Though I have sometimes posted about temporary art,* this is my first focus on how it is part of what happens in my neighborhood on Halloween.

On our street every Labor Day, neighbors of all ages meet to propose, discuss, consider and then vote to choose a Halloween theme. This allows several weeks for families, individuals and groups to plan and create amazing artworks that connect our homes for one brief energetic evening.

The photos here barely hint at everything that came together around this year’s theme of Sharks and Oceans. My limiting goal was to pair photos of daytime preparation (L) with the final night displays (R):

*“Temporary art is art of a limited duration with a temporary site, function or audience. It may, for example, be an art event, an exhibition in urban space or a sculpture with a temporary location (often called semi-permanent art).” (quote from Google search for meaning)

This year I was especially aware of the teamwork involved in putting together numerous displays, all ready for the intensive flow of costumed, interactive appreciative visitors. After three hours, the treats and drama predictably subsided. By 9 p.m. a dedicated crew of clean-up volunteers began to take down highlights already dimmed, though documented and shared through many phones.

Most elements of the temporary art for Halloween this year were soon gone. Yet new elements sparked by a different chosen theme next fall will almost surely work more wonders of temporary art again.