Unite to Light, a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit, will hold Unite to Light the Night, a two-day, light-based art festival that acts as the group’s main fundraising event of the year.
Unite to Light brings light to those living without electricity, manufacturing and distributing solar lights and chargers that are transforming lives.
The organization’s impact runs from empowering children to study, to extending humanitarian aid in disasters, and facilitating healthcare access in our community.
This year’s Unite to Light the Night will feature 40 artistic works that celebrate the transformative power of light. Through mediums like projection mapping, video, sculpture, photography, and performance art, artists will bring their unique visions to light.
The festivities, set for Friday, Oct. 18-Saturday, Oct. 19, open with the Glow Gala, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday. The immersive art tour will guide visitors through the exhibit, introduce them to the artists, and showcase a series of performances and activities that harmonize with the luminous theme of the night.
Attendees can also watch a performance by the State Street Ballet, create light paintings, enjoy a culinary experience, and sip craft cocktails from Pearl Social.
Activities continue on Saturday with the free Community Showcase, 5-7:30 p.m., offering a time of creativity and exploration for all ages.
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, will facilitate a playful learning activity where visitors can build circuits, play with magnets, and contribute to a collaborative LED display of light and color.
Additionally, Children’s Creative Youth Project and Explore Ecology’s Art From Scrap will offer family activities.
In an Artist Talk at 6:30 p.m., moderated by Nathan Vonk, artists will delve into the stories behind their creations and their connection to Unite to Light’s mission.
Food from Disfruta Food Truck, beer from Topa Topa, Considered Coffee, and other beverages will be available for purchase.
As the sun sets on Saturday, the spotlight will shine on the Bright Bash, a multi-sensory dance party hosted among the art, 8-11 p.m.
Live DJs will spin electronic music; there will be art carts (that you can ride); a glitter station; tutorials on how to use illuminated objects to create “flow art;” and a dance performance by the Selan Dance Collective.
Tickets start at $30 and include a drink. VIP tickets include food and beverages.
Later will be the official after-party at STUDIO Bar and Soundroom.
Both nights will feature free entry and reserved seating for those with a Unite to Light the Night wristband.
Other event highlights include Breathing Space, where your breath becomes one with the planet, by Jonathan Smith, Alan Macy, and Tai Rodrig; and Carlos Grasso’s COLORSPACE, which uses simple changes in light to upend one’s perception of reality.
“This exhibition invites guests to explore the profound relationship between light and energy,” said Megan Birney Rudert, president/CEO of Unite to Light.
“Unite to Light the Night is not just a fundraiser, it’s a reminder that light is a powerful force that unites communities and drives positive change,” she said.
“Each year, our excitement lies in pushing the boundaries of what Unite to Light the Night can become,” said Kate Kubiak, CEO of Vesper Post, the event production agency behind the event. “What started as a fun alternative to a traditional gala has turned into a community event that truly celebrates the power of light.
“Our goal is to craft a world-class experience that captivates and inspires every guest from start to finish.”
“In our illuminated world, the realities of under-resourced communities can be difficult to imagine,” said Birney Rudert. “But this event uses art to help us understand the importance of light and power in our lives. It is a celebration of light, creativity, people and community that is unmatched and unforgettable.”
The nonprofit’s solar lights can increase graduation rates by 30%, Unite to Light said. Last year alone, money from the fundraiser provided 400 solar powered-phone chargers to students in Santa Barbara County who are experiencing homelessness.
Tickets are on sale at unitetolight.org/lightthenight.
For more, visit UnitetoLight.org.