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Where the Light Gets In Closing Reception and Workshop

Where the Light Gets In is a public art installation in which LED tube lights are mounted on 43 trees marked for removal for a future construction project. The lights are positioned such that they appear to be piercing the heart of the tree, like a spear. The name of the piece, “Where the light gets in” comes from a popular lyric from the musician and poet Leonard Cohen: “There’s a crack in everything, that’s where the light gets in,” referring to the way in which traumatic events make us more receptive to the good of the world. The act of piercing the tree with light is a death ritual in which the community is given an opportunity to pay their respects to the trees, mitigating the shock of their imminent removal.

This installation is a collaboration between artists Hailey Becker and Patrick N. Taylor. 

 

The closing reception will be a choose your own adventure style event. Attendees will be given a number of ways to interact with the art through sound, movement, drawing, and more. Hot beverages, snacks, and supplies will be provided. No experience with art or forestry required! There will be limited seating, so we recommend brining a blanket or camping chair if you would like to sit amongst the installation. 

Presented by:

  • Hailey Becker, Graduate Student, Art, Art History, and Design and Forestry, MSU

Suggested for ages: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Scientific Disciplines:

  • Arts, Culture, and Design
  • Plant and Animal Sciences
  • Talks & Demonstrations 22

Time and Location

  • 4/25/2025 8:00 - 10:00 PM

    Location: Northeast corner of Trowbridge and S. Harrison Roads

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