By Valerie Milano
Photos THT
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12/31/24 – Due to popular demand, the highly anticipated Art in the Park in the Dark event returned to Demuth Park this past New Year’s Eve, lighting up the night with art and glow. Following the success of the previous year’s event, this free, all-ages celebration was moved to December 31 and took place from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Demuth Park, located on Mesquite Avenue at Calle Santa Cruz.
Art in the Park in the Dark offered a one-of-a-kind evening of artistic experiences, featuring interactive glow art, illuminated bikes, live performance art, and stunning laser shows. Designed to spark creativity and foster community engagement, the event attracted people of all ages. Originally launched in April 2023 for World Art Day, the event found its new home for ringing in the new year.
Event producer and comedian Shann Carr reflected on its growth: “Last year, I applied for the Art Is Everywhere Neighborhood Grant from the Palm Springs Arts Commission to fund artists to paint picnic tables at my local park. Once I received the grant, I decided to create a special nighttime gallery using solar-powered gadgets to showcase the artists’ work. Before I knew it, artists and neighbors began contributing their own creations, adding light and glow to the park. It was an instant success. Moving the event to New Year’s Eve felt like the perfect way to combine immersive art, interactive activities, and a community celebration in a magical, light-filled space.”
Almonia Souls “In Harmony” opened the festival followed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cauhilla Indians’ Bird Singers, setting the intentions for the new year.
At 8:55 the evening’s New York New Year’s Eve crescendo featured a high energy, video-countdown of hundreds of cool things that happened in the Coachella Valley in 2024.
https://youtu.be/lLRepE0ge18?
The second edition of Art in the Park in the Dark included a range of exciting activities, such as:
- Laser Wonderland: Throughout the evening, renowned laser artist Kyle Garner of Laseronics lit up the park with mesmerizing laser shows.
- Glow and Go Parade: At 7 p.m., participants of all ages joined an illuminated parade, with a “Maker Booth” hosted by the CV Derby Girls to help attendees light up their bikes, strollers, skates, and wheelchairs.
- Night Gallery Art Walk: The park’s permanent art installations were enhanced with pop-up booths, light installations, and live performance art.
- Desert Flaggers: Returning from last year, the Desert Flaggers wowed the crowd with their captivating silk-spinning performances under black light.
- Light Installations: Local artists and galleries contributed temporary light-based installations, adding to the event’s vibrant atmosphere. Volunteers assisted in hanging the light art throughout the park’s trees.
- See in the Dark: The first 200 attendees received free blacklight flashlights to uncover hidden art and nature in the park. Attendees were encouraged to bring their own flashlights and wear black or white T-shirts to become part of the art.
- Happy Tunes: DJ Justin Time provided the soundtrack for the evening, and a few local performers took the stage for live sets.
Supported by the City of Palm Springs and PS Pride, the event attracted sponsorships and participation from local organizations. For more details on how to get involved, sponsor, or attend, people were encouraged to visit the event’s Facebook page or contact Shann Carr directly.
About Art in the Park in the Dark: Art in the Park in the Dark is a free annual event held at Demuth Park in Palm Springs, offering a dynamic mix of interactive art, laser shows, illuminated bike parades, and live performances. Designed to foster creativity and community engagement, the event transforms the park into a glowing wonderland where people of all ages can explore art installations, participate in hands-on activities, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere under the stars. Founded by Shann Carr with support from the City of Palm Springs, the event celebrates the power of light, art, and togetherness in an inclusive environment. Local businesses and organizations, including KGAY 106.5/92.1, Gay Desert Guide, 103.1 MeTV FM, Coachella Valley Independent, Hot Purple Energy, PS Pride, and CVWD, proudly supported the event.
