On January 25th, the city of Evanston held a local art installation titled Light the Night. This exhibition featured light performances and artworks all by solar and battery powered productions. Local artists were encouraged to submit and present their work at Tallmadge Park, otherwise known as the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. As a viewer of this showcase, the community that emerged from the event was prevalent in the air through the chatter of parents and the gleeful laughs of children.
Upon entrance to the park, a beautiful pathway illuminated with small battery powered candles greeted guests. The warm glow welcomed its visitors, creating a whimsical environment. The introduction to this exhibition felt similar to a portal, transporting viewers through time. The pathway of light led to the center of the park, where a circle was formed by various types of silk and battery powered candles. This sight seemed to be a crowd favorite, considering the amount of attention it received from adults and children alike.
Another crowd favorite seemed to be the rainbow hula hoops with ever changing colors. The kids in attendance gravitated towards this section, indicated by the sound of excited voices between friends.
The event was sectioned in different parts to allow the separate art pieces their chance to shine. The largest light piece was placed in the field behind the park, due to its significant size. A square of yellow LED light cast a warm glow out into the open space. Moving towards the far left side of the park, my personal favorite art piece was featured on the path leading out to the field. It consisted of a typed poem titled “Frame of Mind” by Chika Sekiguchi framed by red light. String lights surrounded the paper, contrasting the ambience of the scarlet glare.
Along with the art installations, there was a performance by the Reflections Repertory Company. The performer was draped in a multicolored shine while they danced around the center of the park. Other artworks consisted of a metal cylinder with purposely cut-out holes for light to shine through and another with slowly changing colorful lights inside of tent-like sheets. Overall, the luminosity of these local exhibits excited and awed guests, bringing together the beautiful community of Evanston.
