A new physics course devoted to phenomena of light and perception for nonscience majors is described. Content is related to student experience by reference to photography, atmospheric effects of light, Op Art, artist's techniques and palettes, optical illusions, color television, and other perception effects. The course features mixed teaching techniques within a preset schedule and includes a component of “hands-on” self-demonstrations and wide use of lecture demonstrations. Results of a professional course evaluation are presented, along with the curriculum and resource references. The success of the course is attested to by student re-enrollments in other physics courses.