VIRGINIA BEACH — The skies around 24th Street and Atlantic Avenue will light up on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. as part of the the city’s first projection mapping light show, which will appear to be more than 15 stories tall.
Visual artist Jeff Dobrow designed the show, titled “Awakening on Atlantic,” just for Virginia Beach as part of the first ever Party! On Atlantic. Atlantic Avenue will be closed from 24th to 25th Streets, according to a news release from the city.
“The big finale to the party is this one-night projection mapping installation that features 2D and 3D animation, architecture, technological embellishment and mythical elements guided by a score composed by Connecticut DJ, Scatz,” said Kathy Warren, manager of the city’s Strategic Growth Area office.
The show is six minutes long and will be repeated for an hour.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity for me as an artist to be part of the premiere of this medium in Virginia Beach,” Dobrow said.
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The free, family-friendly event kicks off at 2 p.m. with a “Fun Zone” in 24th Street Park, which will include games and DJ Ty Street.
Live performances from the bands Cheap Thrills, Bennett Wales & The Relief and LittKeys will begin on the street at 4 p.m.
In projection mapping, artists map objects (like buildings, walls or ceilings) into display surfaces for an immersive and entertaining video projection show. This type of art is very popular in other parts of the world but less known in the states. Perhaps the best-known example of projection mapping can be traced back to 1969 with the opening of the Haunted Mansion ride in Disneyland.
The event is free, as is parking on Atlantic Avenue, which begins Nov. 1.
