September 27, 2008
/EIN Presswire/ -- PITTSBURGH, PA-- Back by popular demand, Pittsburgh facades will be transformed into unique large-scale works of art with rich colors, shapes and textures through state-of-the-art technology and illumination.
The largest light festival of its kind in the United States, the Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights is a “mecca” event strategically timed to coincide with region's tremendous array of arts, events and activities in Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights will kick-off Downtown on Friday evening, October 10th at Agnes R. Katz Plaza in partnership with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's International Festival of Firsts and then premiere in Oakland on October 15th.
Lighting will feature designs created by French, German and local artists. Executive Director of ARTLUMIERE, French lighting producer Lucette de Rugy is the creative force behind the illuminations for Katz Plaza and the Cathedral of Learning. Working with French designer Corentine Buron and German design team CASA MAGICA (Friedrich Foerster and Sabine Weissinger) as de Rugy explains, the inspiration for the illumination project came from “the incredibly rich architecture of Pittsburgh, which reflects so much its 250 year history, its heritage and its future.”
Expanding the festival to Oakland at the Cathedral of Learning directly links to the spirit and history of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh 250 celebration. The Cathedral of Learning, the 2nd tallest educational building in the world, was created in 1924 by dedicated Pittsburghers as a symbol and tribute to all who have made Pittsburgh a shining beacon in education, business and culture.
More than 15 churches, synagogues and temples will be lighted to further extend the festival's footprint and showcase the architectural history and prowess of the region.
New programming also includes a special Pittsburgh Community Gallery projection, on view on the wall of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center parking lot. The projection will celebrate Pittsburgh's future by highlighting artwork from area youth, their mentors and programs.
Another focal point of the Festival of Lights will be the return of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, November 3rd - November 9th. Pittsburgh Restaurant Week is produced in collaboration with VisitPittsburgh with media support from Pittsburgh Magazine.
Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights is free to the public and is powered by Duquesne Light and is made possible through generous support from the Richard King Mellon and The Grable Foundation.
For the complete list of Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights locations, events and activities, please visit
www.pittsburghcelebrates.org.
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