Coronavirus: Clark State PAC to send blue-lighted messages of hope

The Clark State Performing Arts Center will be bathed in blue light on Thursday evening with messages of gratitude and hope honoring those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

The Clark State Performing Arts Center will be bathed in blue light on Thursday evening with messages of gratitude and hope honoring those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Inspiration from the Great White Way, also known as Broadway, will leave part of Springfield blue on Thursday evening.

The Clark State Performing Arts Center, 300 S. Fountain Ave., will be illuminated in blue, 8-10 p.m., with messages honoring and expressing gratitude to healthcare workers, first responders and essential workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

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The Light It Blue initiative was started earlier in April as numerous Broadway theaters and other landmarks were bathed in blue and continues on Thursdays in other areas. PAC executive director Adele Adkins said that although events are canceled, arts organizations are key in sending positive messages of hope to their communities and this would serve as a nice alternative to thank those working for the community.

“Blue is a healing color of hope and light as we all navigate toward normalcy,” she said. The effort will also send a message from the school to the community and Clark State students, reminding that staff is looking forward to welcoming them back when things become safer.

PAC lighting designer J.R. Riechers is heading the lighting design and will be installing the equipment and messages on Thursday. Adkins estimates it will take Riechers around 10 hours to complete.

The result will be beams of blue light shining onto the PAC with the messages of hope.

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For now, Thursday will be the only time the Light It Blue display will occur here. The PAC is closed through May 10, but Adkins said for the public to keep alert for future updates.

For more information on the PAC, go to www.facebook.com/clarkstatepac.

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