"Light Capsule" Art Installation Set to Light Up the Night in TD May 17
From City of The Dalles:
Partake in an evening of local history, art and cultural celebration!
A preview of Waldron Drug Store’s new Light Capsule installation.
By Amie Ell, with edits by Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, OR, May 8, 2024 — The City of The Dalles will host a launch party for the installation of a “Light Capsule” art installation at the Waldron Drug Store Building in honor of National Historic Preservation Month on May 17, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event will showcase the fascinating of the Waldron Drug Store Building (also known as the Gitchell Building) and culminate in the unveiling of The Dalles’ newest art installation.
What is a Light Capsule?
Light Capsules, are the name given to the creations of renowned light artist Craig Winslow. His “Light Capsules” seek to employ innovative projection techniques to send the viewer back in time to revive history and bring old buildings back to life.
The installation employs the use of architectural lighting and the creation of a printed piece of glass - also known as a gobo - that produces the image when light from the architectural lighting fixture passes through it.
The Dalles is set to become the location of Winslow’s fourth permanent Light Capsule installation and the second in the United States. The Waldron Drug Store building, built in 1863, is the oldest commercial structure still standing in The Dalles. Using light projections, the Light Capsule aims to transform the faded “ghost signs” on the old building into treasured historical artifacts.
The Waldron Drug Store also has three discernible layers of signs that will be revived by the light installation: The Owl Cigar Company Sign, the Storage sign, and the W.F. Gitchell Insurance & Storage sign.
This installation was made possible through the generous support of the Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Agency and the City of The Dalles, with additional backing from Restore Oregon and Friends of the Waldron Brothers Drugstore.
The City is looking forward to seeing the community come out to the event.
“Join us in celebrating our community’s rich history and the importance of historic preservation at Illuminate The Dalles,” said Ann Moorhead, the Special Projects Coordinator. “Together, let’s light up the night and illuminate our past for generations to come.”
The Event Schedule:
Neon Sign Museum 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The festivities will kick off at 7:00 p.m. with complimentary admission, drinks, and snacks at the Neon Sign Museum.
A Downtown Walking Tour 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Join us at 7:30 p.m. for a short walking tour of downtown murals and historic buildings starting at the museum and ending in the park . Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours will unravel the rich history of our historic buildings and murals. Tours will begin at at 200 E 3rd St, The Dalles, OR at 7:30 p.m.
Music and Artist Meet and Greet at Lewis & Clark Festival Park 8:00-9:00 p.m.
If walking isn’t your preference, enjoy some live music and engaging discussions with artist Craig Winslow and local historical experts that begin at 8:00 p.m. at Lewis and Clark Festival Park.
Lighting Ceremony 8:30-9:00 p.m.
The highlight of the night! Watch the grand lighting ceremony at 8:30 p.m., featuring remarks from Craig Winslow, Restore Oregon, and Eric Gleason, a distinguished advocate and expert on the Waldron Drug Building.
To register for the event in advance, please visit https://lu.ma/illuminatethedalles.
While advance registration is not required to attend, providing an RSVP will assist event organizers in ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.
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