(San Luis Obispo, CA) – The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, (SLOBG), presents Nature Nights, an immersive outdoor holiday light and art exhibit. Nature Nights, produced by SLOBG Director of Communication & Events, Tracy Strann, renowned for producing Bruce Munro: Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles, CA., assures another memorable immersive event for the entire family.
The event will feature large format light projections by Bryn Forbes, illuminated sculptures by Michael Reddell, and artistic lighting of garden areas by Kody Cava throughout the eight-acre portion of the 150-acre Garden. Additionally, there will be a variety of culinary delights, regional wine, and beer available for enjoyment. Nature Nights will open to the public from November 11, 2022 through January 8, 2023, at the SLO Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. For more information, the public may visit www.slobg.org or call (805) 541-1400. Tickets are available at My805Tix.com.
The exhibition will feature enthralling moving digital imagery captured by artist Bryn Forbes, projected upon the garden’s hillsides and the surrounding buildings and artifacts, creating an experience like no other. Michael Reddell’s illuminated wire sculptures will add to the festivities by capturing the essence of humanity. Artistic lighting of the garden areas will be strategically crafted by celebrated artist Kody Cava.
SLO Botanical Garden Executive Director, Chenda Lor, explains, “Nature Nights was inspired by Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden event, Luminaria. Nature Nights fills a need in San Luis Obispo County for off-season family attractions. Through a connection to nature, visitors will enjoy the mental and physical health benefits inherent to the garden experience.”
Bryn Forbes has been shooting photographs and experimenting with digital art since middle school. Forbes has been exploring the essence of motion in his still photographs, and is now moving towards explicit motion that captures the essence of a moment with his digital video work. His digital art, projected around the garden, will surely captivate viewers’ minds, encouraging them to find beauty within the abstract.
California’s Central Coast artist, Michael Reddell, has been a pivotal contributor to the region’s art community since 2002. Michael was the driving force behind the Phantom Project, a loose coalition of artists who came together to launch pop-up gallery shows in vacant retail spaces around San Luis Obispo County. He has also participated in a selection of public art in the county, was the president of the Central Coast Sculptors’ Group at the SLO Museum of Art, has juried for the Paso Robles Art Association, and has dedicated his time to exposing the community to art whenever possible. Eight of his large-format wire sculptures, depicting species in nature, will be illuminated around the garden for viewing.
Celebrated lighting designer, Kody Cava, is well recognized for his work with the Cambria Christmas Market. In 2019, Cava was honored with a national award from the Kennedy Center for Outstanding Lighting Design for his work on Cuesta College’s production of Ghost Ship.
The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Direct flights to the region, railway, and Hwys 101 & 1, coupled with ample accommodations make access to Nature Nights easy and an exceptional reason for a holiday getaway to the Central Coast.
The SLO Botanical Garden emphasizes education, horticulture, research, art, resource conservation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Nature Nights is the event that exemplifies all that they stand for. The highly creative and experienced team assure a not to be missed experience.
For further details, please visit www.slobg.org or call (805) 541-1400.
DATES:
Friday, November 11, 2022 – Sunday, January 8, 2023 Thursday – Sunday Evenings (4 nights per week / 9 weeks) 5:00PM – 8:00PM
TICKETS:
(3) timed ticket options: 5PM, 6PM & 7PM
ADULTS: $19.75 + fees , CHILDREN (12 & under): $14.75 + fees, TODDLERS (2 & under): FREE *Members receive $2.00 discount per ticket
About San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is a non-profit organization that showcases plants from Mediterranean climates throughout the world. Through its programs and facilities, the Garden fosters an appreciation and understanding of the relationship between people and nature and encourages a sense of stewardship for the natural environment. The Garden is located at 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., within El Chorro Regional Park off Highway 1 between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. Admission is $10 per person and free for both children 12 and under and Garden Members. To learn more visit slobg.org.
