San Antonio.- Most people may think of decorating trees or making snow angels or building snowmen during the holiday season. Urban-15 thinks along the same lines but goes about creating our favorite Christmas activities with lasers.
Urban-15, a nonprofit arts group, began their laser show in 2004 as a form of expression for music mixed with the use of spellbinding lasers and a love of Christmas to create a new absorbing experience for audiences of all ages.
Along with the shows that are viewed by the general public, Urban-15 also puts on exclusive shows for elementary schools and community centers. 1,800 children from 75 different schools have enjoyed the show free of charge.
Since 2004 Urban-15 has presented the 45 minute laser show for eager audiences and has sold out several shows over those years.
George Cisneros, composer of the event and media director for Urban-15, has a lot of experience in the field of music and visual arts, most notably he was commissioned by the San Antonio Spurs and the AT&T center to create “The Atomic Spur” an aluminum and LED sculpture. He also exhibited “cascades of jubilation” in the Memorial Art Museum in Rochester, New York.
“We always have wanted to combine new technology with traditional celebrations. The Holidays are such a festive time and lasers generate such excitement in children and adults. It was a simple choice to create this opportunity,” Cisneros stated.
Tim Walsh, visual artist and President of Laser Spectacles Inc., collaborates with Cisneros on the laser shows. He specializes in the use of lasers as a visual art form.
“At the very opening, when all of the lights go out and the starfield comes on for the first time everyone opens their imaginations. The moment when the smoke/haze effects happen and the space above everyone appears as solid color is awesome. And when the first wave effect happens within the smoke it is like an ocean made of rainbows,” said Walsh.
The laser show melds together your favorite songs from the holiday season with lasers that project Christmas themed 3-D animations and aerial beam displays. Urban-15 has crafted a show that is perfect for the entire family.
“We have added many more music selections. With the advances in laser technology, the colors have gotten deeper, richer, and purer. New software allows us the programming quality to make more intricate patterns and sequences that include greater perspective and 3D,” added Walsh about the evolution of the show.
Urban-15 is supported in part by The City of San Antonio Department of Cultural and Creative Development, Texas Commission of Arts, Valero Energy Foundation, VuTURE ARTS, and friends.
Annual Holiday Laser Show goes from December 6, 7 and 8 with Tickets Ranging from $6 for children to $12 for adult general admission. Tickets and info are available at urban15.org or at (210)736-1500.
Eloy Hillburn III is a reporter for La Prensa de San Antonio. He may be reached at Eloy@laprensasa.com.
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