FriendsWithYou is an art collaborative based in Los Angeles, California, founded in Miami, Florida, by Samuel Albert Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III in 2002, which seeks to redesign spirituality, rituals, and religious acts for modern-day usage and connectivity.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
FriendsWithYou made their Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in the 2018 Parade, with the first new Blue Sky Gallery entry in over five years, titled "Little Cloud". The Little Cloud balloon was one in a line of many art pieces created by FriendsWithYou beginning in 2002, other pieces of which included public sculptures, smartphone covers and limited-edition lamps.
The Little Cloud balloon rose to the occasion as a 30-foot wide, 22-foot tall helium balloon. Executive Producer of the Parade, Susan Tercero, commented on the balloon's inclusion in the 92nd procession, saying, "This just felt right — their cloud is very cute and whimsical. And what better balloon to create than a cloud?"
Joining the fluffy and friendly Little Cloud were two raindrop friends appearing as costumed characters, and led by a sprawling rainbow balloon which was piloted down the streets of New York City by the founders of FriendsWithYou, Samuel Albert Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III. The Little Cloud balloon made only one appearance in the 2018 Parade, and was retired shortly after the procession.
Despite retiring from the Parade, the balloon made an appearance at the Fashion Show Mall on March 5, 2019 as part of a special Macy's-themed event. Little Cloud was joined by two smaller Red Macy's Stars balloons. After this appearance, the balloon was deflated and shipped back to the Macy's Parade Studio's Balloon Studio, where it remains dormant to this day.