Recently while camping on the beach in Morro Bay, CA, we drove over the hills to neighboring city Paso Robles to see the phenomenal, immersive art exhibition Sensorio. First off, the place is one huge exhibit - spreading out over 300 plus acres (formerly vineyards). Second, the installation is flat-out, jaw-dropping stunning! Christo'esque in scale and aptly billed as the 'intersection of art, technology and nature'. I'm a little shocked we've never heard or seen photos of it, considering how much time Carol and I have, and continue to spend in the area. A thanks and shout out to fellow camping companion, neice Terri Griffin for the heads up about the place!
Sensorio opened in 2019 and has added 'works' beyond it's signature and first installation - the vast, exquisite and mind numbing Field of Lights. However it's newest installation Dimensions may be the scene-stealer of the place. It took our breath away as we rounded a trail corner of the gentle rolling hills and got our first peek of it from an elevated, somewhat distant view. To me, I got a kind of a unworldly, contemporary, middle-eastern village vibe as we walked down to it. As we discovered, it's a rare breed of a 'sculpture installation' - one you can fully interact with! Walk around the pieces, walk inside them...even touch and 'spin' a few of 'em. The light shadows they create are an art phenomenon unto themselves - beyond the sculpture's exquisite and intricate metal engineering and craftsmanship. And if that's not enough, a minimalist sound track hums in the background, seemingly (and slightly eerie) emanating from the surrounding dark hills.The subtle changing lighting color and hues seemed to be timed to sync with the music as well.
What a world-class, mega-art coup for the city of Paso Robles, CA and San Luis Obispo County overall! Parting shot: beyond the art aspect of it all, Sensorio is a testimonial to incorporating a 'light and gentle hand' when working with, in and around the landscape. The California Coast Live Oaks, so iconic to Paso Robles...never had it so good. Being a 'light installation', the place has limited hours and is only open from 6:30pm - 9:30pm. You can read more at their website: sensoriopaso.com
