Post Gazette: "The Festival of Lights returns to Pittsburgh Thursday through Sept. 27, encompassing the days of the G-20 summit.
Illuminated projections will shine on the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and the Courtyard Marriott and Westin Convention Center hotels. Lights go on at Penn Avenue and 10th Street at 8:45 p.m. next Thursday and will continue from around 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. most nights."
12 comments:
I was able to experience the Festival of Lights last year, and it was definitely a breathtaking sight to see. There was one exhibit in particular that I recall, a light effect on a church not too far from CMU. The way light was used to highlight the architecture, but also add an element of the fantastical was well done. This year is sure to be even more spectacular. Pittsburgh is really where everything is going down in these next few weeks, and with designers coming in from not only other states, but nations, we are sure to see some amazing light and projection displays around the city. Through Pittsburgh hosting the G-20, we are sure to make the city as inviting and desirable as possible, which will give our economy a little push before the winter months.
The above comment was by Liz Willett.
I also was able to experience the Festival of Lights last year mostly downtown. There were many very cool exhibits last year. I enjoyed the church piece that Liz mentioned, but there was also one very interesting leaf-y green one on a hotel downtown. The Cathedral of Learning also had a very cool design of an alphabet on it.
I hope this years exhibits are just as nice as last year, especially with G-20 coming. This will be a great way to make the city look amazing for all the other countries.
Every time i hear about the holidays in Pittsburgh, the Festival of Lights comes up. It seems like it takes the city, and transforms it. I am excited to see what it looks like, although next week during the G20 may not be the best time to go experience it because of how busy it will be. I hope that the few changes they make for the G20 will be saved for the holiday season later this year. The next two weeks are going to be incredible to see as Pittsburgh transforms into the most important city on the planet.
The festival of lights is a lovely thing to see in Pittsburgh every year and I'm glad that we'll be having a great artist this year. However, the thing that caught my attention in this article was the number of theaters (ballet, symphony, CLO) that will be doing something special for G20. It's not that I think they shouldn't, just that the last article I read was commenting on the lack of government arts funding. I don't think this is the time or place for a protest about arts funding, it's just a little ironic and slightly sickening. Maybe some people who were just laid off by apple tree should put something together.
I was able to get out of Purnell to see the Festival of Lights. It was one of the most peaceful things I have ever done. Walking around outside viewing art is one of the most relaxing things. It is amazing to see the ways lights are able to change something that you have seen many times before. One of the most memorable installations included movement of the lights that made it seem as if you were traveling up through the clouds. It was truly spectacular. It is exciting that the G-20 is going to take place in a time where Pittsburgh is truly shown in the best light (sorry, I had to).
Cool! When I heard about this last year, I was so encouraged about coming to Pittsburgh to study Lighting. The projections and imagery that were created last ear all over the city were engaging, although often in sort of bizarre locations. Linking the festival with the opening of the G20 sounds like really good planning on someone's part. I'm sure its becoming a logistical nightmare, but it will also help to add an element of ambience and artistic integrity to this old steel town. I'm intrigued that the festival is often supported by international ventures. I wonder how much local designers have ever played a role in the festival.
I have never seen that festival of lights but it seems like it is a pretty cool event. specialty since they are bring all of thes big outside designers and companies to help do this for g20 i think that is very wise of them to do this because the entire world is going to be looking at Pittsburgh for g20. and all of the other event besides light up the billings in the cultural district seems like they are pretty cool.
Last year I saw the festival of lights and was impressed by the "main displays" but disappointed with the "lesser displays". Some of the other buildings that were considered part of the festival were lit only with 2 PAR 38 lamps that had gel taped to them. I even saw buildings that were not part of the festival that were lit better than those. I would hope that this was a budget restriction and not a design decision.
I am so anxious to see this! It's great to see that the dates are around the times of the G20, so that the rest of the world can see the talent on expedition. Also, I think this will bring some sort of economic stimulus to the city when people go to see these displays. Can't wait!
I really enjoyed this last year, and this is coming from someone who hides in a shell of "not a lighting person" for the majority of design decisions associated with it. I loved seeing the Cathedral of Learning lit up with projected images. I want to see lighting used more like that, as artistic instillation instead of abstract illumination.
Also, I really want someone to light up the Cathedral as Shinra Tower. Just sayin.
If there's one thing I enjoy about being outside of boring New England suburbia, its the opportunity for events like this. There is nothing better to me than the rediscovering of a city through the arts, and I believe that in splashing the city in, quite literally, a new light, will make both residents and those visiting for the G20 appreciative of the history of the city, as well as the emphasis we put on the arts here.
I look forward to other cultural events like this in the years to come.
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