Remembrance of Dorothy Tanner

Welcome to the Remembrance Page for Dorothy Tanner who passed July 23, 2020.

Dorothy Tanner
(1923-2020)

That time has now come.

We hope you can join us almost two years to the day on Sunday, July 24 at Lumonics for that celebration. Hours are 1 pm to 4 pm and light refreshments will be served.

We welcome everyone to join us, whether you knew her or knew of her. We will share memories of Dorothy in an environment close to her heart where she created so many magical light sculptures, hosted events, and danced with so many.

We are assembling interview clips of Dorothy from over the years. We will also be playing some of her Cosmic Rap that she and Marc Billard produced. Dorothy’s “positive message” spoken word is set to music and visuals and touches important areas of humanity. The music’s varied textures draw from jazz, electronic, and classical. We have never before played this at Lumonics.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend.

We look forward to seeing you!

Barry, Barbara and Marc

* photo of Dorothy Tanner by www.jeff.nass.com

Letter of Condolence from Denver Mayor Michael Hancock

Central City Proclamation in Honor of Dorothy Tanner

“As many may have learned, Dorothy Tanner, co- founder of  Lumonics,  died at the age of 97 on July 23rd. She was one in a million and I got to spend an unforgettable morning with her at the time of the first retrospective of her career, and of that of her late husband, Mel Tanner. That spectacular exhibit, put together by Tim Vacca, was presented at the  Museum of Outdoor Arts- MOA  in 2017. The review linked below tells the history of the group, the couple that founded it, and that of the other Lumonics’ family,  Barry Raphael,  Mark Billard and Barbara Ungar. Working together, they intend to keep the light of the collective glowing.”
Michael Paglia, Westword   Art Writer

Review:  Lumonics Then & Now  Shines at Museum of Outdoor Arts

Remembering Light Artist Dorothy Tanner of Lumonics

KYLE HARRIS  | JULY 24, 2020  
Denver  Westword

Dorothy Tanner looking at her light sculpture, Logo

“Bronx-born artist Dorothy Tanner, a luminary in the art world for decades and a resident of the Front Range for the past dozen years, died in her sleep on Thursday, July 23, at the age of 97.

In 1967, Tanner, along with her husband Mel, who passed away in 1993, founded  Lumonics, the longest-running light-art studio in the United States. The Tanners made their name building illuminated, geometric plexiglass sculptures and multimedia light and sound installations with a spiritual bent and an emphasis on their works’ healing properties.”
full article

Thanks to Denver Arts & Venues and The McNichols Civic Center Building for reposting the Dorothy Tanner Innovation in the Arts Mayor’s Award video upon her passing:

Thank you to  Keely Sugden  of KDVR- Denver for writing this tribute to Dorothy.   Keely first saw Dorothy’s work at the Museum of Outdoor Arts and was one of our first students when we began the Lumonics School of Light Art:
Innovative light art artist Dorothy Tanner passes away at 97

Memorial Tributes  from the Community
This is a partial list of people’s responses 

Dorothy Tanner’s visionary artwork will continue to inspire the next generation of artists. We are so honored to have Dorothy’s work in Lumonics Mind Spa: Thornton. Thank you, Dorothy, for your fearless artistic exploration.  Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery  will continue the Tanner Legacy with education programs and through exhibits that foster a state of comfort, relaxation, and creativity.
 (tribute in Westword)
Thornton Arts & Culture

My condolences to  the Lumonics team regarding the passing of Dorothy. I’m glad I got to interact with Dorothy as a journalist, as well as an appreciator of the art. She provided a unique perspective to the community, to the art world. I’d like to imagine she’s in a space where light is central and she can be radiant in its presence. Hope you find ways to celebrate in the midst of the grief.
Gregory Daurer

We honor Dorothy Tanner’s 97 years of artistic innovation and inspiration.  We are grateful to have hosted a retrospective of her positive, inspiring work at McNichols Building in 2018. Learn more about her work and legacy in this Denver Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & Culture.
#contemporaryart  #lightart
Denver Arts & Venues

We are saddened to hear the news of the passing of Dorothy Tanner of Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 97. All of us at MOA are very lucky to have known and worked with her on several projects over the last decade, including a retrospective in 2017, which opened on her 94th birthday. In lieu of flowers,  Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery  asks that donations be made in Dorothy’s honor on their GofundMe page. Thank you for the light, Dorothy!
Museum of Outdoor Arts

Our deepest condolences go out to the Lumonics community! Dorothy Tanner is a special soul who will live on forever! She and the whole Lumonics crew have touched our hearts and souls in many ways. She was about “Being the change”, she worked diligently with immense passion and purpose to make the world just a little brighter. Let’s all take a moment today to reflect on such an accomplished life.
7 Healing Stars

She was one of a kind. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to show her phenomenal work and to bring attention and awareness to mental health and well-being. I remember telling her when I met her, “Dorothy, I want to be like you when I grow up.” She was amazing.
Tariana Navas-Nieves

Our hearts and artistic respect go out to you Dorothy! You are solid gold and we sit tenderly upon your shoulders as the next movement of Denver Artists. big Big BIG LOVE!
Jared David Paul Anderson

 I loved her so much. I hope you guys are doing ok. Bless that beautiful woman and the Lumonics legacy. I love you guys with all my heart forever and ever.
Hazy Schumacher

Years ago Dorothy opened my eyes to a wonderful world during a time when I needed it most. While I will miss her, I am thankful for her work, her vision and her legacy. Good Journey, Dorothy.
Steve McManus

Dorothy shined as a Wizard of Light & Love. Her life and spiritual art will glow forever in the human universe. She generously shared her kindness and ageless wisdom with a soft-spoken humility appreciated by everyone who closely encountered her soulful nature. Shine on, Dorothy!
Todd Siler

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had a brief but profound friendship with Dorothy Tanner. She was engaged and supportive in my very early work in Denver with online music jams, and I was invited and honored to perform at the gallery. When she spoke to me I felt like the most important person in the room, and I suspect others had a similar interaction with her. How I wish we had just one more visit, Dear Dot, but I will cherish the time we had together. (She’s still making light even as I write.) love you forever. 
Cynthia (Synthia) Payne

This was a beautifully written article (Westword) that truly honored the deeper intentions of Dorothy and the Lumonics team! The physical, tangible art was only a beautiful conduit for the mind, spirit, and soul, the greatest masterpiece. Dorothy’s art was beyond her amazing sculptures, her art was an ability to see beyond geometric fractals and connect with someone’s soul. Anyone who met her knew there was something otherworldly special about her and I’ve heard others say they thought she penetrated the superficial layers of their being and saw right into their souls. And she did so with a unique blend of Eastern “unattachment”/no judgement and honesty, and compassion and care. She is a being that has touched and transformed so many and her legacy shall live on!
Kimberly Beauchamp

I feel profoundly blessed to have shared so many magical moments with Dorothy and with the rest of the Lumonics crew. She was my friend, mentor, and inspiration in so many ways that it’s hard to express in a few short words. We danced, laughed, cried, philosophized, read poetry, shared meals, pursued business opportunities, and explored alternative realities together. She opened my eyes and reached into my soul with a laser-like quality that surpassed even the brilliance of her art. She will remain with me every day, not just in spirit but in the many pieces of art that bathe my home in radiant beauty and my heart with tender memories.
Candace Hill

So grateful to have been exposed first hand to the magic and beauty of Dorothy and her art. She was the coolest! Dancing so free in her 90s! Such an inspiration…being in her presence stirred some deep cosmic energies. 
Ivy Lynn Allen

Dorothy is such a stunning human being ! I had not heard Barry….my deepest condolences for I know she is family to you! She touched me in ways that will never be forgotten, that will always influence me towards kindness, inclusion, and true art.
Ahva Lenay

So honored to have played drums for her, taught NS, and got to be a part of not just this exhibit but so many of our intimate nights at  Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery.
Lisa Marie

Our condolences to Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery for your loss. Dorothy was and will remain an inspiration to artists everywhere.
Alt Ethos

So saddened by this news. What a wonderfully beautiful soul Dorothy was! She gave us all so much. And not just her amazing art. She had and infectious smile and energy that would permeate you with happiness and joy, it was undeniable. Thank you for your gifts to the world Dorothy, you will never be forgotten! Sending my love and hugs to her, the Lumonics crew and to you Barry!
Jason Handel

I always had a wonderful time at the healing gathering we had at Lumonics. I loved dancing with Dorothy , she was such a cool lady always a sparkle in her eye and warm smile. My condolences to you and yours, she’s such a gift we shall never forget
Cally Lynn Sumpter

The amazing Dorothy Tanner is no longer with us. She was an inspiration to me, both as an artist and as a woman who never stopped creating, dreaming, believing, and welcoming people of all ages and types into her magical community – even as she went blind from macular degeneration during the last years of her life. She died at 97 at home, surrounded by her beloved Lumonics family. May we all be so lucky to live a life as rich and vibrant as Dorothy’s.   I feel so fortunate to have encountered Dorothy in my life, and to have met all of you through her. The Lumos are a special and remarkable group of beings, and I know Dorothy’s spirit and essence will be at your sides as you continue her wonderful work.
 Lisa Davenport

Dear Barry, Marc and Barbara,
 Thank you for letting us all know.  She will be missed by the art community and so many others.  We all know what a force she was and the incredible things she accomplished with Mel and then continuing to carry the torch- with all your help.  My heart hurts.  I feel lucky and privileged to have met and spent a little time with her.     I will always remember her saying to me….’how are things?’…me:  lurching into how my business was going and a project I had etc..  Then said in her very calm voice “no, I meant how are YOU doing?”  We had the conversation about how I was doing…and about life in general.  Her comment?  She said, “you need to dance more”.   That is Dorothy’s essence to me.  My condolences to you each one of you.  Thank you again for sharing this.  It is indeed sad news.
With love all around
Candice Pulliam

One of my favorite artists and friend Dorothy Tanner passed away at the age of 97. She led a full amazing life from what I know and there is so much to say I don’t know where to begin. I am heart broken but also full of joy for her contributions to the art community and the world. She providing a space for people to expand their minds, let go, dance and just have a good time they even let us play psytrance!! We did so many amazing Psychedelic Trance events at the space since 2011. I was always so grateful to Dorothy and the crew for opening Lumonic’s to us crazy psytrancers. She is a real inspiration to me and she will be greatly missed!!! Much love Dorothy see ya on the otherside!!! 🌈
-Liz Elleven

 I am so sad to hear this news and I am so sorry for your loss. I know she had a long and beautiful lifetime but she will be so missed. I loved her so much. Sending prayers and blessings to all of you.
Sharon Rebekah Lynn

 Forever grateful to have been so blessed to know her and call her my friend. Such a beautiful soul she was and indeed her magical spirit shall live on in the hearts and souls of those who knew her. A legend and inspiration to many. We love you Dorothy! Smiling in my heart as to the bliss you are one with now! 
Brian Seraiah Wood

Legendary artist, light sculptor, innovator Dorothy Tanner founder of  Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery past away Thursday. She was an iconic artist living her life to the fullest. She lived to the ripe age of 97 years old and died peacefully in her sleep at her house. She was such an incredible woman and inspired so many people. A great loss to our community but her legacy lives on. She will be greatly missed and deeply celebrated. Lumonics has been one of those primary places  for my development as an artist and the collective of incredible people there changed my life. Dorothy headed that place and lived an extraordinary life many of us can only dream of. Successful artist producing a remarkable craft and creating a safe space for a deeply loving community. We celebrate you Dorothy! We are so thankful for your influence over our lives. Blessings on your next journey!! You did a really good job on this one!! We love you! 

 I’m so terribly sad to hear this news. What an amazing soul who changed our lives. Dorothy Tanner was an iconic legendary human and amazing artist. I’m sending my prayers to you and the whole family. I’m here if you need anything.
Katie Bhairavi Marshall  

What a inspirational life! She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this time of loss.
Kathy Fuller Jones

Barry and all of you,
Very sorry to hear of Dorothy passing over. It is the end of an era for sure. I wish the best for all of you in your time of loss. I am now 85 and locked down in the Philippines If I can ever get back to the US I will attempt to visit. I will always hold the Lumonics experience (Mel & Dorothy) deep in my heart they certainly changed my life. I am sure they are both doing well on Venus.
LOVE 
Jerry Spiegel

 Omg. I don’t even have any words, except I hope she went as peacefully, as she lived. A sweet soul who loved to share art with the World. I will never/can never forget her positive energy and heart-warming smile
Chris Ricciardi

My heart is heavy, I only met Dorothy once, the first time I ever live painted… it was in her gallery and she welcomed me as family from the moment I arrived. Her presence that one time was enough to make a lasting impact in my life. I think of her often. Her light lives on and shines bright through her memory and all art she shared with the world, truly it is a legacy she has left here for us. My heart is with her team, family, and her beautiful spirit. May it pass through the veil with ease and peace, and may she rest in paradise  
Ktree Bear

~~~I think it’s been close to a decade, if not a little more since I vibed with my tribe @ Lumonics, Mr. Devious on the ones and twos, Peebles, Spen, Friend, and Fam, light and love abound, Dorothy Tanner’s illuminations all around and the artist on the dance floor with us, she too got down~~~

Dorothy was one of those special souls, who carried such a uniquely expressive, warmth of energy, I could never forget her wave of being, the length of which imprinted upon me quite vividly. Although I’m pretty certain the number of events we where present together at numbers no more than five, I can say the with utmost certainty, her presence helped to enlighten my own, as well as all those her light has touched. ~~~
Alexander King Reubenstein

I found out yesterday that this amazing woman and artist I know passed away. I had not seen her for probably 15 years because she moved from Florida to my original home state of Colorado. But she took her legacy with her. She created art with light and had the grooviest space you could imagine in Coconut Creek area called Lumonics. In that safe space, I did performance poetry and also participated in a drum circle back in the day when I did performance poetry a lot. There was the coolest pyramid in the space that you could sit in… very cool … and all the people who attended the events were groovy too. Dorothy was always an old soul, high on life. bringing light into the world. She was an ember that I thought would never be extinguished… and although her light has diminished in some capacity, her flame still burns, her zest for life and the joy she brought to so many remains.
Rachel Galvin

Her spoken word, with music, hits the light-waves as well … the sound of savoring, the heart of peace.
Heather Scott

A few weeks back when I was on vacation a very dear friend Dorothy Tanner passed away. Many of you who came to the Red Door when it was at Lumonics (Dorothy and the crew’s studio) may have been lucky enough to have met her and her amazing team  of Barry, Marc and Barbara.

She was one of the most interesting and inspiring women I have ever met. She challenged me to think outside the box and asked questions that stirred my soul. I will miss her greatly. I will miss dancing with her. I wish I would have met her a long time ago as I know we would have had many adventures together. See you next time around or in my dreams Dorothy! Love you!!

The Lumonics crew is still holding classes and I encourage you to check them out if you are looking for something new to shift your life. The information is below.
Valency Gorman Dahlen

What a beautiful person …may she rest in peace.
Susan Hauser Reiter

AWWWWWWWWW She was so lovely! RIP Dorothy!
Tree Janzen

Life is too short. – She proved that.
Bob Bulmash

So sorry to hear that, what a great talent!
Katie Griboski

Such sad news. Sending much love.
Neil Sparkes

I’m so sorry to hear and my deepest condolences to all. May we all live so brightly. 🙏😇
Daniel B. Markofsky

Love to you three and to Dorothy. RIP
Peter Davis Lavezzoli

I’m so sorry, Barry. I appreciate that you connected all of us together. Her light(s) will continue to shine bright.
Ean Seeb

Prayers to a dear friend. You shall be missed, until we meet again rest well.
See you real soon!
-💗- Chelle Snipes

peaceful journeys wonderful soul 
Lavender Flower Fields

I’m so sorry. I missed this somehow. I never met Dorothy, but she was obviously a very special person, and she has left a great legacy which will continue to give pleasure and inspiration long after her passing. My thoughts are with you…
Iain McLean

She was a powerhouse creator and lived the best of lives! 
Sabin Aell

One of the coolest person ever.
Maura Adler

Just saw this. Sad to hear of her passing. My condolences.
Alonso Menendez

 Aren’t we lucky to have known her? I will always remember Dorothy.
Candice Pulliam

Oh man this hits hard. How beautiful can you get?
Aaron Perry

Rest In Peace Dorothy…
Beko Belle

May she rest peacefully in paradise. So much love for you all always!  And may you all keep shining bright! 
Gwen Wendy Calero

 I can only say my condolences to you and yours, and I hope and pray I pass away, with as much peace, love, Dignity and joy as she’s added to the world!
Vanette L. Starr

I am so sorry to hear of this big loss.

Dorothy was an icon and a role model regarding creativity.

I so appreciated meeting her. 

Her spirit will live on in everything she touched and created.

May she be in peace and may all who grieve heal in time with fond memories.

Ali Dombek Handel