Art Basel Miami Beach went oceanside to celebrate our planet in a happy reunion of visiting ambassadors from the seven corners of space. The beach was breezy, the skies were blue, the band was brassy and the balloons bodacious.

Scion, along with FriendsWithYou, presented Skywalkers, a parade of giant blimps, on the opening day of North America's biggest art fair. Advertised as Public Art For All to Enjoy! the procession was led by a marching band, starting at the Delano Hotel in Miami Beach's historic South Beach district.

A crowd began to gather early to watch the balloons being blown up - much like what happens on the eve of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Helium trucks pumped up the balloons while volunteers in red-and-white t-shirts used ropes to tame and guide the animated creatures. As the great beings took shape, the crowd grew larger. Friendly chatter filled the balmy afternoon air; more sunscreen was slathered and cameras snapped shots up and down the beach. Children and grownups alike waited in anticipation, many taking refuge in the palmy shade while one by one, each balloon rose skyward and joined the formation.

When all was ready, the grand marshal stuck up the band and the procession gracefully made its way down the sandy esplanade. With names like ZoZo, Bubaba, Murbit, Zwirk and Neddrix Dogstrum, the whimsical balloons, in shapes, forms and colors of delight greeted the crowd, which responded with enchanted enthusiasm.

Participating artists included FriendsWithYou, Ara Peterson, Misaki Kawai, Paper Rad, Devil Robots, Mumbleboy and David Choe.

For more information: http://www.friendswithyou.com/