PABLO GETS THE BLUES: Arts Center, Other Sites Take on New Hue for a Special Cause

V1 Staff, photos by Jeanine Weise |

(Photo courtesy Jeanine Weise)
The Pablo Center and Haymarket Plaza. (Photo courtesy Jeanine Weise)

If you were out and about in downtown Eau Claire after dark this weekend –
maintaining the appropriate social distance, of course! – you may have noticed that the thousands of multicolored LED lights on and around the Pablo Center at the Confluence had taken on a distinctly blue hue.

The monochromatic switch was made beginning Saturday night as part of a nationwide campaign to offer support and gratitude to the people working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 epidemic. The Pablo Center is just one of numerous locations – from stadiums to hospitals to civic buildings – changing their colors for the sake of solidarity.

“#MakeItBlue is the United States branch of an international effort which invites businesses, venues, and communities across America to light up blue in support of all those working at this time from hospital workers to grocery clerks to postal workers,” the Pablo Center said in a media release.

In addition to the Pablo Center, the Phoenix Park Bridge, Haymarket Plaza, Haymarket Landing Bridge, the Royal Credit Union headquarters, and City Hall turned blue over the weekend and will be blue on Thursdays for the foreseeable future as part of the #LightItBlue Campaign.

The Haymarket Landing Bridge. (Photo courtesy Jeanine Weise)
The Haymarket Landing Bridge. (Photo courtesy Jeanine Weise)

Here are the full details from the Pablo Center:

PABLO CENTER TO ‘MAKE IT BLUE’ IN SUPPORT OF FRONTLINE WORKERS

Building and Plaza Lights Up Blue for the Next Week, Starting Saturday at Sunset

(April 11, 2020 - EAU CLAIRE, WIS) Joining cities across the nation, Pablo Center will be lighting up the confluence in blue as a gesture of support and thanks for frontline healthcare staff and essential workers at sunset tonight, and will stay blue indefinitely as part of the nationwide #LightItBlue Campaign. Other downtown landmarks including Phoenix Park Bridge, Haymarket Plaza, Haymarket Landing Bridge, Royal Credit Union, and City Hall are joining in and will stay blue through the weekend in addition to on Thursdays weekly to align with the #LightItBlue Campaign.

#MakeItBlue is the United States branch of an international effort which invites businesses, venues, and communities across America to light up blue in support of all those working at this time from hospital workers to grocery clerks to postal workers. This campaign is organized by volunteers from the events and entertainment industry to show appreciation for these workers.

This marks a collaborative effort to wash the city in blue, as Pablo Center’s Master Electrician Brian Wheat, Executive Director Jason Jon Anderson, Director of Production and Operations Jason Harris, and City Manager Dale Peters worked Saturday of the holiday weekend to prepare and program the lighting.

“Pablo Center at the Confluence stands with our front-line medical staff, first responders and essential workers across the region. It is our honor to join other cities, venues and landmarks across the country in showing our solidarity of
unwavering support for their incredible efforts,” said Anderson.

Share any images using #LightItBlue and #MakeItBlue on social media and tag @PabloCenter. Remember to follow social distancing and Safer At Home guidelines. This effort was accomplished while adhering to all statewide Safer At Home mandates and guidelines.

While the stage lights remain dark for the time being, Pablo Center continues to pursue opportunities that bring light and positivity to the Eau Claire community during this time.

To support the arts in Eau Claire, please consider making a gift at www.pablocenter.org/support/donate or contact Monica Frederick at monica@pablocenter.org. Pablo Center at the Confluence is a 501(c)3 organization, all gifts are tax-deductible.