MISTY MOUNTAIN, LIGHTEN UP SPARTANBURG – SPARTANBURG, SC (2017)

• Medium: Acrylic exterior paint on fiberglass lightbulb form finished with an automotive-grade clear coat for durability

• Location: Installed in front of The Local Hiker, downtown Spartanburg

• Program: Lighten Up Spartanburg, Spartanburg Art Museum

• Year: 2016

As part of the Spartanburg Art Museum’s Lighten Up Spartanburg initiative, Emily painted one of over 30 fiberglass lightbulb sculptures that brightened downtown in 2017. The project invited artists to transform oversized lightbulbs into works of public art, scattering them throughout the city as symbols of creativity and community growth.

As Elizabeth Goddard, Executive Director of Spartanburg Art Museum, explained in a 2018 feature: “The lightbulb is a wonderful visual metaphor for a flash of insight, a great idea.” She connected this metaphor to Spartanburg’s period of growth, positioning the sculptures as emblems of creativity and transformation during a pivotal moment in the city’s development.

IMPACT

• Reimagined everyday objects as artworks.

• Brought color and vibrancy to Spartanburg’s growing downtown.

• Contributed to a citywide initiative that emphasized innovation and creativity.

PARTNER

• Spartanburg Art Museum

• City of Spartanburg

• Various, local businesses sponsoring lightbulbs