By: Natasha Garyali

Leslee Heymann continues to be in disbelief even 24 hours after the much hyped event, Glow 2010 has concluded. How could it really suck that much? is just one of the many comments floating around the Facebook page, where the Glow’s glow keeps fading with every passing hour as the number of complaints keeps piling up.

What set the tone was a simple harmless message by Glow on its Facebook page urging people to email their Glow pictures and thanking them for glowing with them. The responses have ranged from “didn’t really see anything worth taking a picture of” to “I do thank you for the laughter that brought tears to my eyes, at just how BAD many of these installations were conceived, constructed, presented”. Echoing similar emotions another facebook user, Rich Halke wrote, “like thousands of others, I did as the city urged and took the bus. Sadly, it wasn’t until I reached the crowded bus stop on my way home that I learned that you morons forgot to extend bus service past midnight leaving us all stranded. And if you are thinking we could have taken LA Metro, think again, you forgot to tell them about the event!”

While there were fair shares of disgruntled voices online, several others we met at the venue supported the city’s efforts in making the event possible. Mark Walker, who was visiting Glow again this year with his friends was happy with the way the event was organized. He said, “it is much better than 2008, there are more interesting art displays, guide maps to help you around, food trucks and it continues to be free”. First time glow participant, Vani Ramachandran, beaming with enthusiasm said that she found the band under the pier fabulous along with La Bella Luna’s Karaoke booth, which had the face of the performer displayed on the balloon.

“If you go to burning man, this is the kind of atmosphere you will get”, said David, a Venice resident, who was photographed by several visitors because of his Glow inspired costume. Another visitor Lucy Lee, who gave thumbs up to “Luminous Passage” and “sandbox”, said that she loved the fact that she could walk along the beach and see interesting art. “I am excited to see what the next glow has to offer”, she further added.

The biennial art festival, Glow will return to Santa Monica beach in 2012. Will you? See what Glow visitors have responded to Will you go for Glow 3?