The Portland Winter Light Festival (PDXWLF) is an annual event hosted by the Willamette Light Brigade, a non-profit arts organization. PDXWLF brings art, technology, and inclusivity together, invigorating Portland in the winter. With free admission, the festival fosters community and showcases captivating light installations, projections, and interactive displays, creating an immersive experience for all attendees.
The Willamette Light Brigade (WLB) established PDXWLF to foster community connections and enhance public spaces through the magic of artistic lighting. Born out of a collective of inspired minds in 2016, the festival owes its existence to the countless dedicated individuals who contributed their efforts.
We commit to ensuring that the Portland Winter Light Festival remains family-friendly, accessible to all, and free of charge. So, bundle up warmly and join us in celebrating the illuminating power of light and the strength of community!
Press kit
Media Assets: This press kit includes press photos and impact reports. Please note that each file name includes the art title and photographer credits for your convenience. Metadata includes location, captions, and descriptions.
Media Assets: This press kit includes press photos and impact reports. Please note that each file name includes the art title and photographer credits for your convenience. Metadata includes location, captions, and descriptions.
Media Contact – Therese Gietler – Communications Director – press@pdxwlf.com
ANNUAL REPORT
We’ve been infusing Portland’s nightscape with radiant experiences for eight years, bringing communities together through captivating art and innovative technology. The 2023 PDXWLF exemplifies resilience and connection, as lively streets echoed the idea that art sparks positive change. Explore our annual report to delve into the illuminated journey of PDXWLF, where art, innovation, and community converge in a dance of light and inspiration. Come join us in illuminating possibilities and nurturing a sense of togetherness.
PDXWLF 2023
PRODUCTION TEAM
Every year, the Portland Winter Light Festival is made possible by a passionate team of creative individuals from the Pacific Northwest who share a deep affection for the Rose City.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Alisha Sullivan
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Chris Herring
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Misty Post
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Therese Gietler
VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR
Jeremy Reynolds
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Sean Batson
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Timothy Schaar
GENERAL MANAGER & SITE LEAD, WORLD TRADE CENTER
Cari Sánchez-Potter
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Arianne Means
TECH LEAD, WORLD TRADE CENTER
Jonathan Wright
FIRE/TECH LEAD, PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE
Shireen Press
SITE LEAD, PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE
Brad Nelson
MAP DESIGN
Mayer/Reed, Inc.
WEB DEVELOPMENT
Gray Ayer
Willamette Light Brigade
Board of Directors
Jarrett Altman
Don Carlson, Treasurer
Jonah Cohen
Damian Crowder
Bob Hastings
Kohel Haver, Secretary
Ed Slavin, Past Chair
Zach Suchara
Paddy Tillett
Marianne Zarkin, Board Chair
Jeff Schnabel
Chelsea McCann
Special Thanks to:
Jerry Abdie, Sam Adams, Taaj Armstrong, Andy Batt, Kristin Calhoun, Cary Corker, Michelle David, Sumhandi Fox, Phil Guzie, Thalia Martinez, Sydney Mead, Katie Meyer, Billie Moser, Berk Nelson, Jonathan Oliveria, Jennifer Parks, Jennifer Polver, Chelsea Rooklyn, Charlene Zidell, Ness Zolan
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION STATEMENT
The Willamette Light Brigade (WLB) is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential components of the organization and its related programming.
Equity is the pursuit of equal outcomes, a goal WLB can only achieve by identifying barriers to inclusion and creating an environment welcoming to all through intentional actions.
WLB recognizes that people of color and other communities continue to be marginalized and excluded intentionally and unintentionally due to systemic racism and bias. We are committed to fostering an environment of belonging and acceptance by implementing policies/procedures responsive to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, ability (physical and neurological), religion, and other individual identities for all staff, Board members, and community volunteers.
We are committed to being a non-discriminatory organization and providing equal opportunities for employment, volunteering, Board service, and advancement in all areas of our work. Our commitment to place-making through lighting and the arts is to be shared by all segments of the Greater Portland community.