Southern Lights, a signature, long-term art installation by artist Chris Robinson, will span the Congaree River between the Blossom Street and Gervais Street bridges.

With the support of the cities of Columbia, West Columbia and Cayce and Richland County, the installation’s design is meant to connect our cities and the Midlands community.

The general public is invited to “First Night Southern Lights,” a free event hosted by the Vista Guild celebrating the premier of the installation, on Saturday, Aug. 19,  as part of the Total Solar Eclipse Weekend Celebrations.

· WHAT: First Night Southern Lights, the premier of Chris Robinson’s installation over the Congaree River.

· WHERE: Festivities will begin at Coble Plaza (211 Gervais St.). Attendees will hear from artist Chris Robinson and leaders from Columbia, West Columbia and Cayce and learn more about Southern Lights.

· WHEN: Saturday, August 19, 7:30 – 10 p.m.

· MORE: Attendees are invited to also walk from Coble Plaza along the path under the Gervais Street bridge and view Southern Lights from the banks of the Congaree River. Rita’s Italian Ice will offer cool Italian ices for purchase and attendees can also purchase Eclipse Pale Ale, a special collaboration between The Whig and Catawba Brewing. The South Carolina State Museum will also be open until 10 p.m. that evening.

· PARKING: Some parking is available in the State Museum (301 Gervais St.) parking lot.
“The Vista Guild has historically worked diligently to support artists and provide forums for their work, and we’re especially proud that

Southern Lights is in the Vista,” said Meredith Atkinson, executive director of the Vista Guild. “The long-term nature of Southern Lights makes it completely unique, and experiencing this installation will add to the fabric of our neighborhood, Columbia and our region.”
About Southern Lights

Scheduled to light up evenings in Cayce, West Columbia and Columbia for the next decade, this installation is coming to fruition through supporters including What’s Next Midlands, the Congaree Vista Guild, the South Carolina State Museum, EdVenture, the City of Columbia and One Columbia for Arts and History.

The project offers an innovative approach to public art and celebrates and highlights public infrastructure uniquely. Southern Lights will be the only installation of its kind in the United States, and celebrates the work of Charles Townes, a native South Carolinian whose theories led to the development of laser technology.