Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery: A Legacy of Light, Sound, and Immersive Art
Caroline Margaret
May 21, 2025
www.showcasemyart.com
Nestled in Denver, Colorado, Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery is not just an art space—it is a living, breathing experience of light, sound, and emotion. Founded by the late artists Dorothy (1923–2020) and Mel Tanner (1925–1993), Lumonics stands as one of the longest-running light art projects in the United States. What began as an experimental journey in the 1960s in Miami has become a groundbreaking blend of visual art, music, projection, and performance, inspiring generations of artists and audiences alike.
Origins in Isolation: A Parallel Movement
The story of Lumonics is one of innovation born in seclusion. At the same time as the Light and Space Movement was forming in California—with institutional and commercial support—the Tanners were quietly crafting their vision in Miami, Florida, far from any established art world. Without access to grants or gallery systems, they poured their energy into building a complete art environment: the Lumonics Light and Sound Theatre, a multisensory installation space unlike anything of its time.
Unaware they were part of a broader movement, the Tanners independently developed a practice that used light sculptures, music compositions, slide and film projections, and live performance to induce a state of emotional and spiritual resonance. The result was more than just visual art—it was an immersive journey of the senses, decades ahead of today’s experiential art trends.
A Collection That Spans Generations
The Tanners’ creative output is astounding. Over a period of 50 years, they created more than 200 works of light art, many of which are now preserved and displayed at the Denver gallery. These include early sculptures built with incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, which have since been updated to energy-efficient LED lighting, ensuring their longevity while preserving their original glow and intent.
In the heart of the gallery stands one of Dorothy Tanner’s signature pieces: “Fire Dance.” This sculpture casts a radiant reflection across the room, transforming walls and ceilings into a stage of shifting color and light. It is a stunning example of how the Tanners’ works not only occupy space—but transform it.
Lumonics Immersed: A Modern Evolution
Carrying the vision forward are long-time Lumonics collaborators Marc Billard and Barry Raphael, who now lead the Lumonics Legacy Project. One of their most celebrated offerings is Lumonics Immersed, a contemporary performance event that merges the original elements of light, sound, and projection in a fully immersive environment.
In Lumonics Immersed, visitors recline in a darkened performance space surrounded by glowing sculptures, ambient music, and dreamlike video. The result is a meditative, often healing experience, inviting deep introspection and calm—a stark contrast to the overstimulation of modern digital life.
This blend of past and present, analogue and digital, honors the Tanners’ original vision while making it newly relevant to today’s audiences.
Art as Healing: Community and Education Initiatives
Lumonics is not just a gallery for viewing—it is a hub for community and healing. The studio actively collaborates with local organizations to make light art accessible to people from all walks of life. These include:
- Field trips for students across age groups, helping cultivate early artistic curiosity
- Tours for seniors in assisted living, sparking memory and connection
- Partnerships with Denver Health and The Phoenix, offering therapeutic, drug-free experiences for those in recovery
These outreach efforts reflect a deep belief in the transformative power of art, especially for those facing personal or emotional challenges. Lumonics also works with the Denver Public School System, reinforcing their commitment to educational engagement through art.
Recognition Across Borders
While Lumonics operated outside of traditional art institutions for decades, it has recently begun to receive international scholarly recognition. Prof. Pierre Penuit, an art historian at The Sorbonne in Paris, now includes Lumonics in his course on the history of light art. After visiting the Denver gallery, he remarked on the cohesive vision and preserved brilliance of the Tanners’ work—saying it looked as though it was made yesterday, not over half a century ago.
This acknowledgment affirms what many visitors feel instinctively: Lumonics is a rare and essential part of contemporary art history—an underground movement now coming into the light.
A Timeless Experience Awaits
As the world rushes toward faster and flashier forms of digital entertainment, Lumonics offers something refreshingly different: a quiet, glowing sanctuary of reflection, emotion, and sensory wonder. Whether you’re an art lover, educator, spiritual seeker, or simply curious about light-based media, Lumonics invites you to slow down and immerse yourself.
The legacy of Dorothy and Mel Tanner is one of perseverance, passion, and belief in the human spirit’s ability to heal and connect through art. Their story is a reminder that even in isolation, artists can shape the future—and that visionary ideas will always find their audience.
Plan Your Visit or Connect
If you’re in Denver, a visit to Lumonics is not to be missed. For those farther away, follow along online or inquire about interviews, media requests, or educational programs.
Contact:
Barry Raphael, Studio Associate
Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery
800 E. 73 Ave. Unit 11, Denver, CO 80229
303.568.9406
lumonics@gmail.com
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