We’ve talked a lot about GLOW recently, but we think it’s time to introduce you to the brains and creativity behind the exhibition. California Outdoor Lighting was established in 2019 and is based in San Pedro, CA. Before 2019, they were known as Imagine Lighting Company. Owner Anthony Bogdanovich and his team have been hard at work turning GLOW into a reality, but we managed to pull Bogdanovich away from the Garden long enough for a quick Q&A to provide you all some insight into the making of GLOW.

Q) Where did the ocean waters inspiration come from?

A) I have lived almost all of my life in the South Bay of Los Angeles, and as kids we spent most of our summers in the Pacific. But it’s not just me, most of us from around here have a special bond with the ocean. The sound of crashing waves on the beach is so peaceful and serene, just like the Garden. I thought it would be a great way to tell a story.

Q) How many months of planning has this taken?
A) We have been working on this project since March. A lot of ideas have come and gone to come up with an exhibit that will ‘wow’ everyone while maintaining the elegance of the Garden.

Q) Do you have any stats regarding how many lights are being used?
A) We are using more than 1000 low voltage LED light fixtures paired with lots of moving light and RGB-W technology. Hundreds of thousands of diodes are going to transform the Garden into something amazing.

Q) How does the scale of this project compare to projects you’ve done in the past?
A) We have done a lot of big projects, but this one is different and extremely special. To be able to work with such a colorful display is something we do not get to do often. Lighting big trees and beautiful landscapes is something we get to do everyday, but it’s never like this. 

Q) Why did you want to take on such a large project and work with South Coast Botanic Garden on this exhibit?
A) All you have to do is walk around the Garden and the answer to that question is everywhere you look. South Coast Botanic Garden is an amazing place where people can really connect with nature and it is one of my favorite places to spend time with my wife and young boys. Having the opportunity to shed some light on this amazing place is an opportunity of a lifetime.

Q) How has the pandemic made you adapt your concept?
A) It changed things completely, but in a good way. We adapted to create an exhibit that will flow through the Garden, just like a current. It is designed to lead everyone through areas of the Garden while maintaining social distancing guidelines. 

I also changed up a lot of the color pallet to make it much more vibrant and we also added a few interesting features just for the kids. 2020 has really done a number on our children. I see the negative effects of the lockdown in my own kids everyday, so I really wanted to create something special just for them. As adults, sometimes it’s hard for us to remember what it was like to be a kid so I tried to imagine being young and living in these times. I put my heart and soul into it and I really hope it translates. Nothing would make me happier than seeing all those little smiling faces after a great night of color and fun. 

At the same time, I wanted to maintain a level of elegance that adults would enjoy as well. It was a difficult balance but I think we nailed it just right.

Q) Lights seem hard to work with and know exactly how they are going to look. Do you have to change things around and adapt during the installation process?
A) We are constantly making changes and even with all of our experience, we are learning a lot about how different plant materials absorb and reflect light.  It really is thought provoking and this experience is going to make all of our future work that much better.

Q) Which area is going to be ‘the Instagram-able’ moment? 
A) Which area isn’t??? We really wanted to create something visually stunning from the moment you walk in to the moment you walk out. I will say that the Banyan Grove and Desert Garden are extra special.

Q) Anything visitors should know before they come?
A) Outdoor lighting is our passion and we are extremely thankful for this opportunity. This is an experience that we at California Outdoor Lighting live for and South Coast Botanic Garden has such a beautiful canvas for us to paint with light. We hope that everyone that comes through has an amazing experience. 

AT A GLANCE:

What: GLOW, an after-dark walk through the Garden

When: Daily November 21, 2020-January 10, 2021 with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Timed tickets start as early as 5:30 p.m. and as late as 8:30 p.m.

Tickets: $24.95 per person for Members, $34.95 per person for non-members. Children 4 and under are free. Member Presale is live. General Public tickets available November 6. 

Website: southcoastbotanicgarden.org/glow

Looking for a safe way to get out of the house and give back during the holidays? Consider volunteering with us! We are in need of volunteers to help ensure GLOW is a success. Interested parties can contact volunteers@southcoastbotanicgarden.org.