Illumine 2023

As the sun sets, the Cemetery is transformed. Through innovative lighting displays, art installations by local artists, and live music, Illumine 2023 will shine a light on Oakland’s magnificent arboretum. Experience Oakland after dark against the inspiring backdrop of Atlanta’s glittering skyline.

In addition to exploring parts of the Cemetery after the sun goes down, Illumine attendees will also enjoy live music, craft cocktails, and an Oakland pop-up shop.

This year’s theme: Trees!
This year’s Illumine will explore how trees are rooted in the identity, history, and landscape of historic Oakland Cemetery, from the early oaks that inspired the name to the towering magnolias that provide shade for today’s visitors. Oakland’s trees provide habitat, food, and shelter for wildlife and support the environmental health and biodiversity of Atlanta. They are imbued with meaning, symbolism, and power, and incorporated into the diverse cultural and burial practices found at Oakland.

This Year’s Participating Artists:
• Dorothy O’Connor – Atlanta native and past Illumine contributor O’Connor’s flock of five wooden Phoenix will represent transformation and rebirth and highlight Oakland Cemetery’s transformative ability to create and sustain life despite being a place where the reality of death is so apparent.

• Gavin Bernard – Bernard, a British artist, designer, educator, and performer residing in Atlanta, will produce a large-scale sculpture that draws attention to Atlanta’s bounty of trees through an exploration of the life journey of one of Oakland’s trees.

• Brooks Garcia – Garcia, also an Atlanta native, is a landscape architect who has spent time as a gardener at Oakland. His installation, The Veil is Thin, will pay homage to the Victorian fascination with the veil between the living and what comes after death, utilizing natural wood elements and floral arrangements.

• Ricardo Martinez – Photographer, amateur ornithologist, and naturalist, Martinez will produce a range of photos that will highlight specific trees at Oakland and their dialogue with several bird species that are considered locally threatened.

Adult (Advance Purchase): $20.00 Adult (At Gate): $25.00 Students, Children, Seniors (Advance Purchase): $15.00 Students, Children, Seniors (At Gate): $20.00 VIP Tickets (Advance Purchase): $100.00 VIP Tickets (At Gate): $125.00 Children 3 and Under $0.00