Christmas Lights Take Backseat To Moonlit Montalvo Art Exhibit

SARATOGA, CA -- Seeing artist Bruce Munro's light exhibit at the Montalvo Arts Center a few days before Christmas is like receiving a gift of a lifetime when you already feel fulfilled.

It's unexpected, sensory and adventurous -- a highly recommended experience to get the whole family bundled up to partake in.

Even winding up the road to the revered arts center is an experience on the shuttle bus. It's as though the ride was a build up to something special, and it certainly was -- especially on Saturday to a full moon.

The minute a guest arrives, it's hard to not be taken by a mysterious audio serenading a colorful display of hundreds of clothespins called the "Gathering of the Clans." Inspired by the English author C.S. Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia" series, this magical land of speaking animals showcases the many cockatoos that would land on a clothesline in Australia and wake up Munro every morning at 6 a.m.

The magical mystery proceeds as viewers are led up the dark paths with flashlights in hand to the "Silver Sea," where undulating lightbulbs span most of the grounds in succession. It's both mesmerizing and energizing. Lovers of Georgia O'Keefe's paintings will see a resemblance to her Sky Above Clouds series.

At the base of the grounds, the Bacchus Spring provides the flavor of Italian art and history -- with Roman pillars at the Love Temple surrounding the sculpted gargoyles and light sphere that exemplifies joy and reverence.

Munro was also not afraid to show his sense of humor in a few different ways, in addition to the element of surprise as Christo does.

Ramandu's Table highlights what looks like a sea of white, plastic lawn flamingos illuminated by pink light. The tropical bird apparently found a home in Munro's playroom, enveloping his sense of curiosity and whimsical nature.

Display after display seemed to bring an artist to life -- one filled with imagination and childlike wonder. Many guests strolling the grounds were captivated by the approaches.

"An interesting stroll filled with imagination and whimsy. The full moon made the experience unforgetable. My favorite installation was the clothespins representing the 12 species of cockatoos," Campbell native Brenda Knox said.

The native London artist is best known for his large-scale, light-based artworks. He often shadows the works of Lewis. The center's Executive Director Angela McConnell calls Munro's work "the most ambitious, impactful exhibition Montalvo has ever presented."

The center located at 15400 Montalvo Road will display Munro's light works through March 17. Tickets start at $15. A full schedule is available by visiting http://montalvoarts.org.

Images via Sue Wood, Patch