A VISION FOR SOUTHERN HILLS

BY ILLUMINATE

Illuminate, the nonprofit arts organization behind The Bay Lights, has a bold and beautiful vision for Southern Hills. They seek to inspire us to collaborate and participate in transforming 780 homes in our neighborhood into a singular work of illuminated public art. The visionary artwork, called Southern Lights, would be the first of its kind in the world, bringing honor and positive attention to Daly City.

Ben Davis, founder and CEO of Illuminate, says “Participation is 100% voluntary, and that is Southern Lights’ most delightful charm. It is a great opportunity for neighbors to create something magical together, to get to know each other better, and to share the common bond of light.” Davis is working with a technical partner to design a custom light fixture that would be placed inside the center rear window of our classic Southern Hills homes. These LED lights, which use very little electricity, would simply be placed and plugged in. They would then communicate with each other allowing large graceful patterns to be displayed across more than a mile of our hillside. Southern Lights would create a gentle illumination from within our community and the gift of an awesome spectacle far across the valley, perhaps even visible to passengers flying into SFO.

Davis hopes to see the artwork unveiled during next year’s season of light, between Thanksgiving 2018 and the start of 2019, and to become an annual and beloved community tradition thereafter. “Ultimately, community passion and participation–a desire from within that brings together families, children, and elders–will drive success,” says Davis. “Angels and champions always find a way to step forward to inspire and guide.” Davis presented the concept for Southern Lights at the SHHA General Meeting on January 29, 2018, and is actively seeking “angels and champions” within our community.

Ben Davis
—Founder & Chief Visionary Officer