New York, NY — The New York City Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNYC), in collaboration with the Designers Lighting Forum of New York (DLFNY) and the International Association of Lighting Designers New York (IALDNY), proudly presented the 11th edition of Moonlighting—the annual exhibition and reception that celebrates the artistic side of the lighting community.
Held on October 22, 2025, at the Acuity Brands Experience Center, this year’s Moonlighting welcomed more than 400 attendeesand featured a record 58 artists showcasing their creative pursuits outside of their day-to-day work. Drawings, pottery, photography, collage, light art, and paintings in watercolor and oil filled the space, reflecting the wide range of personal expression within New York’s vibrant lighting community.
The event was supported by 37 sponsors, including Crescent—new to this year’s roster—and featured a new sponsorship level for lighting design firms, demonstrating the continued enthusiasm for this much-loved community gathering.
“As a casual artist, Moonlighting is especially meaningful to me because it gives me a chance to share a more personal side of my art with friends and colleagues in the industry. The atmosphere is always so warm and uplifting, it feels like a reunion of familiar faces and shared passions. It’s truly my favorite event of the year.”
— Paulin Tham, Executive Vice President at JESCO Lighting Group
For Kristian Rodriguez, Designer at HLB Lighting Design, the event was both inspiring and personal.
“The first time I attended Moonlighting was shortly after I moved to NYC. I remember feeling inspired by all the people displaying their art, and from that moment I felt motivated to participate the following year,” he shared. “This year, being able to participate both as an artist and a volunteer was truly meaningful. It felt like I could give back to a community that has given me so much.”
Through the creativity on display and the voices of its participants, Moonlighting once again reflected what makes New York’s lighting community so distinct—its openness, collaboration, and genuine joy in celebrating one another’s creativity
About Moonlighting
Founded in 2014, Moonlighting is a joint initiative by the IESNYC, DLFNY, and IALDNY that celebrates the artistic talents of lighting professionals and their colleagues in allied fields—outside of their daily practice. The annual exhibition and reception shines a light on the creative pursuits that extend beyond the world of lighting design, offering an evening of art, connection, and community that highlights the passion and individuality within the industry. More about IESNYC here.
