THE BUILDER BEHIND THE LIGHTS
Hi, I’m Justin Polk.
Welcome to my workshop.
I’m the builder behind Polk Family Lights in Statesboro, Georgia. Nodes & Bolts is where I share the projects, experiments, and lessons that happen before the lights come on.
HOW IT STARTED
“I can do that.”
That was my reaction after watching Richard Holdman’s Amazing Grace video on YouTube. You know the one…
In 2013, I started my first show at my parents’ house. My dad believed in the idea and together we set off to do it. We started with LOR controllers and AC lights, with some “dumb” pixels mixed in. We ran everything at 100% brightness and faked our way through that first year.
Then came the learning: controllers, wiring, software, and sequencing—and plenty of figuring things out along the way. In 2023, the show was reborn with 2,224 pixels, opening up a whole new set of possibilities.
What began with a video and an idea became Polk Family Lights: a family-built light show, and a reason to keep learning and building all year.
BETWEEN SHOW SEASONS
There’s always something
on the bench.
The show is what people see. Behind it are the props, controller enclosures, custom mounts, wiring, and hours spent getting everything to work together.
That’s what this workshop is about: sequencing in xLights, running the show with FPP, printing parts, building hardware, and sharing what I learn as I go.
Explore The WorkbenchWHERE IT ALL COMES TOGETHER
Polk Family Lights.
A free light show in Statesboro, Georgia, built for families to enjoy together. Seeing people come back and make the show part of their own traditions is what brings all that work on the bench to life.
Head over to the show’s website for visiting information and a closer look at the display.
Visit Polk Family Lights2013The first show, at my parents’ house.
2023A fresh start with 2,224 pixels.
20243,250 pixels.
202520,000 pixels.
202640,000 pixels.
Year-roundBuilding, testing, learning, and doing it again.