation stand out, such as by mixing different colors or opting for a uniform color scheme depending on your desired look.
- Strong Cord, Wire, or Fishing Line: You will need this to suspend the umbrellas. Choose something sturdy but thin so it’s not highly visible.
- Hooks or Anchors: Hooks and anchors will be needed to attach the wires to walls, ceilings, or poles. If outdoors, sturdy poles, fence posts, or trees are going to be ideal for anchor points — map out your yard before going to the store so that you have an idea of what will work best for your set-up.
- Zip Ties or Clips: These will be used for securing umbrellas to the wire or cord.
- Measuring Tape: This is vital for ensuring even spacing between umbrellas.
- Ladder: You will need a ladder to safely hang your umbrellas up high.
- Help. If you are using a ladder, then you should always have someone with you to help avoid a slip and fall accident.
Step Three: Plan Out Your Design
There are three aspects you will need to plan out as you start to create your own umbrella sky project:
- Spacing: Decide how dense you want the umbrellas to be. You can arrange them in rows for a structured look or vary the heights and angles for a more whimsical design.
- Height: Consider how high you want your umbrellas to hang. You will want them high enough to avoid people bumping their heads when walking, but not too high as you may need to regularly maintain them.
- Pattern: Create a color pattern or go random. If you’re using different colored umbrellas, lay them out first to visualize your design.
Step Four: Set Up the Bones or Support Structure
Now that you have a good idea of where everything is going to go, it’s time to install the bones of your umbrella sky installation. Begin by installing any poles you might need and then drilling holes for hooks in those poles, ceiling, trees, fences, or any other anchor points you’ve decided upon. Finally, attach your wires and stretch it across your anchor points.
Step Five: Hang Up the Umbrellas
You’re almost done! Now it’s time to put the meat on those bones! One at a time, and preferably with a partner, open each umbrella and secure it to your hanging line by using the zip ties or strong clips you set aside for the project. Make sure to attach the umbrellas inat least two points — ideally one at the handle and one at the rip. This will ensure that they won’t spin or flip excessively in light winds. For a more professional look, consider varying the heights of each umbrella to build a more dynamic layered look.
Final Touches & Thoughts
Congrats! Your own umbrella sky installation is pretty much done. To really finalize the look, however, you might consider adding your own touch, such as by stringing fairy lights between the umbrellas to create a magical evening appearance.
Finally, it is important to remember that as lovely as the umbrella art installation is, it can pose as a safety hazard in certain weather conditions. High winds and heavy thunderstorms may tear your outdoor installation apart and send the umbrellas flying through your backyard. We would recommend taking the installation down in the event of an extreme storm to avoid this risk.
Learn More About the Unique Attraction of Dollywood and Pigeon Forge
The Umbrella Sky Installation at Dollywood is certainly a wonderful art installation, but it is also certainly not the only unique art attraction here. Dollywood and Pigeon Forge both have so many unique little secrets to excite, entertain, and amaze visitors. Learn more about those secrets and more by visiting our other pages where we outline the very best in this region has to offer!
