Light art downtown, plus a Sound Trail, runs Dec. 31 – Jan. 1 6as a collaboration to bring hope and unity to the city.
A cascade of illuminated whales. A 10-foot dragon with sparkling aqua wings. A twirling rainbow light ball, a giant “Nutcracker” projection, a video window. Tacoma Light Trail has come into being, and over 50 artists, arts organizations, businesses and downtown spaces are collaborating to create it. Check out Ghosts of the Salish Sea, exclusively at the Seaport!
The Tacoma Light Trail is exactly that: a walking or driving trail around Tacoma’s downtown to see light art. The art – which ranges from projection mapping to video, illuminated sculpture and sheer blasts of light – will be visible from the street in over 25 locations every night from 5-9pm Dec. 31, 2020 – Jan. 16, 2022. An accompanying Sound Trail will pair local music, poetry or sound with each light location on the Echoes mobile app.
What: Tacoma Light Trail
When: 5-9pm Dec. 31, 2021 – Jan. 16, 2022
Where: Downtown Tacoma between Hilltop and Dock Street, Wright Park and UWT
Cost: Free
Light Info: A QR code poster at each light spot will link to that page at TacomaLightTrail.org.
Sound Info: The Sound Trail will launch Dec. 31, 2021 on the Echoes app. To access, download the app on iPhone or Android and go to TacomaLightTrail.org/sounds
Over 45 venues will host light art from illuminated sculpture and painting to video projection and installations.
Highlights include giant frames of stars, projected marine bioluminescence, glowing “planets”, a wildfire window and
a big orange Trashoctopus. As with last year’s Trail, each light art
location can be found on an interactive map on the website, as well as in printed
form available at libraries and museums. Each light art spot is also paired with
local music or poetry, accessible via QR codes at each spot. Light art will be visible 5-9 p.m. every night, and is walkable/rideable/drivable within
the downtown core between Dock Street, South 21 st Street, Yakima Avenue and 6 th Avenue.
“The Tacoma Light Trail was so incredibly successful last year in lighting up a very dark time,” said
founding director Rosemary Ponnekanti. “So we’re bringing it back bigger and better than ever, with
more artists, more locations and live outdoor events.”
New this year, live performances of music, spoken word, circus and projection art will flow through
Tollefson Plaza from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 7, 8, 14 & 15. Performers include Up Up Up crane truck circus,
Lelavision musical circus, musicians Jim Meck and Tacoma Fuji Taiko, Tacoma Poet Laureate Lydia K.
Valentine and dance from Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center and Asia Pacific Cultural Center.
Ulysses Martin returns with live light projection mapping around the plaza. Tinkertopia will offer
community light art-making, YogaWild will build a candle labyrinth, and there will be free hot tea.
All attendees age 5+ are asked to wear masks and
keep a 6-foot social distance.
Finally, the whole Trail kicks off with a
magnificent Light Parade led by the fiery dragon
from Puget Sound Revels which appeared in the
Pantages lobby last year. Giant First Night
illuminated puppets and a brass band will join the
parade, and everyone is invited to bring light and
be a part. The parade will depart at 5 p.m. on Jan.
7 from the University of Washington, Tacoma
steps, and finishing at Tollefson Plaza for the live
performances.
Make sure to bring your LED umbrellas, fairy light
tutus and flashing shoes to the rest of the Trail as
well.
“This year, we invite everyone to ‘be the light’ on the Light Trail,” explains Ponnekanti. “It’s so powerful
when the whole community comes together as part of the light. The goal of the Tacoma Light Trail is to
bring light to dark times, and to unify our community through things we all need – hope, truth,
understanding, justice, peace – that are symbolized by light.”
Added to the fun: A Lighted Bike Ride & Decoration workshop is planned for 5-8 p.m. Jan. 5, co-hosted
by Downtown on the Go on the outside patio at Alma Tacoma. Food and drink will be available, light
freebies are on offer (though people are encouraged to bring their own) and after decorating your bike
with lights you can go on a guided ride through the Trail. Razor Scooters is offering discounted rides.
The Tacoma Light Trail is co-produced by Michelle Matlock of Circle Up Productions and Lisa Fruichantie
of Alma Mater. Other support comes from Tacoma Creates, City of Tacoma Special Events, Greater
Tacoma Community Foundation, Tacoma Public Utilities, Tacoma Sunrise Rotary, NW Stage & Design
and MultiCare. Tacoma Light Trail is fiscally sponsored by Shunpike, a 501c3 nonprofit.
ART: Light art 5-9 p.m. Dec. 31-Jan. 16 around downtown Tacoma
PARADE: 5 p.m. Jan. 7 from UWT to Tollefson Plaza
PERFORMANCES: 6-8 p.m. Jan. 7, 8, 14, 15 at Tollefson Plaza, 1548 Commerce St, Tacoma
COST: Free
INFORMATION and MAP: www.tacomalighttrail.org
