The pioneering spirit of the LIGHT ART GRAND TOUR by Swiss Light Artist Gerry Hofstetter and his daughter Céline, remains a characteristic

of American society today. The monuments featured in this extra-ordinary tour explore

the history of particular locations. Each is an important piece in the jigsaw puzzle of the United States of America and its founding, and plays a role in fostering friendships with other countries, including tiny Switzerland. The USA and Switzerland share many common roots

and political structures.

Both are democracies with a federal system

of government; the USA comprises 50 federal states and Switzerland has 26 states known as cantons. Both established their freedom and national independence by fighting off foreign forces, the USA on 4th July 1776 and Switzerland on 1st August 1291. Both are very inter-nationally minded and their people live in peace.

The first year of the tour will focus on the original 13 states to join the Union, followed in the second and third years by the remaining states, from East to West, along the route taken by the pioneers who rolled back America’s frontiers. A Light Art performance will be organised for each selected monument or landmark. The fourth year will be devoted to

the post-production of a film, book, 2021 calendar and art exhibitions. From 2021 onwards, art exhibitions will be presented in

the USA and Switzerland.

The ultimate goal of our tour is to help citizens of the USA understand how both countries share the same core values of freedom, liberty and democracy. The tour’s logo reflects this history.

Gerry Hofstetter,

Céline Hofstetter & team,

and the participating monuments

The States

Art project for the tour start and for the Swiss National Day ceremony in New York, 1st August 2016, placing a copy of the liberator of Switzerland, William Tell Statue from Altdorf

on Rat Island. The only one island in New York which is privately owned. The owners are two Swiss gentlemen. The island is located in the Bronx, 18 Miles away from the Liberty.

Wilhelm Tell Pictures