Light Up the Sky: Interactive Art Experience Celebrating America 250
On July 3, Sarasota’s downtown was brimming with excitement as hundreds of residents, families, and visitors gathered for Spirit of ’76, an Independence Day celebration organized by NextMark and co-sponsored by the Downtown Improvement District and the City of Sarasota. The event filled the plaza with music, activities, and community pride, creating a lively backdrop for an evening of celebration.
Within this larger festival, the City of Sarasota Public Art Program supported Light Up the Sky, an immersive projection‑mapping experience that transformed the Selby Library alcove into a glowing, interactive environment. Created and orchestrated by Ed Cheetham and Kelly Warner of Lightmural, the installation invited participants to step forward, wave a digital sparkler, and launch bursts of virtual fireworks across the building architecture.
Children of all ages ran toward the activation area with excitement, experimenting with movements that sent colorful fireworks soaring overhead. The artists gamified the experience, allowing participants to earn points for each firework they set off. A leaderboard displayed the night’s highest scores, adding playful competition that drew cheers from the crowd as children attempted to outperform one another while families encouraged them from the sidelines.
Spectators gathered throughout the evening to watch, take photos, and enjoy the creative energy that Light Up the Sky added to the broader celebration. It became a joyful focal point within Spirit of ’76, blending interactive art with the festive community atmosphere all around Five Points.
The City of Sarasota Public Art Program extends heartfelt thanks to Ed Cheetham and Kelly Warner for bringing this imaginative experience to life, and to the staff and leadership at Selby Library for their support, enthusiasm, and hands-on help throughout the event, as well as the small team of volunteers who generously assisted throughout the evening. We also thank NextMark, the Downtown Improvement District, and every attendee whose excitement and participation helped make Light Up the Sky a memorable part of Sarasota’s holiday celebration.