Solus: so-lus [ so - les] Irish Gaelic Translations: 1) n. knowledge; 2) adj. light giving; 3) adj. bright, clear
Our History and Values
Launched in 2011, Solus Lighting began as a full-service lighting and production company for high end, corporate, social, and nonprofit events across the globe. The company has garnered several local, regional, and international awards in this time for their outstanding designs, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. Over the years, many clients had the need for design and consulting for new spaces, renovations, retrofits, and supplementing existing inventory. The need for unbiased, experienced lighting professionals to assist in large scale events and projects became clear, and, in 2022, Solus Lighting announced they will focus on these specialized services.
Diversity and trustworthiness are values Solus Lighting holds dear, as do our clients. Solus Lighting maintains EDGE certification with the State of Ohio, SBE and WBE certifications with Cuyahoga County, as well as CSB, FBE, and LPE certifications with the City of Cleveland. We look forward to helping your project succeed and support your commitment to supplier diversity.
Maureen E. Patterson
One of the founders of Solus Lighting, Patterson has been telling stories with light for almost 30 years. She is a master of this subtle and powerful medium creating the most fitting atmosphere for corporate, social, and nonprofit events of all sizes, as well as theatrical performances, meeting, and event spaces.
She began her career in Theatre, designing countless theatrical shows including over two dozen world premier pieces in theatre, opera, and dance across regional theaters, universities, and startup performance companies.
Her keen eye and attention to detail make her a valuable asset to any creative team (possibly add in Bill Hoffman or Mark Allen Gordan’s testimonial blurb – I believe both are on current website).
As a lighting specialist, Patterson has cultivated relationships with many likeminded specialists in sound, staging, and video. These relationships enable her to assemble teams based on the unique challenges and needs of any project.
Patterson has served on the board of directors for the International Live Events Association Cleveland Chapter and as a mentor for the WISE Within Program since 2013. In 2016, Patterson was recognized internationally as an Enterprising Woman of the Year Champion, and in 2017 was named the first honorary member of the National Association of Women Business Owners Cleveland Chapter. She was honored in 2019 as both a WISE Woman of Inspiration as well as a Notable Woman in Entrepreneurship by Crain’s Cleveland Business. A founding member of the Irish Network Cleveland, Patterson has also been a member of Plexus (LGBT & Ally Community Chamber of Commerce), the Kamm’s Corners Development Corporation, and the Ohio River Valley Women’s Business Council.
2019 – WISE Cleveland WISE Woman of Inspiration Award Recipient
The WISE Women of the Year Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes extraordinary women who have made a significant impact on the industries of sports and events. The WISE membership nominates women while considering the following criteria:
Demonstrated leadership as a role model and mentor for other women
A strong advocate for other women in the industry
A track record of breaking down barriers and helping to create opportunities for others
Exemplary professionalism and respect for others
Patterson was honored with this recognition in 2019
Here are a few of our awards:
2013 – The Knot Best of Weddings Award Winner
2013 – Ohio WOW! Award Winner Best Wedding
2013 – Esprit Award Nominee Best Wedding
2014 – Ohio WOW! Award Winner Best Wedding
2014 – Ohio WOW! Award Winner Best ISES Team Effort
Cleveland Museum of Natural History Woman’s Committee Gala, Footprints In Time
2014 – Ohio WOW! Award Winner Best Public Event
Cleveland Museum of Natural History Presents: Ice Age, A Winter Event of Prehistoric Proportions
2014 – Esprit Award Winner Best Non-Profit Event
AIDS Healthcare Foundation & AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, World AIDS Day/Building Dedication
2015 – CBC Connectors Choice Awards Nominee Production Company of the Year
2015 – Ohio WOW! Award Winner Best Non-Profit Event
AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, ArtCares14
2015 – Ohio WOW! Award Winner Best ISES Event Volunteer Collaboration
ISES Cleveland Presents: B.C. Mammoth Night of Networking & Annual Membership Drive
2015 – Ohio WOW! Award Winner Best Public Event
Cleveland Public Theatre Presents: Station Hope
2016 – CBC Connectors Choice Awards Nominee Production Company of the Year
2016 – Ohio WOW! Award Nominee Best Non-Profit Event
2016 – Esprit Award Nominee Best ILEA Team Effort
Cleveland Museum of Natural History Woman’s Committee Gala, Metamorphosis
2016 – Enterprising Women of the Year Champion
Maureen E. Patterson
2017 – CBC Connectors Choice Awards Nominee Production Company of the Year
2017 – Ohio WOW! Award Nominee Best ILEA Team Effort
2017 – Ohio WOW! Award Nominee Best Public Event
2017 – Ohio MBE Awards Nominee Top FBE
2019 – WISE Cleveland WISE Woman of Inspiration Award Recipient
2019 – Crain’s Cleveland Business Notable Women in Entrepreneurship Award Winner
