Latest news with #Illuminate
San Francisco Chronicle
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Giant sea serpent sculpture lights up Golden Gate Park in ‘magical' debut
Under just a sliver of a moon Monday night in San Francisco, an overflow crowd turned the JFK Promenade into the Playa on the Pavement for the ceremonial lighting of a giant Burning Man sea serpent that has found its way to Golden Gate Park. After a two-hour buildup, the switch was thrown just before 9 p.m., and blinking purple and green LED lights illuminated the aqua-colored 100-foot-long, 25-foot-tall sculpture named Naga. Installed in the pond at the base of the Rainbow Falls, Naga is lit from within and periodically exhales bubbles through its nose. 'I got a contact euphoria from the whole show, like I was standing in the middle of a Harry Potter movie,' said Kat Anderson, president of the city's Recreation and Park Commission. 'It is one of the most magical things I've ever seen.' Naga, originally created for the 2024 Burning Man counterculture event in the northwestern Nevada desert, is the largest art installation ever in Golden Gate Park. A crowd estimated by a park ranger at 1,000 people came for the spectacle, many dressed in pirate attire to fit the seagoing theme, some with their hair dyed to match the serpent's scales. Cherie Defer, who described herself as 'a longtime fan of the serpent,' arrived with her hair streaked in turquoise and vowed to keep it that way 'for as long as Naga is with us.' This vow means a one-year commitment with a possible multiyear extension, which is how long the piece by artist Cjay Roughgarden will be in the park. It is handmade of aluminum scales over a steel frame, a process that cost $350,000 in grants, donations and private funding, and took a crew of artists and volunteers 35,000 man hours at Roughgarden's workshop, Seaport Studios in Richmond. Monday night's event was staged and hosted by Illuminate, the arts nonprofit behind the Bay Lights installation on the Bay Bridge. It was the second ceremony to mark the opening of Naga in Golden Gate Park. The first was a family event Saturday morning to celebrate completion of the project. Monday night's event was the adult celebration, heavy in Burners, as devotees to Burning Man call themselves. Naga premiered there on the desert playa, or dry lake bed, last Labor Day weekend, and fans came out to say hello on Monday night. 'I've seen it on the playa, but with the water it looks different,' said Maggie Li, who wore a jacket of fake turquoise fur, though she said it was merely 'on theme, not trying to match Naga.' She and Lauren Klein had come from the Mission District with a full picnic dinner, which they laid out on the grassy shoulder of JFK Drive. 'It's beautiful to see the serpent protecting Golden Gate Park,' said Klein. 'It's a sacred place.' Among the Burners in attendance were Sid and Karen Sijbrandij (pronounced, fittingly, as 'sea-brandy'), Dutch immigrants who were the lead sponsor of the sculpture through their philanthropy the Sijbrandij Foundation. 'We are aspiring to bring 100 pieces of big art to the city over the next three years,' said Sid, a 45-year-old software engineer who founded GitLab. To this end, he has partnered with art agency Building 180, and together they've installed eight works, including a 45-foot-tall wire mesh sculpture of a nude woman on the Embarcadero, and announced plans to add a dozen more installations on the San Francisco waterfront. Sijbrandij, who contributed $250,000 toward the installation of Naga in the park, set his minimum as pieces that are at least 10 feet tall or wide. 'Big art is underappreciated,' he said. 'It is out there and it brings people together.' He also only works with art that is already built and needs a second or third life, the first one usually being at Burning Man, which the Sijbrandis have attended five times. 'We focus on art that is in storage and nobody ever sees it,' Sijbrandi said. He noted that while thousands may see an artwork on the Burning Man playa, millions will see an artwork in the city. Naga is the last artwork you see moving west on the Golden Mile, a car-free stretch of Golden Gate Park that has been populated with public art curated by Illuminate. There are big yellow chairs along the way, and to promote it, Illuminate founder Ben Davis has taken to wearing only yellow. He did that Monday night as emcee for the event, while standing on a makeshift table, his yellow shoes and bandana offsetting a sea of aqua and turquoise. (The water that cascades from the 50-foot Rainbow Falls into the pond was its usual green to enhance the effect.) 'It's a privilege to come out and welcome this new icon to the 'City of Awe,' he said in his remarks, after 750 bubble wands were handed out to make the lighting participatory in the Burning Man spirit. Roughgarden, resplendent in a brocaded pirate's overcoat and head ornament, made introductory comments, during which she reminded the crowd that the installation is still in progress. The full artwork, titled 'Naga and the Captainess,' includes a shipwreck with seating and a play area, which will be added later. A fundraiser is ongoing. The crowd was far larger than anticipated, with some scampering up the hillside for an overlook. They had to wait for darkness on one of the few clear nights of what has been a foggy San Francisco summer. At 8:45 p.m., ethereal music was pumping from the DJ booth as Roughgarden led a countdown from 10. The serpent's eyes suddenly glowed and pulsed, alternating green and purple, while bubbles poured from its nostrils. The lighting happened in stages from head to tail, and by 9 p.m. it was fully twinkling, 753 lights in total. The LED scheme, by lighting designer Dan Rummel, is subtle enough that people who waited out on the JFK Promenade or on the grass on the far side of the street had to cross over and press up close to see the lights embedded in the serpent's scales and the reflection in the water. The paint job was by Tania Seabock. 'It's approachable and gentle and welcoming,' said Li, the picnicker who left her meal unattended to cross the street for an up-close look. Karen Sijbrandij, who wore a twinkling vest, was also satisfied with the show, which is expected to go until midnight, seven days a week. The scheme is energy efficient and taps into the park's source of street lighting power. 'How amazing was that?' she said. 'The detail of the lighting is mesmerizing.'
Hindustan Times
24-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
‘Can't change colours': What Indian student said after racially motivated Adelaide attack
A 23-year-old Indian student was brutally assaulted in central Adelaide in what is being investigated as a racially motivated attack. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Indian student community across Australia. Charanpreet Singh, 23, speaks from his hospital bed after suffering serious head and facial injuries in a suspected racially motivated assault in Australia's Adelaide. (X/@thewonkin) The victim, Charanpreet Singh, sustained serious injuries and was hospitalised after being attacked by a group of five men near Kintore Avenue on the night of July 19. A video of the assault has since gone viral on social media. Speaking to 9News from his hospital bed, Singh described the emotional toll of the attack, saying, 'Things like this, when they happen, it makes you feel like you should go back… You can change anything in your body, but you can't change the colours,' he added. Attack followed racial abuse, says victim The attack took place around 9:22 PM local time in Adelaide as Singh and his wife were parked in the city to view the Illuminate light installations. According to police and witness accounts, a vehicle stopped next to them, and five men — some allegedly armed with metal knuckles or sharp objects — confronted Singh and told him to move his car. Without any provocation, the men allegedly began shouting racist slurs. 'They just said 'f* off, Indian', and after that they just started punching,' Singh told 9News. "I tried to fight back, but they beat me until I was unconscious." He was punched through his car window, stomped on, and hit with both weapons and fists. Following the assault, Charanpreet Singh was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where doctors found he had suffered brain trauma, several facial fractures, a broken nose, and serious damage to one of his eyes. One arrest made, hunt on for four others South Australia Police responded to the incident after receiving emergency calls just before 9:30 PM. Officers found Singh lying injured on the street. A 20-year-old man from Enfield was arrested the next day and charged with assault causing harm. He was released on bail as investigations continue to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects. Authorities have collected CCTV footage from the well-monitored area, which includes nearby cultural sites and the University of Adelaide. Meanwhile, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas condemned the incident in strong terms, calling it 'deeply disturbing.' "Any time we see any evidence of any racial attack, it is completely unwelcome in our state and just not consistent with where the majority of our community are at," Malinauskas told 9News. He stressed that such acts have 'no place in our state.'
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First Post
23-07-2025
- First Post
‘F*** off, Indian': Racist attack in Australia leaves Indian national hospitalised in Adelaide
An Indian student in Adelaide, Australia, has been hospitalised with serious injuries after a violent assault that is being investigated as a possible racist attack. The incident has sparked outrage in the Indian community and renewed concerns over the safety of international students. read more An Indian international student has been hospitalised with serious injuries after a brutal assault in Adelaide, Australia — an incident now under investigation as a possible racially motivated attack. The case has sparked outrage within the Indian community and reignited concerns over the safety of international students in Australia. Brutal attack in the city centre The victim, 23-year-old Charanpreet Singh, was attacked on the night of July 19 near Kintore Avenue, a central area in Adelaide, while he and his wife had stopped to view the Illuminate light installations. According to reports, a group of five men pulled up beside Singh's car, demanded he move his vehicle, and began hurling racial abuse, allegedly shouting, 'F** off, Indian'* before launching a violent assault. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Singh was punched through the car window, dragged out, and beaten with both fists and weapons, including metal knuckles. 'I tried to fight back, but they beat me until I was unconscious,' Singh later told 9News from his hospital bed. He was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where doctors found brain trauma, facial fractures, a broken nose, and severe eye injuries, requiring surgery and an overnight stay. Police launch investigation South Australia Police responded shortly after 9:20 pm and found Singh badly injured. A 20-year-old man from Enfield was arrested the next day and charged with assault causing harm, but was later released on bail. Authorities are still searching for the four remaining attackers. Police have recovered CCTV footage from the area, which is well-monitored due to its proximity to the University of Adelaide and cultural landmarks. A video of the assault has also gone viral on social media, further fuelling public anger. From his hospital bed, Singh said the attack left him shaken not just physically, but emotionally. 'Things like this make you feel like going back… You can change your body, but you can't change the colour of your skin,' he said. Strong condemnation The incident has drawn condemnation from South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, who called it 'deeply disturbing.' 'Any evidence of a racial attack is completely unwelcome in our state. It's not who we are, and not where the majority of our community stands,' the Premier said. The Indian community, both in Australia and back home, has called for stricter action and better protections for international students facing racial discrimination and violence abroad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Business Journals
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Kensington Park Capital Announces New Partnership for The Illuminate Group
Tampa, FL July 10, 2025 - Kensington Park Capital is pleased to announce that its client, The Illuminate Group, a Tampa-based cold chain design and management provider, has partnered with Compass Group Equity Partners, a St. Louis-based private equity firm, to launch a new cold chain platform. The transaction is the culmination of Compass Group's multi-year industry efforts to lock arms with an innovative founder-led team with a strong runway for growth in the rapidly expanding pharmaceutical cold chain sector. Kensington Park served as the exclusive investment banker for this transaction. StillPoint Capital, based in Tampa, FL, served as the FINRA/SIPC broker/dealer for this securities transaction. Founded in 2012, The Illuminate Group excels in solving cold chain packaging and logistical challenges for some of the largest mail-order pharmacy and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in the United States. Illuminate delivers specialized expertise to its customers through innovative packaging design and engineering, product testing and logistics services. Illuminate's success is a testament to its highly regarded leadership team, including industry veterans and co-founders Melissa Germain, CEO, and Jean-Pierre Emond, PH.D., COO, who bring more than 45 years of combined applied research, design and teaching experience at renowned universities and research centers. 'This collaboration will provide us with the resources and strategic support to expand our reach, enhance our innovation solutions and continue to deliver our hallmark white-glove customer service and exceptional value to our customers,' said CEO Melissa Germain. 'We are very thankful to Kensington Park Capital for their excellent representation of our company and their advice and counsel in partnering us with a Blue-Chip private equity firm.' 'We've found great partners in the Compass Group team,' added COO Dr. Jean-Pierre Emond. 'We believe this partnership will be deeply beneficial for both our customers and employees, enabling us to continue innovating in the cold chain industry. We will be able to expand our team to add likeminded individuals dedicated to reimagining how the world moves temperature-sensitive products – guided by scientific rigor, committed to uncompromising reliability, and inspired by a bold vision for breakthrough innovation.' 'It was clear from our first conversation with Illuminate that they have a unique value proposition in the cold chain industry,' said Maureen Dwyer, Vice President at Compass Group. 'Illuminate is a trusted provider that demonstrates quality, reliability and savings for their customers through their industry expertise and proprietary products.' "The Illuminate Group has earned its position as a leader in temperature sensitive packaging through a relentless focus on innovation, quality, and client satisfaction,' said John McDonald, Senior Managing Director of Kensington Park Capital. 'It has been a privilege to advise the team through this transaction. We believe Compass Group's collaborative approach and operating expertise will be a powerful catalyst for the next phase of growth, and we're excited to see what Illuminate accomplishes in the years ahead." The partnership will accelerate key growth initiatives for Illuminate, positioning the company for its next stage of expansion. A significant investment in testing and research infrastructure is expected to enable a threefold increase in R&D capacity, advancing both product development and new customer on-boarding. Additionally, Illuminate plans to utilize their expertise to expand their footprint and product offerings to new industry sectors. About Kensington Park Capital Kensington Park Capital is a Tampa, FL- based investment bank with a focus on providing mergers and acquisitions advisory services for privately-owned middle market companies. Our team of seasoned investment bankers guide company owners through the entire M&A process, from the initial kickoff meeting to the closing celebration party. We serve all industries, all geographies, all company sizes, with one common characteristic – all of our clients are institutional-quality companies with excellent leadership teams, long histories of success, and stellar growth prospects. We help our clients exit with impact – maximizing wealth, expanding options, and honoring their journey. With deep experience and trusted relationships across private equity and strategic buyers, we lead a competitive process to secure the best price and terms for you and your company. We manage every detail of this career-defining transaction – navigating complexity, negotiating fiercely, and staying relentlessly focused on your goals. We don't just close deals. We unlock dreams. For additional information, please visit
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Compass Group Partners With The Illuminate Group to Launch New Cold Chain Platform
ST. LOUIS, July 09, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Compass Group Equity Partners, a St. Louis-based private equity firm, announced its partnership with The Illuminate Group, a Tampa-based cold chain design and management provider. The transaction is the culmination of Compass Group's multiyear efforts to lock arms with an innovative founder-led team with a strong runway for growth in the rapidly expanding pharmaceutical cold chain sector. Founded in 2012, The Illuminate Group excels in solving cold chain packaging and logistical challenges for some of the largest mail-order pharmacy and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in the United States. Illuminate delivers specialized expertise to its customers through innovative packaging design and engineering, product testing and logistics services. "It was clear from our first conversation with Illuminate that they have a unique value proposition in the cold chain industry," said Maureen Dwyer, vice president at Compass Group. "Illuminate is a trusted provider that demonstrates quality, reliability and savings for its customers through its industry expertise and proprietary products." Illuminate's success is a testament to its highly regarded leadership team, including industry veterans and co-founders Melissa Germain, CEO, and Jean-Pierre Emond, Ph.D., COO, who bring more than 45 years of combined applied research, design and teaching experience at renowned universities and research centers. "This collaboration will provide us with the resources and strategic support to expand our reach, enhance our innovative solutions, and continue to deliver our hallmark white-glove customer service and exceptional value to our customers," said CEO Melissa Germain. "We've found great partners in the Compass Group team," added COO Dr. Jean-Pierre Emond. "We believe this alignment will be deeply beneficial for both our customers and employees, enabling us to continue innovating in the cold chain industry. We'll be able to expand our team with likeminded individuals dedicated to reimagining how the world moves temperature-sensitive products — guided by scientific rigor, committed to uncompromising reliability and inspired by a bold vision for breakthrough innovation." The partnership will accelerate key growth initiatives for Illuminate, positioning the company for its next stage of expansion. A significant investment in testing and research infrastructure is expected to enable a threefold increase in R&D capacity, advancing both product development and new customer onboarding. Additionally, Illuminate plans to leverage its expertise to expand its footprint and product offerings into new industry sectors. Illuminate represents the fourth platform investment from Compass Group's Fund III, which closed in April 2024 with $408 million in commitments. In addition to Maureen Dwyer, the Compass deal team included Chris Gibson, managing partner, and Danielle Herderhorst, senior associate. About Compass Group Equity Partners Compass Group Equity Partners is a St. Louis-based private equity firm with a record of success in partnering with and building lower middle-market companies. Founded in 2014, Compass Group brings a thesis-driven approach and decades of operational, financial and strategic expertise to aid management teams in accelerating growth for long-term value creation. For more information, please visit About The Illuminate Group The Illuminate Group is a Tampa-based cold chain logistics company specializing in the last-mile, mail-order pharmacies and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries. Founded in 2012, The Illuminate Group delivers specialized expertise to its customers through passive packaging design and engineering, product testing and logistics services. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts Brad FitzgeraldCompass Guide, Strategic Marketingbradf@ 636.236.7690 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
