By Brittany Amalfi

Illuminate Downtown Ashland, the glowing community art installation that has brightened winter nights since 2017, is returning this year with a meaningful new twist. What began eight years ago as a simple public art project has evolved into something more personal. For the first time, Chrissy Reynolds, the owner of the event, opened the project to community nominations, inviting residents to name the “bright lights” in Ashland: people who make a difference, uplift others, and help the town shine in ways that aren’t always visible.

The idea grew from Chrissy, who owns Annemarie’s Dance Centre, when she found herself asking a timely question: “How do we bring light into this community at this time of year that isn’t commercial?” Illuminate Downtown has always been about creativity, connection, and shared space, but this year’s nomination component aims to highlight the human glow behind the artwork.

The kickoff to this year’s project happened Nov. 16, when the Illuminate Downtown Ashland community art workshop was held from 1 - 3 p.m. and reached full capacity. Thirty-eight community members gathered at SubZero Ice Cream in Ashland to nominate a bright light and color a luminary in that person’s honor. These luminaries will be on display during the Dec. 13 event from 4:30 - 8 p.m.

As in past years, the project brings together contributors of all ages and backgrounds—from individuals who simply love making art to groups from the senior center and the public library. Participants can use any medium they choose when coloring the luminaries. Once decorated, the pieces are cut, folded, and assembled into lanterns designed to catch and scatter light.

A wide range of organizations are also involved in the Bright Light community project this year, including the Ashland Senior Center, Ashland Extended Day Program, Annemarie’s Dance Centre, Ashland Girl Scouts, Needham Bank, and Ashland is United. Bright Light nomination forms are available to all Ashland residents and can be filled out and dropped off at Needham Bank.

Any and all community members are invited to take part. Nomination forms can be found at Needham Bank and on the Illuminate website. Completed forms may be returned to either Needham Bank or Annemarie’s Dance Centre. Luminaries to be colored are also available for pickup at Annemarie’s Dance Centre (111 Cherry Street) between 4 - 7 p.m., Monday–Thursday, and 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Saturdays. All forms and luminaries must be submitted by Dec. 5. Anyone with questions can reach out to Chrissy Reynolds at 508-881-5109.

Reynolds says the people selected represent a wide range of contributions: some volunteer quietly behind the scenes, some bring joy through creativity or service, and others consistently make a positive impact in the lives of their neighbors or students. The “bright lights,” as they’re called, aren’t necessarily public figures; they are the people who show up, who help, who listen, and who make the community feel like a community.

The full display will be unveiled on Dec. 13 at The Corner Spot, the grassy public space next to Town Hall that has become a gathering hub for Ashland. Known for hosting events, pop-ups, outdoor activities, and seasonal installations, The Corner Spot is a comfortable home for Illuminate Downtown. This year’s layout will feature a small tunnel where the honored individuals will be recognized, creating a moment of excitement as visitors walk through.

And organizers are keeping things under wraps until opening night. The final arrangement of the luminaries—and the way the nominations will be showcased—is intentionally a surprise, meant to add to the sense of wonder and community pride.

By tying each piece of art to a person who makes a difference in town, Illuminate Downtown Ashland aims to brighten the physical landscape and spotlight the everyday contributions that keep the community strong. As the lanterns glow on Dec. 13, they will illuminate the space around them, as well as the many small acts of kindness and connections that define Ashland throughout the year.