As the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden prepares to launch its 2025 Dazzling Nights, we sit down with Keith S. Kaiser, the visionary leader who has also guided the Garden through years of transformative growth and is now preparing for his retirement. This magical, mile-long holiday light experience features immersive displays like the 50-foot Shimmering Square as well as the Brilliance spectacle over the lotus pond. We talk with Kaiser about the creative choices behind this year’s most epic installation, his legacy of connecting the community with nature, as well as his thoughts on stepping away as Pittsburgh’s essential holiday tradition shines brightest.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden’s Executive Director Keith S. Kaiser Talks Dazzling Nights and a Memorable Career
TABLE Magazine: Why is Dazzling Nights so special?
Keith S. Kaiser, Executive Direct: Dazzling Nights is a winter light show that is unique to Pittsburgh. It’s an immersive walking experience that combines the beauty of the winter landscape, the magic of illumination, and the festiveness of this holiday time of year.
TM: Why is this year of Dazzling Nights special?
KSK: This year, the fourth year of Dazzling Nights, highlights a special feature. It combines artistic talents centered around the display at the Lotus Pond. This exhibit connects Patrick Shearn’s Momentum artwork and the special effects of Memoir, the lighting design team.
TM: Why are you passionate about gardening?
KSK: I am fortunate to find my life’s passion early on, having it center around plants. Working in public horticulture for nearly 50 years, at places like Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, has given me the opportunity to share my enthusiasm to educate people about the importance of plants in our lives.
TM: What do you love about Pittsburgh Botanic Garden?
KSK: The Garden is a unique place. It is a young cultural institution in the greater Pittsburgh community that amazes and inspires those who discover it. The focus of the Garden to the natural ecosystem of Western Pennsylvania, called the Allegheny Plateau, and its’ ability to share that with visitors is extremely important today and in the future.
TM: What are your hopes for the future of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden?
KSK: This year, 2025 is a milestone. Dazzling Nights wraps up a long list of events that celebrate 10 years of welcoming visitors to see and learn about the Garden. This year Master Plan 2025 was released, providing a plan for growth and development over the next 20 plus years. I am so pleased to have been part of the past 10 years and look forward with great excitement to what the years ahead will bring.
Photo Courtesy of Dazzling Nights
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