SANTA BARBARA — Unite to Light, headquartered in Santa Barbara, is on a mission to extend the power of light to the darkest corners of the globe, where electricity remains a distant dream. Recognizing light’s pivotal role in enhancing health, education, and prosperity, this non-profit organization champions the cause of providing accessible and affordable solar light and energy.
Mark your calendars for a double-feature event that promises to ignite your senses and spark the flames of change: Unite to Light the Night Art Exhibition and Fundraiser. Building upon the resounding success of its inaugural year, this event returns to The Community Arts Workshop in Santa Barbara on October 20th and 21st, 2023.
Close to 30 artistic installations paying homage to the power of light will be brought to life through various mediums, including projection mapping, video, sculpture, photography, performance, installations and more. Guests will step into a visual realm of wonder and explore immersive works and witness live performances that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.
This year’s event boasts an array of artists, each illuminating the night with their unique creativity. Media artist Timothy Wood, whose mesmerizing piece “Fabric” is featured in UCSB’s research facility, AlloSphere. Joining the league of artistic luminaries are Marco Pinter, Amun Levy, Rebecca Zendejas, and Kellen Mayer, each contributing their visionary works to this grand celebration. Adding a futuristic touch to the event, UCSB Media and Arts Department graduate students Nefeli Manoudaki and Iason Paterakis, under the guidance of Professor Marcos Novak, will showcase cutting-edge projection mapping that transcends the boundaries of art and technology. To learn more about these, and the 30 other artists featured in the exhibition visit unitetolight.org/utlt2023artists
Megan Birney Rudert, President and CEO of Unite to Light, states, “This exhibition invites guests to ponder our symbiotic relationship with light and energy. Unite to Light the Night serves as a poignant reminder that light is not only a necessity but a creative force that bridges cultures and communities.”
Here’s what’s in store over two evenings.
Brace yourself for an opening night like no other—the Glow Gala on Friday, October 20th. Dive into a realm of exploration, interaction, and contribution. Traditional gala? Think again. Guests will embark on an art expedition, a captivating journey that guides them through the exhibition and introduces them to artists along the way. As you wander through the artistic wonderland, you’ll also be treated to an eclectic mix of live performances that harmonize with the luminous theme of the night. Glow Gala intends to educate, entertain, and leave you spellbound.
The magic doesn’t end there. Rally your friends and family for the Bright Bash on Saturday, October 21st starting at 6 pm. Admission is free until 7:30 pm as Unite to Light welcomes the community to explore the exhibition and a hands-on art project. There will be an artist talk at 6:30 pm moderated by Nathan Vonk. Expect engaging discussions among the artists about the stories behind their creations and the synergy between their artwork and Unite to Light’s mission, all tied to our relationship to light and power. As the sun sets and the energy spikes, the evening will transition into a multi-sensory dance party lasting till the clock strikes midnight. Early bird ticket pricing available until October 2nd.
“Unite to Light the Night is not just a fundraiser; it’s a transformational experience that seamlessly merges artistry, community spirit, and tangible social change”, shared Kate Kubiak, CEO of Vesper Post, the event production agency tasked with producing this event for the second year in a row.
Unite to Light stands as the vanguard for those living without electricity; manufacturing and distributing solar lights and chargers that are transforming lives. The spectrum of their impact is inspiring, empowering children’s studies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, equipping healthcare heroes, extending aid when disasters strike, and connecting the unsheltered to vital services. Join us in celebrating not just light and art, but the promise of a brighter future for all. Secure your tickets today at UniteToLight.org/LightTheNight, and be a part of this transformative journey.
— Unite to Light envisions a world where every person has access to clean, affordable light and energy. As a not-for-profit 501(c)3 they manufacture and distribute efficient, durable, low cost solar lamps and solar chargers to people living without electricity. Since 2011 they have delivered over 220,000 solar lights and chargers to people in 80 countries. For more information on their work visit UnitetoLight.org