SOMA Night Lights

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Save the Date!

The Diamond City Partnership and the Sordoni Art Gallery at Wilkes University are proud to announce the return of SOMA Night Lights on February 18 and 19, 2027, on the 100 block of South Main Street in Downtown Wilkes-Barre. This event is free and open to the public.

Join us for a mesmerizing celebration of art and technology!

Experience video-mapped projections transforming the buildings of the SOMA Arts District (South Main Street), featuring original works by artist Jeff Dobrow and a special community-created projection.

Be part of this free, family-friendly event that brings together creativity, community, and culture in the heart of Wilkes-Barre’s SOMA Arts District. Enjoy immersive light displays, live art demonstrations, a local vendor market, music and more!

Call for Light & Video Installations

We invite artists to submit proposals for temporary light- and video-based installations as part of SOMA Night Lights 2027!

More Information

Support SOMA Night Lights!

Your support helps make this unique public arts experience possible while expanding access to creativity and culture throughout our community.

Make a Donation external website

What is SOMA Night Lights?

SOMA Night Lights, named for Downtown Wilkes-Barre’s newly branded South Main (SOMA) Arts District, will be a celebration of community and the arts. Working with artist Jeff Dubrow, SOMA Night Lights will feature several video-mapped projections on buildings throughout the district, including one compiled of community submissions.

This process is defined as a method that utilizes three-dimensional forms as a unique projection surface -- meaning the surface to be projected on does not have to be a flat screen and instead, through a 3D model, can align video artwork to dimensional forms.

About the Artist

Jeff Dobrow, also known as Doc Jim, is a visual and technology artist based in Virginia. His work spans projection mapping, interactive installations, and live performance art.

With a background in global advertising and motion design, Dobrow has created immersive experiences worldwide. Notable projects include contributions for the University of Virginia and events like Let’s Glow SF in San Francisco.

Call for Light & Video Installations

The Diamond City Partnership and the Sordoni Art Gallery at Wilkes University invite artists to submit proposals for temporary light- and video-based installations as part of SOMA Night Lights 2027, taking place February 18–19, 2027 (rain dates February 26–27, 2027).

Please Note: This call is only for professional and emerging artist installations displayed in storefronts. This is NOT the call for the Community Art Display at The Down Pour. Information about the community exhibition and its application process will be announced separately.

Video & Light Submission Form

Opportunity

Selected artists will be paired with a vacant storefront along the 100 Block of South Main Street to present an installation that incorporates light as a central artistic element. Works may include video art, projection, sculptural lighting, interactive experiences, or mixed-media installations that engage viewers from the sidewalk.

The goal of this exhibition is to create a vibrant nighttime environment that encourages visitors to explore Downtown Wilkes-Barre while highlighting the creativity of regional artists.

Artists working in contemporary media, digital art, installation, animation, projection, or experimental practices are encouraged to apply.

Installation Requirements

Artists selected for video-based installations will be provided with:

One monitor (approximately 55 inches; final specifications will be provided upon selection)
A designated storefront location on the 100 Block of South Main Street
Basic electrical access

Artists are responsible for supplying any additional equipment, media players, lighting fixtures, mounting hardware, extension cords, adapters, or specialty technology required for their installation unless otherwise approved.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on:

Artistic excellence and originality
Creative use of light, projection, or illuminated media
Feasibility of installation within the provided space
Technical readiness and maintenance considerations
Ability to engage a broad public audience
Relationship to the goals of SOMA Night Lights

Regional artists are especially encouraged to apply, though submissions are welcome from artists working throughout the Northeast and beyond.

Submission Materials

Applications should include:

Artist Information

Name
Contact information
Website and/or social media
Artist resume or CV (optional)

Project Proposal

Title of proposed installation
Artist statement (250 words maximum)
Project description (500 words maximum)

Portfolio

Piece for submission
OR if in progress, up to 10 images or video links of previous work
Image list with titles, dates, materials, and dimensions

Timeline

August 21, 2026
Call for Installations Opens
September 29, 2026 – 11:59 p.m.
Submission Deadline
October 2026
Artists Notified
February 13–14, 2027
Installation Period
February 18–19, 2027
SOMA Night Lights
(Rain Dates: February 26–27)
March 4–5, 2027
Artwork Deinstallation

Why Participate?

Reach Thousands of Visitors

The inaugural SOMA Night Lights attracted 1,429 additional visitors to the SOMA Arts District during the evening of Friday, April 25, 2025, demonstrating the event's ability to draw large audiences to Downtown Wilkes-Barre.

Support Downtown Businesses

The event generated meaningful economic activity throughout the district. On the evening of April 25, 2025, Downtown Wilkes-Barre restaurants experienced a 53% increase in customer visits compared to the average of the previous nine Friday evenings.

Connect with New Audiences

SOMA Night Lights successfully reached visitors who do not typically frequent Downtown Wilkes-Barre. More than 36% of attendees belonged to the "Colleges and Cafes" psychographic segment — young professionals, college students, and recent graduates — compared to only 5.2% of typical non-resident visitors to the downtown district.

Artists participating in SOMA Night Lights will have the opportunity to present their work to a broad public audience while contributing to one of Northeastern Pennsylvania's most distinctive arts events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do at this event?

This night is packed with things to do and see, including:

Light projects
Live artist demonstrations
Free crafts and activities for children Kids Courtyard

Check the map below for more information.

View SOMA Night Lights Map (.pdf)

Where can I park?

There are several parking lots and parking garages available in downtown Wilkes-Barre.

Wilkes University Parkade - 148 S. Main St.
Midtown Parking Lot - 25 E Northampton St
Boscov’s Parking Garage - 36 S Franklin St
Park & Lock Central - 52 S Main St
Park & Lock Lot #6 - 25 W Northampton St

What should I bring?

Dress for the weather! This is a night event.
Bring your phone or camera to take photos (and use #SOMANightLights when posting on social media!)
Bring a blanket or foldable chair to have a seat while watching the demonstrations or projections.

Are there restrooms?

Yes! Portable restrooms are available and located at 116 S Main St. Courtyard.

Who We Are

Sordoni Art Gallery encourages an appreciation of the arts and an understanding of its role in society through direct engagement with art. As a recognized center for innovative learning, the gallery aims to enrich the academic and cultural community of Wilkes University and the surrounding region by creating dynamic environments for the study and appreciation of visual art.

To fulfill this vision, the Sordoni Art Gallery prioritizes education and exhibition as part of its public service mission. It offers a year-round schedule featuring regional, national, and international artists while ensuring accessibility to diverse audiences. Located on the Wilkes University campus, the gallery fosters interdisciplinary dialogue and supports academic programming through its flexible exhibition space.

With the ability to host both traditional and experimental installations, the gallery is uniquely positioned to explore challenging subjects and current events that may not be addressed in commercial venues.

The Diamond City Partnership external website (DCP) is Wilkes-Barre’s non profit downtown management organization, serving as the caretaker of our community’s vision for Downtown Wilkes-Barre. DCP was founded in 2001, when almost 1,000 citizens met in a series of public visioning sessions to craft strategies for a better Downtown.

Today, DCP's work continues to improve the economic vitality and livability of Downtown Wilkes-Barre. To that end, DCP administers the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Improvement District (DWBBID) and Downtown Wilkes-Barre's Keystone Communities Main Street program, which together provide a range of place management services to the properties and businesses of Downtown Wilkes-Barre.