Balloon creations displayed, for sale at Center

Balloon magic has taken over the main gallery at the Aiken Center for the Arts (ACA).

The Balloon Lady, Sandi Brandner, and her husband Tom have transformed the ACA into a colorful playground filled with imagination and creativity.

To inflate and twist for the exhibit, the Brandners engaged the help of their four granddaughters, Brittany and Chelsea Anders and Julianna and Marianna Bochnak.

In just three days and with more than 1,000 balloons, the exhibit came to life featuring an aquatic section, cartoon characters and a bride and flower girl.

The Brandners have been making balloon creations for more than 30 years.

At the start of their balloon endeavors, resources were limited.

However, as the years have passed, the supplies have changed and their knowledge has expanded.

Today, various shapes, sizes, colors and preprinted balloons are available from a variety of sources. Houses, life-size people and a range of creations can be made with balloons.

"We learned from a magician more than 30 years ago. At that time, the only way to learn was directly from someone," Sandi Brandner said.

"We now have a variety of balloons to work with and different pumps; you used to have to blow them up by mouth," Tom Brandner said.

The exhibit features 100 percent latex balloons. The latex is derived from the sap of rubber trees that can be tapped for up to 40 years.

The latex balloons in this exhibition are biodegradable.

The Brandners are dedicated to new learning in their field through books, DVDs, VHS tapes and twister conventions.

Both are graduates of MCATU (Magicians, Clowns and Twisters University) and Balloon Summer Camp.

Sandi is studying for CBA (Certified Balloon Artists).

The balloon creations will be for sale and may be taken from the exhibition at the time of purchase.

According to Tom Brandner, the balloon creations can last for several months and simply shrink as they lose air.

Want to Go?

What? Balloon Fun Exhibition

When? July 9-31

Where? Aiken Center for the Arts galleries

Cost: Free

Information: 641-9094