Kelly Fleek’s Cephalopod-Chandelier (Images: CHS)
Lusio, a first ever night of light art and music in Volunteer Park, made for an even more pleasant summer evening walk than usual through this corner of Capitol Hill Saturday night. Even the 83-year-old Seattle Asian Art Museum got in on the action, bathed in a projection that changed its skin for the night of artistic illumination. The iconic Volunteer Park water tower was similarly empowered, bathed in a glow of red.
Artist Mollie Bryan pulled off the inaugural edition of what she hopes will grow into a recurring series of light art events. We first talked to Bryan about her plans for Lusio in June. And, while it’s difficult sometimes to sort out exactly how someone’s dream will turn into reality when it comes to public events, it was clear Bryan was onto a good idea. And, perhaps most impressively, she already had the paperwork done.
Saturday, around 20 installations lit up corners of the park. Many were extremely simple combinations of objects and lights but took on magic qualities as the summer sky finally darkened and as the Lusio attendees wandered by or, better yet, laid down and rested in the glow.
#Lusio festival in Capitol Hill. ? pic.twitter.com/hXcUTLWcDd
— Rani (@raanstermonster) July 31, 2016
"Couch-slouching" in the throne of light by friends @lizlars7 and @josh_larsn at #Lusio a… https://t.co/VvAdKcOGwT pic.twitter.com/fihSNM3Ucs
— Keridwyn Deller (@keridwyn) July 31, 2016
Checking out Lusio light and sound art in the 'hood. pic.twitter.com/duvJE0rpwO
— Nikky Southerland (@allynfolksjr) July 31, 2016
Checking out Lusio. A Night to Awaken Lots of cool light art, free and all ages! pic.twitter.com/monheYWeOd
— Do206 (@Do206) July 31, 2016
Celestially, it was one of the darkest nights of the year with only a !4% waning crescent moon to worry the light show. The glow of the illuminated Pacific Northwest metropolis that is Seattle also played its role. But Volunteer Park’s big trees added plenty of shadows for a few areas of true darkness. The only truly dark spot on the evening? Around 11:30 PM, police were called after somebody stole a Honda generator from the park. If you see a red generator in the bushes, holler.
We’ll check in with Bryan to find out how she felt the night went and what’s next for Lusio soon. For now, this is what the first ever light art festival in Volunteer Park looked like. If you have images or video from the night, let us know in comments.
Bryan Ressler in his Anthrolume trench coat
Fleek’s work
It’s nice to see more public events at the park.
This was very cool, would like to see it happen again.
Very cool! Would go again for sure.
Obviously not a polished event, being the first year. But, still had a great time. Really hope this turns into an annual thing!
I LOVED this event.