The Washington, D.C. art scene is very multifaceted and provides countless and unique platforms for artists to stage their work to the world.
GLOW is a distinguished public art experience that is proudly featured in Georgetown, also known as the oldest neighborhood in Washington, D.C.
The concept of GLOW comes from the Fête des Lumières in France also referred to as The Festival of Lights. During this event France features elaborate light displays to celebrate Mary, the mother of Jesus from December 8th to the end of the year.
At one point, France was gracious enough to gift some of the Fête des Lumières art displays to America where they were warmly received here in Washington, D.C. by a wide array of art lovers.
After some time, Georgetown decided to build off of the same concept by showcasing similar art from contemporary artists.
Thus GLOW was formed, and now it’s in it’s seventh successful year while increasingly growing notoriety within the art community.
GLOW currently features five bodies of art but will go on to showcase 3 new additions in it’s two-part series.
GLOW gives a platform to a diverse array of artists who are local, multi-national, LGBTQ members, from various ethnic backgrounds, and more.
The first showcase that I saw from GLOW was titled The Three Wishes by Curated Creative from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Here the artist chose to use sky lanterns which are mainly rooted in Asian culture and symbolize the release of certain negative feelings and constructs. As part of the display, the artist highlights a circular standing area where visitors are asked to stand and release a wish into the world as the aerial lanterns simultaneously light up from above.
The Weight of A Rainbow showcase was created by Argentinian American artist, Stephanie Mercedes. Her artwork is depicted through suspended rainbow illuminations that light up in synchronicity to beautiful background melodies and narrations from LGBTQ members sharing their stories. The emotion of joy is one of the feelings that Stephanie intended to convey with her art display and I would say that she achieved it as all visitors seemed to be gazing happily and in awe.
The Madness Method came in the form of a cantankerous body of art created by Chris Combs and David Greenfieldboyce. They both decided to take their intrigue for technology and created a showcase of 200 lights in various heights and sequences. Well, at first glance it appeared as though the lightened lanterns flickered rather sporadically but they actually moved in response to when the right spot on the walking path was stepped on. Talk about technology!
My favorite GLOW exhibit was the Light Pavillion by Edwin Baruch. This showcase is specifically located on the Georgetown Waterfront which is the oldest area in the whole neighborhood. The artist chose the waterfront as a setting because The Pavillion was created to pay homage to history but with a contemporary twist. Baurch’s illuminated monument certainly is befitting at our nation’s capital, but it’s also really cool to see how he uses the past to connect to the present and future through holographic means.
The Beginning of Everything is an installation created by Nara Park. It was made to replicate a meteorite and was sculpted from EPS foam and reflective glass beads. Its careful and well-designed makeup causes a beautiful illuminating effect at night. Park pulled inspiration from the Holsinger Meteorite that came to earth 50,000 years ago and landed in Arizona. Moreover, the artist wanted to convey the connection between outer-space and human-life while highlighting that we are all part of something bigger.
If you enjoyed my review of GLOW and would like to experience it for yourself then please note that the showcases are only illuminated during evening hours until 11pm.
June 27th ends the first part of the GLOW series but the second part will commence on July 2nd with new art displays will be featured until September 26th.
If you would like to sign up for a tour, then please join the Glow: Public Art in Georgetown walking tour through Free Tours by Foot.
Free Tours by Foot are conducted by enthusiastic tour guides that are very well educated on various topics of interests and are dedicated to the services that they provide.
Summer is officially seven days away!
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Thanks for reading. 😊
Wow this is so amazing and beautiful to see. So much talent.
Yes, it was a terrific experience and I highly recommend it!