Van Gogh hot air balloon to visit Pingree Grove

Local fans of Vincent Van Gogh will literally be able to look up to him via a visiting hot air balloon.

Weather permitting, Goebbert's Farm in Pingree Grove is set to welcome the painterly portrait head of the late 19th century Dutch artist in balloon form via a tethered flight Saturday, Oct. 9, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Goebbert's Farm, located off the Route 47 exit at I-90, was chosen because it features a vast sunflower field — a favorite subject of many Van Gogh paintings.

The occasion also marks the U.S. debut of this hot air balloon following its maiden flight in Toronto. It's also meant to drum up publicity for the “Immersive Van Gogh” experience, which has just been extended in Chicago through Sunday, Feb. 6.

The “Immersive Van Gogh” experience, which has been franchised across North America, features the artist's many paintings in large animated projections inside a gallery space.

The Van Gogh balloon will travel next to Minneapolis and New York to highlight “Immersive Van Gogh” experiences in those cities, too.

Tickets for the “Immersive Van Gogh” extension at 108 W. Germania Place, Chicago, will be available starting Wednesday, Oct. 13. Prices start at $39.99 and $24.99 for kids ages 16 or younger. For more information, visit vangoghchicago.com or call (844) 307-4644.