Paine exhibit sheds light on new artistic forms for visitors after dark
From mesmerizing shadows to glimmering light dancers, the Paine’s most recent showcase features art, entertainment, and sensory delights. Running from August 1-October 26, The Nature of Light is the latest of many exhibits featured at the Paine Art Center and Gardens throughout the year. The exhibit includes both indoor and outdoor displays of HYBYCOZO sculptures, as well as all-new light shows from Lightswitch. The showcase, designed specifically for the Paine, arrived for the first time in Oshkosh in 2022, and many have long awaited its spectacular return.
The Paine was originally founded over a century ago by Nathan and Jessie Paine, who worked hard to provide generation after generation with the opportunity to experience beauty, art, craftsmanship, and culture. Staff members and volunteers today are proud to continue this tradition. Marketing manager for the Paine, Noell Dickmann, manages advertising and public relations efforts, as well as social media and news coverage. Dickmann feels the light show offers fun for everyone.
“It’s a place that has something for everyone,” she said. “Whether you're an art expert or just like art in general, or if you like architecture, nature and gardens, or history! There will be something here for you.”
Kyla May, the events coordinator at the Paine, acted as manager-on-duty during certain nights of The Nature of Light. She helps organize both small scale events, like weddings, and large scale exhibitions. She appreciates the unique experiences the Paine offers.
“The neat thing about the Paine is that it’s something often never seen before,” she said. “We’re just a mansion – in the middle of Wisconsin. Lots of people consider this to be a hidden gem.”
The Paine can also serve as a sort of “window into the past,” having been designed to imitate an English country home, and featuring numerous original art pieces. Dickmann recognizes the elegant state of the Paine today.
“The Paine is located in the same neighborhood as the Paine Lumber Company was, and remnants of the company are still in place today,” she said. “The mansion itself is a masterpiece of a building and really well preserved – most things, like the furniture, lighting, decorations and special details you see in the historic rooms, were handpicked by the Paines themselves to be there.”
For Visitor Services and Security Chief, Nancy Lokken, finds exploring the history of the Paine is one of her favorite parts about her job.
“I really do appreciate the history connected to the Paine,” she said. “I also enjoy the art and architecture of the mansion, as well as the beauty of the gardens.”
Sophomore Faateha Ahmad agrees that the Paine is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and always looks forward to visiting.
“The layout of the gardens is just so beautiful,” she said. “With the winding paths and how the plants and flowers are displayed – it all works together really well. It’s different from any other gardens I’ve gone to see.”
The Paine has long had a goal of providing the community of Oshkosh with high quality art
and unique experiences, and Dickmann gets to help accomplish this mission, particularly with The Nature of Light.
“This exhibit is a whole new way of experiencing the Paine. It’s also a different kind of art than what the Paine typically showcases,” she said. “It’s immersive, it’s interactive, you get to touch and turn the sculptures, it takes place at night - which is a time of day most visitors don’t get to experience the Paine.”
Something that sets the exhibit t apart from others is not only is it an exciting experience for the citizens of Oshkosh, but it only occurs at the Paine. Dickmann emphasized that the little details are what sets the Paine apart as the perfect location.
“This exhibit was custom designed for the Paine estate. It’s an experience you can’t have anywhere else - there’s only one Paine Art Center,” she said. “Every single light has been individually programmed to dance with the other lights and facets of the exhibition. The amount of detail that has gone into the presentation is what creates such a magical experience to set it apart - the combo of sculptures, lighting, lasers, nature, and even music make it a unique experience to the individual.”
When The Nature of Light first came to Oshkosh, many did not know what to expect. Once the shows began running, however, the guests started pouring in. Whether guests attended in 2022 and had been eagerly awaiting the exhibit’s return, or if they had no idea what to expect, May loved seeing the excitement the exhibit produced.
“There was so much anticipation for The Nature of Light, since it hasn’t been here for three years,” she said. “We also went all out with the lights for this year. There are actually twice as many lights as there were in 2022!”
Dickmann noted that no one would feel as if they missed out by attending the event.
“After the first presentation of The Nature of Light in 2022, we heard from people who missed seeing it and majorly regretted it,” she said. “Based on the feedback we’ve gotten from visitors, you definitely won’t regret experiencing it, but you will regret not experiencing it!”
Sophomore Alania Malecki attended the exhibit when it first came to Oshkosh three years ago, and she was excited to see its return.
“I remember that I really enjoyed all the cool lights and the scenery, and it had been such a fun experience to have with my family,” she said.
Malecki also believes that The Nature of Light, and similar exhibits throughout Oshkosh, are the perfect way to unite the community.
“Events like this really do bring people together,” she said. “In this case, it was because of all of the cool lights and how pretty it is.”
Junior Alayna Peterson, who works on the Paine’s event staff, feels unique exhibits are great at bringing the community together.
“Art has the ability to bring all different types of people together due to a common interest,” she said. “Plus, the Paine and their exhibits are something unique that only our city has.”
While the Paine does its best to provide an opportunity for anyone interested to attend the event, tickets aren’t unlimited. Dickmann urged those with interest to buy in haste.
“Reservations are required and starting to sell out, so I highly recommend making plans as soon as possible,” she said. “The exhibition ends October 26!”
The Paine is known for its unique exhibitions, from the yearly recurring Nutcracker in the Castle and Rooms of Blooms, to features of artists and photographers, both local and international. What distinguishes The Nature of Light from other Paine exhibits is not just how the shows are designed, but when they occur.
“The Nature of Light looks absolutely incredible late at night,” said Ahmad. “The lights are the main part of the show. Most events like this are closed at night, which makes this exhibit even better. It also gives guests a wider time period in which to attend.”
Peterson agrees that the nighttime facet of the show adds beauty and depth to an already gorgeous display.
“The Nature of Light encompasses the whole property, and is just spectacular to see at night,” she said. “Especially in the gardens, you get immersed in the experience. Light dancers, concession venues, and a gift shop offer added enjoyment.”
With so many interesting aspects and beautiful designs, it was nearly impossible for attendees to choose a favorite aspect of the showcase.
Ahmad loved how interactive the exhibit was.
“There were many things to do, not just look at the lights, even though those were absolutely amazing. I attended a show with light dancers and got to interact with the instruments in the gardens,” she said. “Inside the mansion, I loved the large, rotating lights. I enjoyed getting to see and touch them because they were interactive. Plus, they gave me a lot of good pictures for my photography class!”
May enjoyed seeing the public’s reactions, as well as getting to help craft the event.
“I really like seeing all of the guests get to interact with the different lights,” she said. “Also, I enjoy how my job provides me with the unique behind-the-scenes aspect.”
For Dickmann, the best part was getting to see how much excitement the experience creates.
“I just love seeing how much joy The Nature of Light provides to people,” she said. “There's a childlike wonder that the experience pulls out of you no matter what your age may be!”
by Kathryn Scheivert
photo by Julian Morris
Published October 6, 2025
Oshkosh West Index Volume 122 Issue I