Kites dancing in the sky above the fields of Maple Valley Farm as Glenn Davison showcases his love and knowledge of these airborne creations. Hadley, MA. Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Kite flying is a cherished tradition in many parts of the world, and in Western Massachusetts, it is not uncommon to see families make use of the many open spaces here to send one of these mini-craft to the heavens.
But few do this as intensely, or intently, as Glenn Davison.
About Glenn Davison
Glenn Davison is a globally recognized kite workshop leader, kite builder, designer, flier, author, and educator. He’s celebrated for his deep blend of artistry, aerodynamics, and commitment to community engagement through kiting.
Key achievements and roles
- Authored over a dozen books and practical guides on kite building and flying, including Kite Physics, Miniature Kites, Building Free and Recycled Kites, and Kite Workshop Handbook.
- Served as Past President of Kites Over New England (named “Kite Club of the Year, 2018”), and held roles as Director-at-Large of the American Kitefliers Association (AKA) and Chair of its Kite Education Committee.
- Led more than 100 workshops in the U.S. and internationally, bringing hands-on kite-building and flying education to schools, festivals, and community groups.
- Featured on media platforms such as HGTV, and showcased in major publications including The Boston Globe as well as international outlets.
- Created exhibits and performed at venues like Cirque du Soleil Headquarters in Montreal, the Arlington Center for the Arts, and the Peabody Essex Museum, where his kite designs were presented as aerial artworks.
Creative and technical highlights
- Built a remarkable variety of kites, from miniature tissue-paper models to giant ripstop nylon creations supported by carbon-fiber frames. Many of his miniatures have earned awards for craftsmanship and design.
- His kites have also appeared in films, commercials, and large-scale installations, including a Hunter Douglas commercial, a Rokkaku kite for the Washington DC Metro, and kites constructed for the film At the Sea.
Educational outreach and workshops
- Davison has conducted extensive educational programming, including school workshops, festival performances, and presentations on topics like “Art That Flies,” kite physics, and STEM applications through kiting.
- He was part of the World Sport Kite Festival team that set a world record with a 101-person quad-line kite flight.
- You can find out more about Glenn Davison on his website.
PHOTOS: FungaiFoto
