MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- The Field of Light at Freedom Plaza on Manhattan's East Side is closing next month. The last night to walk through the art installation on 1st Avenue and 41st Street is November 30th, 2024.
The project in the empty field consists of 18,750 lights that were installed in three weeks last year. It was a labor of love that was built in part by New Yorkers who have benefited from the nonprofit career training program, known as "The Hope Program".
Shakema Davis, who is a Hope Program Graduate, now works as the organization's Employment Specialist. She helped recruit the ten Hope Program members who worked "8 hours a day, 5 days a week, as a team of 10 for 3 weeks."
Tracey Capers, the Executive Director of the Hope Program, says "The goal of our program is to really instill hope in our participants and really provide them essential skills, build their confidence, how do you show up for work, deal with a supervisor."
The Executive Director of Freedom Plaza and the Field of Light, Tracy Strann tells PIX 11 News "We could not have done it without the Hope Program." Strann says over the last year, 75,000 people have walked through the Field to experience the lights in all colors.
She said "It's an emotional experience, people need a place of peace and respite and meditation. To look up at an open sky with all this beauty around us reminds us to look within for our peace, as well."
Strann said in about 10 days, they will announce a new installation for the site, which could open in the Spring. She said ultimately, the property owner, The Soloviev Group, hopes to win a New York State license to build an underground Casino at the site.
You can learn more about how to enroll in The Hope Program online.
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