Community Announcement
Community Announcement:
“Art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination, and encourages people to go further.”
– Keith Haring
“Lumonics is such an incredible collection. They are part of the Crown Jewels of Denver.”
– Justin Stucey, Walt Disney Imagineering
It has been 4 1/2 years since the passing of Lumonics co-founder Dorothy Tanner. Dorothy was a role model and inspiration to people of all ages throughout the years as was her late husband Mel who died in 1993.
From a core team of 7 for many years, Marc Billard and I are now carrying on the legacy of Lumonics. It’s an enormous responsibility and there are over 200 light sculptures that we hope one day to have on display. So many have never been seen in Colorado and still in crates since our arrival here in 2008. The Tanners have entrusted us with this remarkable body of light art that we wish to share with the Denver community for generations to come.
After Dorothy’s passing, we decided to build upon the Tanners’ concept of multisensory expression that impacted thousands of people over the years, beginning in Miami in 1969. For many, the experience triggered something from within that made one think that anything is possible. After I experienced it and got to know the Tanners, I offered to volunteer and contribute however I could. Marc and his late wife Barbara who died in 2023 felt the same way.
Here we are 50+ years later. We are presenting the most up-to-date form of the Lumonics multi-sensory expression. Our intention is to expand the boundaries of sensory engagement and artistic expression, encouage people to go further, and honor the Tanners’ contribution to light art and the immersive experience.
Marc worked very closely with the Tanners in presenting the multimedia performances, and after Mel died, Marc collaborated with Dorothy on music and video when she was in her 70s and 80s which we use today. With their inspiration, Marc continues to create new music visuals. How he orchestrates the experience is such a treat. Much of the source material is from hand-painted slides and from rides in the mountains which I think of as “alchemized road trips”. You might even see something that resembles a tree!
To keep this project going so that it can continue to impact people, Marc and I can’t do this alone. We need help from the community, and one way to do that is to come to our events to show support. We want to share with you what we have accomplished so far, and truly hope you will be inspired.
We present Lumonics Immersed on Saturdays. Hope to see you, and thank you for your support!
Barry Raphael / Marc Billard
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