Field of Light at Sensorio, A Living Kaleidoscope of Color

Field of Light at Sensorio, A Living Kaleidoscope of Color

From concepts to creation, Field of Light at Sensorio is a brilliant meeting of the minds – the mind of the artist and that of the owner of Sensorio, a 386+ acre property in the heart of the Paso Robles region of California. How the two came to meet is nothing short of a divine intraception. Each counterpart had distinctly different creative visions that began decades ago completely independent of one another yet their creative flow has now culminated in the current Field of Light art installation on a master-planned section of land in Paso Robles. There are so many intriguing elements, striking talent, brilliance, grace, elegance, and artistic flow to this entire endeavor that it boggles the mind. From the artist of Field of Light himself to the owners and founders of the Sensorio development to the volunteers that helped to bring this living art installation to life, the heartfelt staff and crew that caters supremely to the thousands of guests each week and work toward maintaining the integrity of the exhibit daily, the Field of Light experience at Sensorio is truly that – an experience not to be missed and one worthy of a flight, car rental, hotel and making the time to visit the Paso Robles area no matter where you live. This is a true destination worthy art masterpiece and embracing experience.

Let’s start with the artist, Bruce Munro, now 60 years of age at the time of this writing. He is, after all, the creator and centerpiece of the art installation. British-born, Australian-lived, at a certain point in his life, Bruce was drawn to the light, so to speak. “I discovered light as a medium first in my professional career,” shares Bruce in his book, Bruce Munro LIGHT, Sensorio. Early on, he studied painting and has a degree in education which eventually led him to a paid position as an illustrator with a firm in Australia as well as other jobs that steered him away from his art. Yet, what could have seemed like a dead-end actually brought out the artist in Bruce because it is where he discovered a passion for working with light. Bruce continues, “I knew I needed some kind of focus for my art. I thought that this medium was pure and true and would simplify my ability to express all the different ideas that filled my head.” As he and his fiancee’ (now wife) set out on a four month discovery of Australia, they came upon a desert mecca which inspired an artistic concept in his mind that would in years to come be the essence of the first of many Field of Light art installations. The first such installation would be in his own backyard in England and then take new shapes and forms in spaces that span from the UK to Scotland, Mexico City, and Houston, Texas. For a full collection and history of Bruce Munro, I encourage you to visit these sites: Bruce Munro chronology and Bruce Munro “about”

Bobbi and Ken Hunter — Bobbi Hunter and Ken Hunter at Field of Light at Sensorio

Now to the owners of Sensorio, Ken and Bobbi Hunter. The Hunter family has been a mainstay in the Paso Robles community for over 25 years being partners in the Hunter Ranch Golf Course and beyond. And though Paso Robles is known as being one of the premier wine regions in the world, the Hunter family decided art was more the direction they wanted to take.

Of their passion, Sensorio (which is Italian for sensory) is a vision and concept that is a “dream come true”, shares Ken.”This is something I started in my head some 50 years ago,” Ken told the San Luis Obispo-based media outlet, The Tribune. Development plans include a conference center, boutique hotel resort and spa, gardens, meditation, and additional art features. Most recently, a 3 million dollar garden entry was approved and is set to begin before year end.

Ken and Bobbi first discovered Munro’s Australian Field of Light while traveling in Uluru. The art installation impacted them so much that they decided to bring the masterpiece to the Central Coast. Keep in mind, however, each art installation is an original work based off of the artist’s vision, first and foremost, and then dictated by the typography of the land specifically. In an interview with Tracy Strann, Executive Director of Sensorio, Strann had this to say, “The Sensorio property spans over 386 acres. Bruce walked the property and selected these approximate 15 acres as the ideal location for his art installation.” And an ideal location it is! The sun sets directly over the heart of the exhibit which includes nearly 60,000 solar powered light bulbs on stems connected by fiber optics. This is Munro’s largest exhibit internationally and his first USA purely solar powered exhibit. Strann further explains that the Hunter’s desire is that the artwork makes an imprint on the hearts and soul of the viewers.

The Best Way to Experience Field of Light at Sensorio

My highest recommendation to experience what I call a living kaleidoscope of color is to purchase the VIP dinner package. The exhibit begins coming to life right before dusk and deepens in color as the sun sets. Arrive about a half hour prior to the exhibit formally opening, pick up your pre-ordered freshly prepared dinner, grab a glass of wine and get the best seat in the house… right on the hillside above the field, front and center with a table that features a glass fire pit and comfortable settees. Dinner selections are freshly prepared, perfectly boxed and are provided in a stylish tote that is yours to keep. Among the dinner options are Red Wine Braised Boneless Short Rib, Pacific Salmon, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and Herb Roasted Organic Airline Chicken Breast – my personal favorite. Side dishes include Tuscan Pasta Salad, Harvest Quinoa and Broccolini among other selections. For dessert, try the Salted Caramel Chocolate Chunk Brownie or Lemon Bar, although I encourage checking the website as the menu selections may change.

One visitor to the event had this to say, “What a spectacular evening. The Field of Light at Sensorio was magical. The artist Bruce Munro transported you to a supernatural setting that was so beautiful it seemed unreal.” ~ Wil Barnes of Templeton, CA

While gazing at the light installation, hold your gaze for a few moments. Soon you will see the change in color reflecting throughout sections of the hillside as solar projectors continually turn creating cascades of various and ever-changing light colors the entire evening.

After dinner, when dark is deepest, take a stroll along the half-mile walking path that takes you through and around the entire living art exhibit and where there, amongst the lights, visitors become essentially part of the art. It is mystical, serene, and captivating all at the same time.

Bruce Munro Sensorio_landscape — Sensorio_landscape

Field of Light at Sensorio Fun Facts:
** Rain does not impact the exhibit

** Broken light spheres are replaced daily, often broken by deer wandering through

** Over 280 trees were seen by an arborist and protected

** Flash photography is not allowed as it disrupts the artistic flow and experience (Personally, you don’t need a flash!)

** I loved the lone “broccoli” tree cascading on the hillside. I can’t help but see food everywhere.

Location:
Sensorio
4380 Highway 46 East
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Contact:
info@sensoriopaso.com
805.226.4287

Event Days and Hours:
September: 6:30pm-10:00pm (Wed, Thurs & Sun); 6:30pm-11:00pm (Fri & Sat)
October: 5:30pm-9:00pm (Wed, Thurs & Sun); 5:30pm-10:00pm (Fri & Sat)
November-January: 5:00pm-9:00pm (Thurs & Sun); 5:00pm-10:00pm (Fri & Sat)

Adults: $27 on Wednesday and Thursday and $30 Friday through Sunday
Children age 12: $9 on Wednesday, $18 on Thursday and $19 Friday through Sunday
Children under age 2 receive free admission

LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AVAILABLE
VIP TERRACE: 150 tickets available per evening, $110 plus service fees
48 hour advance purchase required.

GENERAL ADMISSION: 800 tickets available per evening
Groups of 20 or more will receive $2.00 discount per ticket.
Email groups@sensoriopaso.com for further information.

For more information, visit sensoriopaso.com or call 805-226-4287

LOCAL AREA HOTELS:

The Kinney SLO
100 newly-renovated guest rooms and suites, offering all the amenities you could ask for in the center of San Luis Obispo, an approximate 35 minute drive to the Paso Robles area.

Paso Robles Inn
Boutique hotel situated in the heart of California’s wine country. The Paso Robles Inn gets a 5-star rating for location and service, but the property could use some updating and deep cleaning of stairs and hallways. Located right across from the town center square, the location could not be more ideal. A little cleaning up and this could be a 5-star resort, for sure. Bonus here: convenience