Powell Gardens Introduces New Featured Artist to Favorite Holiday Tradition
Don your warmest coats and fuzziest mittens because the Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens is back for its sixth year. Traverse the outdoor lighted paths and discover dazzling, botanically inspired displays along the way.
Adding to the ambience this year is Kevin Heckart, a Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) alumnus who specializes in utilizing code to construct dreamy, interactive light installations. His work has been shown at The Whitney Museum of American Art, Tokyo Culture Art, and in such publications as WAD Magazine, The New York Times, and MTV. Heckart will serve as the featured artist for this year’s Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens, applying his wide range of skills to key locations throughout the festival path.
Tiki Bar – Conservatory, Visitor Center
The tropics return to the Conservatory with this island-inspired installation! Complete with an iconic tiki-inspired bar, tropical plants and poinsettias, and a new music-responsive light display, Heckart’s design takes center stage, suspended above the Conservatory’s water feature. Grab a drink at the Tiki Bar, all while enjoying an island ambience in the heart of the Midwest.
North and South Greenhouses – Garden Galleries
Incorporated within the northern greenhouses’ arid plant collection, Heckart will install movement-responsive lights for visitors to enjoy as they walk through this botanic collection. In the southern greenhouse, guests can peruse the poinsettia display, complete with a fun peppermint surprise!
Light Labyrinth – Villandry Garden, Heartland Harvest Garden
Incorporated within the northern The colors that make up the Light Labyrinth are inspired by the four seasons, truly encapsulating the Midwest spirit of place in this interactive light display. Take a trip to the top of the Missouri Barn Silo to reveal the traditional quilt patterns hidden within the garden beds.
Quixotic’s Fountain of Light – Fountain Garden
In addition to Heckart’s exciting light displays, Quixotic returns to reprise the Fountain of Light, a visitor favorite. Using a combination of sound and light, see how the Fountain Garden is transformed into a dramatic display set against the backdrop of the Midwestern winter.
With plenty of other light displays and activities along the approximately one-mile path, Powell Gardens provides winter-themed fun around every corner. Stop by The Marketplace to purchase garden-inspired and locally made gifts along with grab-and-go snacks, sip a hot chocolate at the Grand Hall Bar + Bites or Holly Jolly Rest Stop, or make a craft in the Education Building while snapping the perfect holiday card photo at our Merry & Bright selfie station.
There is nothing quite like this unique holiday experience! Powell Gardens is the perfect outdoor respite from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It’s filled with opportunities to make memories, enjoy family traditions and experience the magic of Kansas City’s Botanical Garden during the best time of year.
Join us for the sixth annual Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens. We can’t wait to welcome you!
The festival is open Wednesday-Sunday (4-10 p.m.), starting Nov. 10, 2022. Stay tuned for more information coming soon at powellgardens.org/lights.
