Illumine returns to Oakland Cemetery this week, transforming the historic site with innovative lighting, new installations from local artists, interactive experiences, and live music.
From April 17-20 and April 24-27, Oakland will become a fluorescent night-time wonderland with interactive glowing art and colors shining a new light on the cemetery’s incredible architecture. While exploring the cemetery after the sun goes down, Illumine attendees will also enjoy two stages of live entertainment, multiple bars, and an Oakland pop-up shop.
This year, Oakland Cemetery has partnered with Cat Eye Creative to curate installations from seven local artists, pieces that span medium and style, each bringing a different perspective through which to view the cemetery’s history and grounds. The featured artists include muralist Vanna Black, sculptor Kevin Chambers, illustrator FRKO, digital artist Dr. Bojana Ginn, muralist Angie Jerez, sculptor and painter Navin June Norling, and graffiti artist VAYNE.
“Oakland is such a special, beautiful space, but to be able to bring this incredible group of artists, to be able to work with Adam and Cat Eye Creative, and to be able to shine a light – literally – on Oakland is just such a special thing,” Richard Harker, the President and CEO of the Historic Oakland Foundation, said. “What’s even better than having a transformational art experience is that the event is also a fundraiser for the work that we do to care for the cemetery, to restore it, so that people can enjoy it 10, 20, 100, 200 years from now.”
Illumine is produced in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Tip Top Cocktails, and PC&E. Tickets are on sale now for $20 here; VIP tickets are $85 and get you access to the Oakland Bell Tower, a VIP-only restroom, two free drinks, and glow-in-the-dark accessories.
All proceeds benefit the Historic Oakland Foundation’s mission to preserve, enhance, and share the cemetery. Admission begins each night at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m.