The Elysian Valley Arts Collective (EVAC), a nonprofit corporation based in the Frogtown neighborhood, will hold their second Illuminate the Night event Sept. 23. According to EVAC’s executive director, Michelene Cherie, this event is meant to cultivate community and honor the Los Angeles River. Cherie said the event started last year to celebrate the new Taylor Yard Pedestrian and Bike Bridge that connects the Frogtown and Elysian Valley neighborhoods to Cypress Park, which was completed in March 2022.
EVAC is most known for their biennial Frogtown Artwalk, which has brought thousands to the neighborhood, according to Cherie. She said that Illuminate the Night is a much smaller and more intimate event than the Artwalk, highlighting the importance of community.
“It went so well and people really liked it, and it reminded them a little bit of maybe when the Artwalk first started as it was very small and grassroots,” Cherie said. “It also reminded people of different types of events they have in Europe where people just walk over to something and it’s very neighborhood–oriented, cozy and comfy.”
Illuminate the Night has become a way to encourage exchange between the two communities, Cherie said.
“We wanted to dispel any sort of fears or trepidation about having that bridge and really bring it to people’s attention in order to feel like we are cleaning it— this is our bridge.”
According to Cherie, Illuminate the Night gives people a reason to cross the bridge which will be decorated with lights and includes artistic installations, theatrical performances, dance and music. Restaurants and businesses on both sides of the river will stay open late, Cherie said.
“We’d love people to bring that light and light the river and the bike path and have a really great time doing it,” Cherie said.
Cherie said EVAC is asking visitors to bike, walk or take public transportation. According to Cherie, pedicabs will be provided at the event too.
“We are trying to have a car-free, low-impact event on the neighborhood so we are advising people to leave the car at home,” Cherie said.
According to Cherie, this is an opportunity for community members and visitors to creatively engage with the neighborhood.
“However you want to bring the light,” Cherie said. “Wear something funky or, if you want to, create a costume or dress up the dogs – show your creativity”
Artist Justin Lui said his interactive installations made of recycled materials and light will be featured at the event. According to Lui, he will have two installations at the event — one of which is an overhead light sculpture made from recycled water jugs and fading lights.
“What this piece does is that it takes, what used to be heavy jugs full of water, and fills them metaphorically, with another kind of water as ‘metaphorical clouds’ which will light up overhead,” Lui said. “I am calling it ‘Water Clouds of Light.'”
According to Lui, his other installation is made up of a series of white LEDs diffused by cardstock shingles. Lui said this is a wall-mounted piece resembling a low-resolution TV screen and is comparable to a pointillist painting.
“I feel like the low resolution is more unique nowadays and the fact that it can not be as explicit, or not as blatant, about what it is showing,” Lui said. “This piece serves as a way for viewers to step back from our high-resolution world”
Writer and poet Michael Sonksen said he has worked with EVAC in the past and is curating a “Literary Lounge” for the event. According to Sonksen, this is a space for thoughtful contemplation and fun with about 10 literary artists from three generations who will share their work of various genres, from Los Angeles crime fiction to poetry, and even a special appearance by a saxophone player. Sonksen said that this event will serve as a great opportunity to learn about the city’s landscape and history in a beautiful and authentic setting, right on the river.
“The river is a nice alternative,” Sonksen said. “It’s a side of the city that maybe only really locals know… It’s not as well known as the Santa Monica pier.”
Sonksen said he has been a part of the LA literary scene for many years and stresses the importance of sharing literature as a way to build connections with the city and with the community.
“I like to use in particular poetry, and the literary world, as a bridge to connect people,” Sonksen said. “Poetry is a great way for us to talk about the city and to talk about different social, political and cultural ideas,” Sonksen said.
Sonksen said he is an advocate for the current river restoration efforts, and hopes that Illuminate the Night brings people together to listen and learn.
“We need to listen to each other,” Sonksen said. “We’re living in an era where there are a lot of divisions, and the more people hear each other, the more unity we can build.”
Visitors and locals alike will get a sweet slice of this alternative art scene, according to Sonksen.
“Anyone that is interested in Los Angeles, in LA literature, and LA music and LA culture, we are gonna have a really authentic slice of Los Angeles for them,” Sonksen said. “We are gonna be giving folks a real genuine Los Angeles experience.”
Contact Lara Motyka at motyka@oxy.edu
