Phoenix Community

My name is Barry Raphael and I am a Phoenix volunteer and a long-time team member of the Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery in Denver.

Lumonics is among the first and longest-running light art studios in the U.S.
We present Lumonics Immersed, a sober event that both relaxes and energizes you. This light and sound performance can give you that elated feeling you get from activities like running, yoga, dance, and meditation.

You will be joined at the event by other residents of Denver and out-of-town visitors who also appreciate attending a sober event.

The intent of this transformative total art experience that the late artists Dorothy and Mel Tanner originated in 1969, and that continues to evolve, is to bring the audience into a state of comfort and expanded awareness; and provide a setting that can enable fresh insights and release latent creative abilities. Each performance is orchestrated live and never repeated.

The Elements:
Mel and Dorothy Tanner’s Light Sculptures
Original Special Effects, Music and Video Projection
Lighting and the Effects Orchestrated Live by Lumonics’ Marc Billard

Saturdays
8 pm to 10:00 pm
Doors open at 7:45 pm
Performance at 8:15 pm

The gallery is an amazing resource for our community! The gallery is serene yet exciting, meditative yet stimulating. It activates all sensory areas within & extrasensory realms beyond. The multimedia presentation surpasses other art galleries. Supporting Lumonics will help your sobriety & cultural enrichment. Thank you!
Amanda L., recovery worker

Lumonics is an absolutely beautiful immersion of love, original music, and mind bending light and visual art; that blends over 50 years of psychedelia inspired artistic audiovisual mastery with a passion for paving a sober haven. I am absolutely in love with this project and the kind souls who run the show, and will always keep coming back to support and indulge in the immersive experience, and the creative unparalleled creative spirits who keep this vision fresh and ever-growing! Thank you for providing a mind-bending experience that encourages sobriety, there is nothing else like it! 
Connor Holman

This is one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve had in a very long time. I’ve been clean and sober for a few years, and this was one of the funnest things I’ve done in sobriety. I went with my son (who is recently clean) and we both had a blast! We also both agreed that one doesn’t need the enhancement of anything to enjoy the wonder of the show. I felt it was very special to learn the history of how everything started, and the people who pulled it all together. It’s awesome to have met the staff as well. The only other thing I would have added, was to get up and dance a few times. We will be returning and bringing new people with us to enjoy the experience with.
Thank you Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery for making my life a little better for having had the opportunity to experience the gallery and show.
Marquette S.

This was a truly one of a kind experience that I thoroughly enjoyed! I fully plan on going back, and also on taking classes at their Lumonics School of Light Art. It was unique and inspiring.
(this comment was sent to The Phoenix and forwarded to Lumonics)

Gerneral Admission is $25 
Phoenix members can reserve at the student rate of $15

Phoenix community members are also welcome to attend by making  a donation of your choice at the door which helps support our events.

Lumonics is easy to get to with public transportation using the RTD Route 7 Bus which stops at 73rd Ave. and Washington St.
We are located in the tan warehouse on the SW corner, Unit 11
RTD

“Giving a shout out to our friends and light art legends @lumonicsgallery !! Their gallery space is a national treasure and something everyone should experience. You can view the vast collection of sculptures created by Mel and Dorothy Tanner and stay for the live performance by resident light technician and virtuoso Marc Billard.  Lumonics Immersed  is held Saturdays at their gallery.” 

“An experience absolutely worth checking out in Denver! Amazing and innovative art.”
Elisa N.

“Lumonics Immersed is a unique experience not to be missed, truly the highlight of our trip to Denver.” 
Bridget B.

“Learn the true meaning of Lumonics when the temple of light art by the late Dorothy and Mel Tanner throws a special immersive evening.  An audiovisual mantra meant to soothe the mind and expand awareness, this drug-free trip through Lumonics is unforgettable.”
Denver Westword

“Lumonics is a life changing experience! I celebrated my 40th birthday here with friends and the vibe was like no other you’ll ever experience!”
Charlie O.

 section of Lumonics
photo by Marc Billard/Lumonics

front section of Lumonics with still image of projection
photo by Marc Billard/Lumonics

Art and Well-Being

The relationship between art and wellness has been important to Lumonics since its inception.

Shanna Shelby, the Program Administrator at the McNichols Civic Center Building in Denver, nominated Dorothy Tanner for the Denver Mayor’s Award for Innovation in the Arts in 2018. Ms. Shelby wrote about the increasing awareness of how art and mental health are connected:
“Several panels at the national AFTA (Americans for the Arts) conference this year explored artistic approaches to community health. I believe that Dorothy’s vision is a prime example of how arts and wellness intersect and promote public health goals. “

“Through the years people have commonly reported having profound spiritual and emotional experiences while contemplating the Lumonics art pieces. It is possible that Lumonics is exerting its effect by creating an immersive experience that feels safe and soothing, but also stimulating and expansive.”
Jomar P. Suarez, MD
Therapeutic Potential of Lumonics

“When perceiving an artwork in-person, the brain is ‘lit up, by something akin to beams from a lamp’…seeing or making art can play a crucial role in healing our bodies and minds.”
excerpted from the Lumonics blog about the book, Art That Heals

“Scientific studies increasingly confirm what human beings across cultures and throughout time have long recognized: we are wired for art. The arts in all of their modalities can improve our physical and mental health, amplify our ability to prevent, manage, or recover from disease challenges, enhance brain development in children, build more equitable communities, and foster well-being.”
The International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab)

Articles

9 Things to do in Colorado (9NEWS.com)

Thanks to Emily Ferguson, Cultural Editor for including Lumonics Immersed in her articles: