People are gathering in downtown Napa to see dramatic new art installations—like the Electric Dandelions by art collective Liquid PXL, with its explosions of light that shine like persistent fireworks from across the river and glow like slow-motion supernovae when viewed from yards below, along downtown Napa’s waterfront.
The Napa Lighted Art Festival is free, walkable and safely gatherable. All eight lighted art sculptures are located outside in open gathering spaces throughout downtown Napa. For those looking for an opportunity to enjoy a safe return to public space, the thoughtful placement of the installations gives plenty of room for groups to social distance.
According to the City of Napa website, “The Napa Lighted Art Festival is a celebration of creative arts, technology, lights and supports innovative techniques using light and light technologies as a growing art medium.”
What it is, is astounding, playful and worth the drive. Eight lighted art sculptures line the waterfront or are scattered downtown, including both Instagrammable moments and more contemplative possibilities.
An informal survey of light-goers during my visit revealed a clear sense of delight, not only with the specific installations, but in the arrangement of the works around downtown.
Strollers really liked that the artworks were dispersed throughout downtown, saying, “They needed to be found,” and, “You were never really sure where one would pop up.”
Since the installations are all in public spaces, they can be enjoyed by anyone passing by, a fact appreciated by the art-goers.
It was noted that, because many of the installations go through a circle of colors and patterns, it was easy to just settle into a place and appreciate the art at a slower pace. To enjoy the full cycle takes time. “It gives us a chance to practice a little patience,” was one comment from a sitting viewer.
In part, the intention behind the Napa Lighted Art Festival is to be contemporary and inspiring, and what could be more inspiring at this moment than to gather together in the glow of a shared art experience?
Meet the Artists
Perhaps the most spectacular stretch is the run of lighted sculptures along the river, which includes the aforementioned Electric Dandelions, by art collective Liquid PXL, as well as the otherworldly Lightforms, by the abstract construction-duo HYBYCOZO.
Liquid PXL, lead by experienced Burning Man artist and founder Abram Santa Cruz, created the Electric Dandelions, which were the biggest hit with this writer’s entourage. The patterns, both familiar and strange, continually engage the crowd.
Lightforms by HYBYCOZO, or the Hyperspace Bypass Construction Zone, is the other impressive artwork along the waterfront. Massive geometric fabricated panels cast shadow and colored light around a garden of several such structures. Artists Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu developed the project to “investigate geometric exploration through light, shadow and perception.” The rotating interplay of color combinations along the faces of the cubes truly allow the gathered crowds to go through a range of emotions while in the presence of others, something we just have not had the chance to do as much these last couple of years.
According to organizers, “Several of [the artists] visit during the festival [where they are] available for a more intimate perspective into their background, artistic process, story behind their installation and any other question you may have for them.”
Contact the organizers to find out which artists will be visiting when. And then get out among the people. We need to socialize again.
